Manila: With the commissioning of the two Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigates this year, the Philippine Navy (PN) has effectively reinforced its missile capability - a significant upgrade in the face of lingering tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to Philippines News Agency, for 2025, the PN has doubled the number of its missile-armed major surface combatants from two to four, with the addition of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07). BRP Miguel Malvar, the PN's most advanced frigate, was officially commissioned on May 20 during the Navy's 127th anniversary. Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described its arrival as "a critical step toward developing a self-reliant and credible defense posture."
BRP Diego Silang, on the other hand, officially entered active service on Dec. 2 - a key development that "sends a clear message that the Philippines will continue to invest in programs that strengthen maritime domain awareness, enhance deterrence, and improve our ability to uphold the rule of law," according to DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. during the commissioning. With the addition of these two warships, the country's first two guided-missile frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), got their much-needed reinforcement as they go about their mission in patrolling and protecting the country's vast maritime domains, including the WPS.
According to the PN, Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigates are heavier armed and more capable than the Jose Rizal-class frigates - 3,200 gross tons compared to 2,600. While it is equipped with similar weapons systems like the 76mm Oto Melara main gun, C-Star surface-to-surface missiles, and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes like its predecessors, the Miguel Malvar class boasts a bigger C-Star loadout, having eight missile tubes compared to the Jose Rizal class's four.
Miguel Malvar guided-missile frigates are also the first PN ships to be equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS) - an advanced system for storing and firing missiles aboard naval vessels - capable of firing surface-to-air missiles that can neutralize air threats. The VLS system mounted in the BRP Miguel Malvar has 16 tubes and is optimized for surface-to-air engagements. Aside from these, the brand-new guided missile frigates are also armed with 35mm Aselsan close-in weapons systems and four .50 caliber heavy machine guns. Such modern capabilities, according to PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent, "will allow us greater and longer operational reach as we continue to perform our mandate of securing our seas."
And like the Jose Rizal class, the Miguel Malvar guided-missile frigates are also equipped with sensors, surveillance systems and weapons platforms that allow them for multi-combat operations, meaning it can track and engage surface, sub-surface, and air threats.
In a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the naval service is seeing more modernization milestones in 2026. "Looking ahead, the PN anticipates significant milestones in its modernization journey," she said, as she reaffirmed the PN's "unwavering commitment" to fulfilling its mandate while pursuing its modernization efforts.
"By 2026, the PN expects the delivery of the third Tarlac class landing dock platform, along with offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) that are expected to further enhance maritime security efforts and extend the Navy's operational reach," Martinez added. She, however, noted that the PN's modernization program extends beyond the acquisition of modern warfare platforms. "While the procurement of advanced ships, aircraft, weapons systems, and C-4ISTAR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capabilities remains a priority, equal emphasis is placed on the essential enablers that allow these capabilities to be fully realized," Martinez said.
These include capacity enhancement through training, the continued development of bases and support facilities, improvements in sustainment, and force restructuring to meet evolving operational requirements. Aside from this, Martinez said the PN is actively exploring opportunities to strengthen its self-reliant defense posture. Martinez said these reinforce the PN's vision of becoming a "modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant navy, and a credible partner in contributing to regional peace, stability, and development." The PN's modernization program is guided by the Philippine Navy Strategic Sail Plan 2040, which serves as its overarching organizational development strategy.
