Philippines gets two new 3,200-ton warships from South Korea next month

Two brand-new 3,200-ton warships built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea for the Philippine Navy are set to be delivered next month.

The BRP Diego Silang was formally launched at a ceremony on Thursday, March 27, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

High-ranking officials from both countries attended the event, including AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ezpeleta, and Defense Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr.

The sister vessel, BRP Miguel Malvar, departed Korea on Thursday and is expected to arrive at Subic Shipyard on April 8.

Both corvettes are equipped with advanced weaponry including radar systems, naval guns, missile launchers, and machine guns, enhancing the Philippine Navy's capabilities.

This project, part of a PHP28-billion contract signed in December 2021, underscores the strengthening defense cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines, marking their long-standing alliance.

The delivery of these warships reinforces the Philippines' commitment to regional stability amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.