"Diego Silang" Corvette Launching – Philippines fleet development is growing rapidly

On 27 March, BRP rocket corvette was launched at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in UlsanDiego Silang(FFG-07), second HDC-3100 type unit built for the Navy of the Philippines. This is the next stage in the implementation of the Marine Force Modernisation Programme in response to rising tensions in the South-East Asia region.

New Corvette Diego Silang for the Philippines – the importance of the project

The craft is namedDiego Silang– Filipino hero fighting for independence of this country. Corvette was designed as a type developmentHDF-2600(frigate)Jose Rizal). It is the second unit of typeHDC-3100, after my sisterBRP Miguel Malvar(FFG-06), which was launched in June 2023 and will be handed over to the user on March 31, meaning the transfer of the unit until five months before the deadline specified in the contract schedule.Expectedthat cameBRP Miguel Malvarwill enter service in mid-April next year.

CorvetteDiego Silangwill now pass the stage of equipment and sea trials; the transfer is planned for September 2025.

Technical parameters and armament

New units of typeHDC-3100(also indicated as typeMiguel Malvarin industry publications) stand out with an increased buoyancy – about 3200 tons – in length 118.4 metres and width 14.9 metres. Their operational range reaches 4,500 nautical miles and the march speed is 15 knots.

The weaponry of these units includes, among others, C-STAR anti-shipper missiles, vertical launchers for the VL MICA system and AESA three-dimensional radar. The range of offensive and defensive abilities of the new class makes these units likely to be reclassified as frigates in the future, as they outweigh the capabilities of older type unitsJose Rizal.

Despite dimensions and combat potential corresponding to light frigates,The Philippines Sea Force (Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas) classified ships of typeHDC-3100as corvettes. This decision is based on the local nomenclature and the structure of the modernisation programme, not the technical limitations of the unit. Such classification may be controversial, especially since these ships are based on the South Korean FFX platform, which is a development of frigate typeIncheon.

Filipino Maritime Modernisation Strategy

The Philippines, implementing the multi-annual Armed Forces Modernisation Programme (AFP Modernization Programme), intensify the development of the Navy. Horizon programme provides for the acquisition of a total of 10 modern water vessels from the South Korean HHI group: two frigates (ordered in 2016), two corvets (2021) and six long-range patrolmen (2022).

In addition, HD HHI provides operational support and upgrades two frigates typeJose Rizal, which entered service between 2020 and 2021.Cooperation shall includenot only deliveries, but also MRO contracts to maintain the operational readiness of units.

From a global perspective, the activities of the Philippines are in line with the wider trend of modernisation of the South East Asian fleets. It responds to the increasing threats in the South China Sea region. Similar actions are taken, among others, by Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, which increase investments in modern warships.

This is an important signal for Poland: effective capacity building is based on consistent planning and cooperation with industrial partners with proven competences.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz

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