Philippine Navy Boosts Maritime Power with Commissioning of New BRP Miguel Malvar Guided-Missile Frigate.

On the occasion of the 127th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy, on May 20, 2025, the official commissioning of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), a guided-missile frigate, took place at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales. This event highlighted the Philippine Navy’s enduring commitment to maritime security and its continuous efforts to modernize its naval assets in response to regional and global defense imperatives. The introduction of this advanced warship marks a pivotal development in enhancing the operational readiness and strategic posture of the Philippine naval forces.
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The Philippine Navy officially commissions the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), its most advanced guided-missile frigate, during its 127th founding anniversary ceremony at Subic Naval Base. (Picture source: Max Montero X account)

The BRP Miguel Malvar is a modern guided-missile frigate and the lead ship of the newly introduced Miguel Malvar-class, specifically designed to bolster the Philippine Navy’s capability to conduct maritime interdiction, territorial defense, anti-air warfare, and surface and sub-surface operations. Developed under the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, it reflects the Philippines’ strategic intent to field high-end combatants equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, and network-centric warfare systems.

Built by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), one of the world's foremost naval shipbuilders, the vessel is based on the HDC-3100 platform—an improved design derivative of the HDF-2600 frigates used for the Jose Rizal-class. The design emphasizes stealth, reduced radar cross-section, and survivability in high-threat maritime environments. It is the most advanced surface combatant currently in the inventory of the Philippine Navy.

HD HHI was selected as the contractor for the construction of the Miguel Malvar-class under a contract signed on December 28, 2021, with the Philippine Department of National Defense. The $556 million deal covers two advanced frigates customized to the specific operational needs of the Navy. Construction milestones for the BRP Miguel Malvar began with the first steel cutting on May 11, 2023, and keel laying on November 22, 2023. The ship was launched on June 18, 2024, underwent extensive sea trials, and was delivered to the Philippine Navy on April 8, 2025.

Displacing 3,200 tonnes, the BRP Miguel Malvar stretches 118.4 meters in length with a beam of 14.9 meters. It is powered by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, enabling a maximum speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 4,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 15 knots. These specifications allow for extended blue-water operations and a versatile range of missions in both coastal and open-sea environments.

Equipped with state-of-the-art systems, the vessel is configured for multi-dimensional warfare. Its missile suite includes a 16-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS) fitted with MBDA VL MICA surface-to-air missiles, complemented by eight LIGNex1 SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles arranged in quad launchers. For naval gunfire support and close-in defense, the ship boasts an OTO Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun and an Aselsan GOKDENIZ 35mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Additionally, it is armed with two triple-tube launchers for K745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The sensor and electronics suite aboard the BRP Miguel Malvar is equally sophisticated. It features the EL/M-2258 ALPHA S-band 3D AESA radar for long-range air and surface surveillance, a Selex ES NA-25X fire control radar, a Safran PASEO XLR electro-optical tracking system, and an ELAC Hunter 2.0 hull-mounted sonar. These systems work in unison to provide a comprehensive situational awareness picture, fire control, and threat detection across all domains.

For electronic warfare and survivability, the ship is outfitted with Elbit Systems' Aquamarine R-ESM and C-ESM electronic support and countermeasure suites, alongside Terma C-Guard DL-12T decoy launchers. These features not only ensure a robust defense against electronic and missile threats but also increase the survivability of the vessel in contested environments.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who attended the commissioning ceremony, underscored the strategic value of the frigate. “Miguel Malvar is here today not only to serve as a deterrent and protector of our waters but also as an important component in joint and combined operations as we work alongside allies and uphold the norms of international law,” he declared, referencing the ship’s role amid ongoing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Offered as the Philippine Navy’s new frontline surface combatant, the BRP Miguel Malvar represents a generational leap in naval capabilities. It enhances the nation’s maritime domain awareness, sea control, and defense posture, particularly in strategic waterways. The vessel is also expected to play a vital role in regional security cooperation and multilateral maritime exercises.

The introduction of the BRP Miguel Malvar into active service is a cornerstone in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ long-term defense posture. With the second vessel in the class, BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), launched earlier in March 2025 and scheduled for delivery by year’s end, the Philippine Navy is set to solidify its presence in regional maritime operations and enhance its ability to contribute meaningfully to cooperative defense efforts with allied nations.