South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the future Philippine Navy offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman at its Ulsan facilities in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 11.
The OPV is the first in a planned class of six that HHI will deliver to the Philippine Navy beginning in 2026.
The ship honours Rajah Sulayman, a Filipino native leader who led an armed revolt against Spanish colonial forces in the early 1570s.
Upon completion, the OPV will have a length of 94.4 metres, a beam of 14.3 metres, a draught of 3.7 metres, a displacement of 2,400 tonnes, space for two rigid inflatable boats, and a crew complement of 72.
Two MTU-STX engines in a combined diesel and diesel arrangement will deliver a speed of 22 knots at 85 per cent MCR and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
Armament will include a Leonardo 76mm naval gun, two 30mm guns on remote weapon stations, and two 12.7mm machine guns. A flight deck will also be available for use by a 10-tonne helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle.