The Philippines has ordered two additional Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates from South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for $578 million, accelerating a naval buildup aimed at securing contested waters in the South China Sea.
The contract, finalized in December 2025, brings the Philippine Navy's future frigate fleet to six vessels: two Jose Rizal-class frigates already in service, two Miguel Malvar-class ships commissioned in recent years, and the newly ordered pair set for delivery by 2029, The Hankyoreh reported.
The BRP Diego Silang (FFG7), the second Miguel Malvar-class frigate, was spotted this week at Exercise KAKADU 2026 in Australia, participating in multinational naval drills that included photo exercises with allied warships. The deployment signals Manila's growing naval presence beyond home waters.
The Miguel Malvar-class, known in South Korea as the HDF-3200, is a 3,200-ton platform equipped with guided missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems, and advanced radar. The ships represent a generational leap for the Philippine Navy, which has historically operated second-hand vessels from allies.
The acquisition reflects Manila's response to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where China has built artificial islands and deployed coast guard and militia vessels in waters the Philippines claims under international law. A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruled in Manila's favor, but Beijing has ignored the verdict.
South Korea has emerged as a key defense supplier to Southeast Asia, offering capable platforms at competitive prices. The Philippine Navy contract, worth approximately , follows similar deals with and , positioning as a regional arms hub.
