HD HHI Launches Philippine Navy offshore patrol vessels ‘BRP Rajah Sulayman’

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has successfully launched the first of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by the Philippine Navy, a key partner in South Korea’s “K-Defense” maritime strategy.

On Wednesday (June 11th), the company announced that it held a launching ceremony at its Ulsan headquarters for the 2,400-ton lead ship of the class, the BRP Rajah Sulayman. This marks the second launching ceremony for a Philippine Navy vessel this year, following the launch of the second corvette, BRP Diego Silang in March. The event was attended by around 70 officials from both countries, including Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner, Philippine Ambassador to Korea, Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, Vice Commander of Philippine Navy, Brigadier General Edwin E. Amadar, and Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Defense, Augusto V. Gaite, along with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Head of Naval & Special Ship Business Unit (NSSBU), Dr.Won-ho Joo.

BRP Rajah Sulayman is a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel, measuring 94 meters in length and 14 meters in width. It has a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h) and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (about 10,186 km). The ship is equipped with a 76mm main gun, a 30mm secondary gun, a decoy launching system, search radar, and electro-optical tracking systems. The vessel is named after Rajah Sulayman, a Filipino hero who defended Manila against foreign invaders in the 16th century.

Following sea trials and final outfitting, the Rajah Sulayman is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippine Navy in March next year. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to complete and deliver the remaining five vessels by 2028.

Previously, as part of its naval modernization and force enhancement program, the Philippine government placed orders with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for a total of 10 vessels: two frigates in 2016, two corvettes in 2021, and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in 2022.