Philippines picked up a second Rajah Sulayman patrol vessel

Polish Navy The Philippines welcomed a new patrol vessel (OPV) at Subic Base Rajah Lakandula (PS-21). The ship built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard is the second Rajah Sulayman-type patrol vessel designed to strengthen Filipino presence in archipelago waters.

Future BRP Rajah Lakandula Already in Subic

On May 8, 2026, a ceremony of welcoming the future BRP was held at Naval Operating Base Subic. Rajah Lakandula (PS-21). The ship reached the Philippines on 4 May after crossing from the Republic of Korea. The formal incarnation in the service is to take place at a later date.

The unit is the second Rajah Sulayman-type patrol vessel, built for the Navy of the Philippines by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. First series ship, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), he began his service earlier, opening a new phase of modernization of Filipino naval forces.

Six ships for the Philippine fleet

The program includes the construction of six OPVs. According to Filipino sources they are to bear names: BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-22), BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS-23), BRP Datu Marikudo (PS-24) and BRP Datu Sikatuna (PS-25).

The HDP-2200+ project has become a way for the Philippines to quickly increase the number of modern patrol vessels. In the reality of the island state, this is essential: the fleet must be present not only near the main bases, but also in remote waters where security, sovereignty and control of the exclusive economic zone are resolved.

Importance for the safety of the Philippines

Arrival of the future BRP Rajah Lakandula to Subic is the next stage of the expansion of the Navy of the Philippines. Manila consistently strengthens the water forces, as the safety of the island state largely depends on the continued presence of the fleet in waters economically and strategically important.

Rajah Sulayman patrols are not expected to replace multitasking frigates. Their role is different: they are to relieve larger ships in daily patrol service, maritime surveillance and the protection of the interests of the state in the waters of the archipelago. After delivering the entire OPV series, the Philippines will gain more modern units capable of long-term action away from main bases.

In the background is the issue of the construction reserve for further reinforcement of ships. In Filipino industry commentary, it is indicated that the OPV type Rajah Sulayman may take place on at least four chambers of vertical KVLS launchers, containing a total of 16 K-SAAM missiles. According to the same estimates, this does not preclude the installation of two Simbad-RC missiles for MBDA Mistral 3 missiles of very short range. However, this is not officially confirmed by the Navy of the Philippines or the manufacturer.

Parameters and armaments

All OPVs of this type have a full buoyancy of about 2450 tonnes and a hull of about 94.5 m in length. The CODAD drive system allows them to reach a maximum speed of 22 knots, while the range at an economic speed of 15 knots is about 3,500 nautical miles.

The weapon is formed by a 76 mm Leonardo Super Rapid cannon, two remotely controlled Aselsan SMASH stations with 30 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm large caliber machine guns. The stern of the ship provides for an aircraft deck capable of receiving helicopters with a maximum take-off mass of 10 tonnes.