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3d ago

Philippine Navy Welcomes BRP Diego Silang at Subic Arrival Ceremony

The 3,200-ton Malvar-class warship enters acceptance and commissioning ahead of West Philippine Sea patrols.

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The latest warship is named after Diego Silang. Credit: Philippine Navy via Facebook.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. joins senior Philippine Navy officers and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) personnel for a group photo, celebrating the ship’s induction. AFP PHOTO
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner Jnr speaks at the launch ceremony of the BRP Diego Silang frigate on Monday. Photo: Facebook/PhilippineNavy

Overview

  • Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, and Capt. John Percie Alcos led the September 15 ceremony at Naval Operating Base Subic after the ship’s September 8 arrival in-country.
  • BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) is the second Malvar-class guided-missile frigate built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai under a 2021 deal valued at about $556 million.
  • The vessel measures roughly 118 meters with a 4,500-nautical-mile range and up to 25-knot speed, and it carries a 16-cell VLS, eight anti-ship missiles, a 35mm CIWS, a 76mm gun, torpedo launchers, and AESA radar.
  • Officials cast the ship as a step-change in maritime defense and a signal of national resolve, though analysts note it narrows rather than closes the capability gap with larger regional navies.
  • A separate $537 million program for six offshore patrol vessels from HD Hyundai is scheduled to begin deliveries next year, complementing the Malvar-class additions.