The Philippine Navy commissioned its newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) during a ceremony at the navy's headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, June 9.
BRP Rajah Lakandula is the second of a planned class of six 94--metre OPVs being built for the Philippine Navy by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in fulfilment of PHP30 billion (US$500 million) contract awarded by the Philippine Department of National Defense in 2022.
Class lead ship BRP Rajah Sulayman was commissioned in February of this year. Lakandula's commissioning meanwhile coincided with the 128th anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Navy, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr as guest of honour.
Lakandula’s armament is optimised for low-intensity operations such as maritime deterrence and sovereignty enforcement, hence the omission of guided missile launchers. This then frees up the navy's larger and more heavily armed Jose Rizal-class and Miguel Malvar-class frigates for long-range strike, air defence, and other critical missions.
The OPV's armament is limited to only a Leonardo/OTO Melara 76mm rapid fire naval gun, two Aselsan SMASH 30mm autocannons mounted on remotely controlled weapon stations, two 12.7mm machine guns, and two Sitep Italia acoustic hailers and laser dazzlers.
The Rajah Sulayman-class OPVs are also the first Philippine Navy ships to be equipped with non-lethal light disruption systems.