Philippines hosts arrival ceremony of second Miguel Malvar-class frigate

The Philippine Navy (PN) has held an arrival ceremony for its second Miguel Malvar-class frigate at Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales, the Philippines.

The vessel, which will be commissioned as BRP Diego Silang, was received in the presence of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff and General Romeo Brawner Jr.

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The Philippine News Agency quoted Brawner as saying: “BRP Diego Silang is a symbol of our nation’s resolve to defend what is rightfully ours, to stand firm in the face of challenges, and to demonstrate our readiness to safeguard the interests of our people.”

The warship, named after the Ilocano revolutionary Diego Silang, arrived in the country on 8 September 2025.

BRP Diego Silang spans 118.4m in length and has a beam of 14.9m.

With a displacement of 3,200 gross tons (t), the vessel achieves an operational range of 4,500 nautical miles and can cruise at 15 knots, accelerating up to a maximum speed of 25 knots.

The frigate is outfitted with advanced systems and versatile capabilities, reinforcing the Philippine Navy’s strength in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

Final preparations and acceptance procedures will be undertaken before it officially enters service with the active fleet.

This induction is part of the Philippine government’s military modernisation initiative, which has prompted orders for ten ships from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

This order book comprises two frigates contracted in 2016, two patrol ships in 2021, and six offshore patrol vessels in 2022.

HD Hyundai delivered the first 2,600t Philippine frigate in 2021.

Its sister ship, BRP Miguel Malvar, and the Philippine Navy’s first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, were on hand to welcome the new addition upon its arrival in the Philippines.

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