Manila: A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official reported that the service's fleet expansion is progressing well, marked by the acquisition and commissioning of major surface combatants that have significantly enhanced its defensive capabilities. PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad highlighted the commissioning of the Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates and Acero-class fast-attack interdiction craft, which occurred last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, these acquisitions demonstrate the PN's ongoing fleet expansion efforts. Rear Admiral Trinidad previously indicated that the Miguel Malvar-class frigates will enhance the Navy's ability to patrol up to and beyond the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These vessels are considered the most modern in the PN, with the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) commissioned on May 20 at Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales, coinciding with the PN's 127th founding anniversary. The BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) joined the fleet on December 2 last year.
The Miguel Malvar-class frigates, each weighing 3,200 gross tons, are equipped with advanced weaponry including a 76mm Oto Melara main gun, C-Star surface-to-surface missiles, and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes, capable of reaching speeds up to 28 knots. These frigates are the first in the PN to feature a vertical launch system (VLS) with 16 tubes, optimized for surface-to-air engagements.
The PHP28-billion contract for the construction of these frigates was signed on December 28, 2021, by the Department of National Defense under then-Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The new ships join the ranks of the two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates delivered and commissioned in 2020 and 2021.
In addition, the BRP Albert Majini, the eighth Acero-class FAIC-M, stands out as the first locally assembled missile-capable patrol vessel in the Philippines. Part of a nine-ship order from Israel Shipyards Ltd, the contract was inked in February 2021. These Acero-class ships, weighing approximately 95 gross tons, can reach speeds of 40 knots and are armed with automatic cannons, machine guns, and, in four out of the eight ships, Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missiles.
Named in honor of Medal of Valor awardee Ensign Albert Majini for his bravery during anti-piracy operations in Basilan in 1980, the BRP Albert Majini is designed for rapid interdiction and coastal operations as part of the PN's Littoral Combat Force.
