Manila awaits delivery of Korea-made vessel

The Philippines is set to accept the delivery of a South Korean-made 3,200-ton patrol vessel for the Philippine Navy.

This was highlighted by Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. during a courtesy call from the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sanghwa, at the Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday.

Lee’s visit coincided with this year’s 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea.

During his meeting with Lee, Teodoro touted the significant strides in bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries, particularly in logistics and the defense industry.

Teodoro expressed appreciation for South Korea’s continued support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, highlighting the anticipated delivery of the 3,200-ton corvette vessel, which will be named the BRP Miguel Malvar.

The BRP Miguel Malvar is a state-of-the-art surface combatant, measuring 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in breadth, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (about 28 km/h) and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km).

It is equipped with advanced weapons systems such as anti-ship missiles, vertical launch systems, and 3D AESA radar.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through its Horizon programs, procured two frigates in 2016, two corvettes in 2021, and six offshore patrol vessels in 2022 from the Korean company, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

During their meeting, Teodoro and Lee also reflected on the recent declaration of a Strategic Partnership between the two nations during ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the Philippines in October 2024.

Both officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening and expanding the strategic defense partnership in the coming years.