The Philippine Navy has formally accepted its first Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), marking a major milestone in the modernization of the country’s maritime security fleet. Built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a 2022 shipbuilding contract, the vessel is the lead ship in a six-unit program aimed at replacing aging patrol platforms and strengthening maritime domain awareness across the Philippines’ vast exclusive economic zone. The handover ceremony took place in Zambales, after which the ship will undergo acceptance trials and pre-commissioning activities ahead of its expected induction into operational service in the first quarter of 2026. The remaining five vessels in the class are progressing through various construction stages, with scheduled deliveries extending through 2028. Measuring 94 meters in length, the Rajah Sulayman-class OPV is designed for extended patrols and sustained presence missions. It can accommodate up to 70 personnel and supports helicopter operations as well as three rigid-hull inflatable boats for boarding and interception tasks. Powered by twin MTU-STX diesel engines, the vessel achieves a top speed of 22 knots, an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles, and an endurance of up to 30 days. Its combat systems include a modern combat management system, electronic warfare countermeasures, identification friend-or-foe technology, and multiple sensors for navigation and threat detection. Armament comprises a 76-millimeter main gun, 30-millimeter secondary weapons, and 12.7-millimeter machine guns, enabling credible deterrence against maritime security threats.
