Philippine Navy Enhances Air Defense with VLS-Equipped BRP Miguel Malvar Frigate.

According to information published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on May 27, 2025, the Philippine Navy (PN) has commissioned the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), marking a significant step in enhancing its naval capabilities, particularly in the area of air defense. This vessel is the first in the Philippine fleet to be equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS), a technological development that significantly alters the architecture of the Navy’s response to aerial threats.
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The VLS onboard is specifically designed for surface-to-air engagements, providing the frigate with the capability to counter aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, or hostile drones (Picture source: Philippine Navy)

Captain John Percie Alcos, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, explained during a press briefing that the frigate stands out for two key features. First, it is the PN’s first vessel equipped with a VLS. Second, unlike other ships that require maneuvering to engage airborne targets, the BRP Miguel Malvar can launch missiles in all directions regardless of its position. This allows for faster response in interception scenarios without the need for repositioning.

The VLS onboard is specifically designed for surface-to-air engagements, providing the frigate with the capability to counter aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, or hostile drones. With this system, the BRP Miguel Malvar becomes the most advanced and heavily armed ship currently in active service within the Philippine Navy.

With a gross tonnage of 3,200 tons, the frigate is 118.4 meters long and 14.9 meters wide. It can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Its modular design supports multi-domain combat operations, enabling it to detect, track, and engage threats on the surface, underwater, or in the air.

The ship’s weapon systems include a main Oto Melara gun, a 35mm Aselsan close-in weapon system, four .50 caliber heavy machine guns, eight C-Star surface-to-surface missile launchers, two triple Blue Shark torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare, and sixteen VLS cells dedicated to air defense. This level of integration makes the BRP Miguel Malvar a versatile asset within the fleet, capable of responding to a wide range of threats.

Its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-007), is scheduled for delivery between June and July, bringing the number of frigates in this new class to two within the Philippine Navy. Before the arrival of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the most modern ships in the fleet were the two Jose Rizal-class frigates: BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna.

In conclusion, the commissioning of the BRP Miguel Malvar represents a strategic evolution for the Philippine naval forces. With its VLS, sensors, and updated weapon systems, it provides the Navy with a modern platform capable of operating across a broad range of tactical scenarios, contributing to the country’s defensive posture in the region.