HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Launches Offshore Patrol Vessel Ordered by the Philippines

Success of the First of Six Offshore Patrol Vessels

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has launched the first of six offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Philippine Navy.

The 2400-ton class Philippine offshore patrol vessel No. 1, 'Raja Sulaiman,' built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and launched on the 11th. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 12th that it held a launching ceremony for the 2,400-ton class Philippine offshore patrol vessel No. 1, 'Raja Sulaiman,' at its Ulsan headquarters on the 11th. This marks the second export vessel launching ceremony this year, following the launch in March of the Philippine patrol vessel No. 2, 'Diego Silang.'

The event was attended by around 70 officials from both countries, including Romeo Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Philippine Ambassador to South Korea; Edwin Amadar, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff; Augusto Gayte, Assistant Secretary for Defense Technology Development; and Joo Wonho, Head of Special Ship Business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The Raja Sulaiman is a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel, measuring 94 meters in length and 14 meters in width, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h) and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km). It is equipped with a 76mm main gun, a 30mm secondary gun, a decoy launching system, a search radar, and electro-optical tracking equipment, among other weapons systems.

This vessel is named after 'Raja Sulaiman,' a Philippine hero who defended Manila against foreign invasions in the 16th century. The Raja Sulaiman will undergo sea trials and final outfitting before being delivered to the Philippine Navy in March next year. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also plans to complete the remaining five vessels on schedule and deliver them sequentially by 2028.

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

Romeo Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stated, "The Raja Sulaiman is the result of close cooperation between the Philippines and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and serves as a valuable example of the power of teamwork and a shared vision. On this meaningful Philippine Independence Day, we also wish to commemorate our commitment to advancing as a dynamic and capable maritime nation."