PH welcomes new guided missile warship to boost naval defense

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines has formally received its newest guided missile corvette, the future BRP Miguel Malvar, marking a key milestone in the country’s push for a modernized and self-reliant navy amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The 3,200-ton vessel is the first of two corvettes acquired from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries under a 2021 deal. Designed with advanced radar and weapons systems, the warship is expected to bolster maritime defense and patrol capabilities.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro led the ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic Bay on Tuesday, describing the arrival of the vessel as a major step toward credible deterrence.

“Miguel Malvar is here today not only to serve as a deterrent and protector of our waters but also as an important component in joint and combined operations,” Teodoro said.

Its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang, was launched in Ulsan, South Korea last month and is expected to arrive in the Philippines after sea trials and final preparations.

Korean Ambassador Lee Sang Hwa, who also attended the ceremony, reaffirmed Seoul’s support for Manila’s defense goals.

“This marks another significant step in the country’s pursuit of a stronger and more self-reliant defense posture,” Lee said. “The BRP Miguel Malvar stands as a powerful symbol of Korea’s unwavering commitment to a stronger and more capable Philippine Navy.”

Corvettes like the BRP Miguel Malvar are smaller, agile warships designed to provide protection to larger vessels and enhance naval presence in contested waters.

The handover of the new corvette comes at a time of repeated maritime confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.