Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has formally begun detail design work on five new multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard.
The vessels will belong to the Teresa Magbanua-class, the first two examples of which, BRP Teresa Magbanua (pictured) and BRP Melchora Aquino, were delivered in 2022.
The supply of the five additional MRRVs was initially announced by Japan's then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during an official visit to Manila in April 2025.
The Teresa Magbanua-class vessels are variants of the Kunigami-class patrol vessels that were originally designed and built by Mitsubishi for the Japan Coast Guard.
With each MRRV measuring 97 metres long, the Magbanua-class ships are also the largest vessels yet acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard.
The MRRVs' missions include maritime security patrols, search and rescue (SAR), counter-narcotics operations, logistical transport, oil spill response, and environmental protection.
Like the Kunigami-class vessels, each new Philippine MRRV will have a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure with additional ballistic protection for the bridge. However, unlike the Kunigami-class ships, the MRRVs will be fitted with helicopter decks and hangars.
Space will also be available for two rigid inflatable boats for use in at-sea interceptions and boardings as well as remotely operated vehicles for conducting underwater surveillance and SAR missions.
The other key difference from the Kunigami-class is the removal of the autocannon armament, as Japanese law prohibits these from being exported. The Philippine MRRVs nonetheless retain their forward weapons mounts should the coast guard decide to install appropriate armament at a later time.