HHI announced that it had launched the Philippine Navy’s 3,200-ton corvette BRP. Miguel Malvar on Tuesday, June 18, at its shipyard in Ulsan. Senior military officials from both the Philippines and also South Korea attended the ceremony. Also in attendance at the launching ceremony was the Philippine Secretary of National Defense (SND) Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and also Reserve Affairs Pablo M. Lorenzo, and Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor B. Among the many honored guests were the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Chief of Staff Gen. Maison Jr., LTGEN Romeo S. Browner, and also Philippine Navy VADM Flag Officer Toribio D. Adasi Jr.
Ms. Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro, wife of SND and also Special Envoy for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Performed the naming ceremony of the ship as the designated sponsor. From the Republic of Korea, VADM Kang Dong-gil, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations. Kang Hwan-seok, Deputy Director General of the Defense Acquisition Program Management Agency, graced the occasion. BRP Miguel Malvar is a state-of-the-art surface combatant with an overall length of 118.4 meters, a width of 14.9 meters, a cruising speed of 15 knots (about 28 kilometers per hour), and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km). It is equipped with advanced weapon systems such as anti-ship missiles, a vertical launch system, and a 3D AESA radar.
Philippine Independence
The ship, named after Philippine independence activist and revolutionary General Miguel Malvar, is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippine Navy by 2025 after sea trials and outfitting. The second corvette, which was laid down on Friday, June 14, is scheduled to be launched in December this year and delivered next year.
The Philippine government is pursuing the AFP Modernization Program in an effort to modernize and strengthen its naval presence. As part of the Horizon program, the government has ordered a total of 10 vessels from HHI: two frigates in 2016, two corvettes in 2021, and six offshore patrol vessels in 2022. HHI was awarded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for two BRP Jose Rizal-class frigates that were delivered to the Philippine Navy in 2020 and 2021 to actively support the Philippine Navy’s fleet operations.
In Celebration
In celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) organized programs such as music concerts, and special dinners. And film screenings to honor expatriate Filipino workers at HHI Ulsan Shipyard who contributed to the construction of BRP Miguel Malvar. During the opening ceremony, Philippine SND Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. emphasized the commitment to working with the Government of the Republic of Korea. To ensure principled peace in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed eagerness for sustainable cooperation. In response, HHI CEO Lee Sang-Hyun highlighted the Philippines’ contribution to the defense of the Republic of Korea and pledged to participate in the Philippine Armed Forces’ modernization plan to enhance the defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy.”””
