The Philippine Navy is set to enhance its maritime defense capabilities with the imminent arrival of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), the lead ship of the new Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates. According to a photo shared by defense analyst Max Montero on his X account on March 31, 2025, the frigate departed from Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, embarking on its delivery voyage to the Philippines. The vessel’s arrival ceremony is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
The acquisition of the Miguel Malvar-class frigates by the Philippine Navy is a significant milestone in the longstanding defense cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea. In December 2021, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) signed a $556 million contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the construction of two advanced corvettes. This agreement marked a key phase under Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, aimed at upgrading naval capabilities to address regional security challenges and maritime threats.
This defense partnership has been further strengthened over the years. In October 2024, the Philippines and South Korea officially elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, reinforcing commitments to enhanced defense cooperation, regional stability, and adherence to a rules-based international maritime order.
South Korea’s contribution to the modernization of the Philippine Navy has been substantial. Prior to the Miguel Malvar-class, HHI delivered two Jose Rizal-class frigates—BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151)—commissioned in 2020 and 2021 respectively. These ships marked a significant leap forward in the Navy’s operational capabilities, equipped with modern sensors, weapon systems, and aviation facilities.