The Philippine Navy Plans to Acquire a Second Batch of Miguel Malvar-class Guided Missile Corvettes

27 November 2025

BRP Miguel Malvar - FFG-06 (photo: PN)

TSAMTO -- South Korean company HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is finalizing negotiations for the delivery of two additional Miguel Malvar-class guided missile corvettes (HDC-3200) to the Philippine Navy.

According to Armyrecognition.com, citing information from the Korean financial company SK Securities, sources close to the negotiations say both sides intend to complete the deal in December 2025, which is in line with the Philippine Navy's current surface fleet modernization plan and established procurement practices from South Korean shipbuilders.

As previously reported by TSAMTO, in December 2021, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DoND) selected South Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries (currently HD Hyundai Heavy Industries) as the contractor for the construction of two corvettes for the Philippine Navy following a competitive tender. The contract with HHI, worth PHP 28 billion (US$551 million), for the design and construction of the ships was signed virtually on December 27, 2021. The procurement was carried out as part of the second phase (Horizon 2) of the Philippine Armed Forces modernization program.

Work on the lead ship in the class, (FFG-06) Miguel Malvar, began in May 2023. She arrived in the Philippines on April 8 and was commissioned on May 20, 2025. Steel cutting for the second corvette in the class, (FFG-07) Diego Silang, began in November 2023. She was launched in March 2025 and arrived in the Philippines on September 8, 2025. Following completion of preparations and acceptance procedures, the ship will enter service with the Philippine Navy by the end of the year.

BRP Miguel Malvar - FFG-06 (image: shipbucket)

The Philippine Navy's corvettes are based on the HHI HDC-3200 platform but adapted to the requirements of the Philippine Navy. The ship is 118.4 meters long, 14.9 meters wide, and has a displacement of 3,200 tons. It can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, and has a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. Armament includes a 76mm gun, an Aselsan 35mm CIWS, a 16-container launcher for the VL-MICA air defense system, two four-container launchers with C-Star anti-ship missiles, and two triple-tube torpedo launchers with Blue Shark torpedoes.

The HDC-3200 project is an improved version of the HDF-2600 frigate, which has already been sold to the Philippine Navy and is in service under the name Jose Rizal. These ships are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, as well as air defense, and feature improved stealth and survivability.

The upcoming contract is expected to provide for a high degree of system commonality with the first two ships in the series, as well as an expanded logistics and training package. At the same time, sources familiar with the negotiations note that the Philippine Navy is requesting a number of modifications, including improved electronic warfare systems, sonar systems, and an enhanced command architecture.

HHI reportedly offered a more advanced combat management system and flexible modular spaces for future upgrades under a "Fitted For But Not With" approach.

(TSAMTO)

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