South Korea and Philippines expand naval collaboration as part of strategic partnership.

According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on October 7, 2024, South Korea and the Philippines have entered into a new "strategic partnership," with a key focus on enhancing naval and maritime security cooperation.
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Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Antonio Luna. (Picture source: Philippine Department of National Defense)

During a summit on October 7 at Malacañang Palace in Manila, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to expand collaboration in naval defense and maritime security. A crucial component of this agreement is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the coast guard agencies of both nations. This MOU aims to bolster information sharing, joint search and rescue operations, and enhanced coordination on maritime security.

The increased naval cooperation comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea, where freedom of navigation and overflight remain critical issues. Both countries pledged to uphold a rules-based maritime order in the region, aligning their positions on maintaining stability and ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels.

South Korea’s involvement in the Philippines' coastal defense is set to deepen, with plans for South Korean military personnel to participate in Philippine-led coastal defense exercises. This will provide a platform for both countries to improve operational coordination and enhance the Philippines’ coastal surveillance capabilities. These efforts are part of a broader plan to modernize the Philippine military, a program that will see increased South Korean participation through technology transfers, equipment sales, and joint training exercises.

The naval cooperation extends beyond defense into critical maritime infrastructure. Under the strategic partnership, both countries will work on projects to improve maritime safety, address piracy, and combat illegal fishing in Philippine waters.

Background

South Korea has played a significant role in modernizing the Philippine Navy in recent years, supplying various naval assets that bolster the country's maritime defense capabilities. Among the key acquisitions, two Jose Rizal-class frigates—BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151)—were delivered by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in 2020 and 2021.

In addition to frigates, South Korea has supplied Pohang-class corvettes. BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), transferred in 2019, is a refurbished vessel that enhances the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capability.