Philippine Navy welcomes newest offshore patrol vessel

January 20, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Philippine Navy has welcomed its newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV), future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20).

BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) arrived in the country from South Korea on January 17, 2026. It was built by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI). The ship honors Rajah Sulayman, a Filipino native leader who led an armed revolt against Spanish colonial forces.

The vessel was met in waters off Zambales by BRP Jose Rizal FF150 – PF, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols upon entering Philippine waters.

After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks.

The ship is scheduled to undergo acceptance and pre-commissioning processes prior to its formal entry into active service.

The delivery marks the Philippine Navy’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant force.

To remind, the launching ceremony for the vessel, the first in class, took place in June 2025.

Philippine Navy launches first-in-class OPV BRP Rajah Sulayman in South Korea

Vessels

Last month, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a contract to deliver two 3,200-ton frigates to the Philippine Navy. The contract will form a core element of the Philippine Navy’s Horizon 3 modernization plan. Delivery of both vessels is scheduled by 2029.