HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Launches Third 2,400-Ton Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Philippine Navy

Thedjancuk
October 14, 2026
14 Oktober 2026

The launching ceremony for the 3rd Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Philippine Navy, the future BRP Rajah Humabon PS-22 (photos: EnergyAsia, Reddit)

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is strengthening its dominance in the Southeast Asian defense market, building on a decade-long partnership with the Philippine Navy in naval shipbuilding.

On the October 13th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a launch ceremony for the *Raja Humabon*—the third 2,400-ton offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Philippines—at its headquarters in Ulsan.

Approximately 80 officials from both nations attended the event, including Philippine Navy Chief of Staff Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpelleta and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Won-ho.

The *Raja Humabon* measures 94 meters in length and 14 meters in width, with an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 kilometers). Equipped with a 76mm main gun, a 30mm secondary gun, and electro-optical tracking systems, the vessel is scheduled for delivery to the Philippine Navy next February.

The ship is named after a local chieftain who ruled Cebu Island in the 16th century. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries demonstrated its operational reliability by delivering the first vessel five months ahead of schedule last year.



Naval cooperation between the two parties has spanned a decade, beginning with the contract for the Philippine Navy's first frigates in 2016. A total of 12 vessels have been ordered—comprising four frigates, two patrol vessels, and six offshore patrol vessels—and with the construction of this latest ship, six vessels have now been completed.

"Thanks to the trust placed in us by the Philippine Navy, we have established ourselves as a reliable partner in modernization projects," said Joo Won-ho, President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. President Ju emphasized, "We will continue our cooperation—including in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)—to ensure the local navy maintains stable operational capabilities."

The company is accelerating its penetration into the global specialized vessel market by leveraging its export track record with the Philippines. It plans to expand its overseas order network by solidifying a strategy for a Pan-Pacific naval vessel belt connecting Peru, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.



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