HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is firmly establishing itself as a key partner for the Philippine Navy. This year, HD HHI successfully held the launching ceremony for its second export vessel, accelerating the Philippine Navy's modernization efforts. This report highlights HD HHI's journey.
Launching of Philippine Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, 'BRP Raja Sulayman,' Elevates K-Defense Status
Recently, the launching ceremony for the 'BRP Raja Sulayman,' the first 2,400-ton Philippine offshore patrol vessel, was successfully held at HD HHI's Ulsan headquarters. This marks HD HHI's second export vessel this year, following the 'BRP Diego Silang,' the second Philippine corvette launched in March, once again elevating the status of K-defense. The 'BRP Raja Sulayman' is named after Raja Sulayman, a 16th-century Filipino hero who defended Manila against foreign invaders, symbolizing the strong trust between the Philippines and South Korea.
The 'BRP Raja Sulayman' is a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel, measuring 94 meters in length, 14 meters in width, with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 5,500 nautical miles. Notably, it is equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, including decoy launchers, search radars, and electro-optical tracking equipment, which are expected to significantly enhance the Philippine Navy's maritime operational capabilities. The vessel is scheduled to be handed over to the Philippine Navy in March of next year after sea trials and final outfitting.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries: The Driving Force Behind the Philippine Navy Modernization Program
The Philippine government has been pursuing a large-scale military modernization program to enhance its navy and strengthen its capabilities. In this process, HD HHI has emerged as a key partner for the Philippine Navy. The Philippines has demonstrated deep trust by ordering a total of 10 vessels from HD HHI: two frigates in 2016, two corvettes in 2021, and six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in 2022.
Indeed, some of the vessels built by HD HHI have already been delivered to the Philippine Navy and are successfully performing their missions. Last month, the commissioning ceremony for the 'BRP Miguel Malvar' (corvette), built by HD HHI, was held at the Subic Naval Base in northern Luzon, Philippines. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally attended and expressed great anticipation, stating, "The commissioning and commencement of duty of the BRP Miguel Malvar is a joyous occasion in the progress of the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces and will be an important asset for the mission of upholding maritime sovereignty." This is a significant example demonstrating how HD HHI's technology and reliability are contributing to the actual strengthening of the Philippine Navy's capabilities.
CEO Joo Won-ho: "Actively Support Philippine Military Modernization as a Key Partner in K-Marine Defense"
During the launching ceremony for the 'BRP Raja Sulayman,' Joo Won-ho, Head of HD HHI's Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, expressed his delight, stating, "I am pleased to successfully launch the first of a total of six Offshore Patrol Vessels ordered from the Philippines." He further emphasized, "Based on our strong mutual trust, we plan to actively support the successful completion of the Philippine military modernization program as a key partner in K-Marine Defense," promising a long-term cooperative relationship with the Philippines.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Accelerates its Push into the Global Marine Defense Market
Beyond the Philippines, HD HHI is further solidifying its position in the global marine defense market. Last month, at the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025 held in Busan, HD HHI showcased its innovative technological capabilities by unveiling a 6,500-ton export frigate for blue-water operations for the first time. Additionally, the company is making diverse efforts, such as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic partnership with the Portuguese Navy, establishing a foothold for entering the European market.
Through its excellent technology and successful project execution experience, HD HHI is playing a pivotal role in the modernization of the Philippine Navy. Building on this, the company is emerging as a leader in the global marine defense market. HD HHI's future moves, as a vanguard of K-defense, are drawing attention.
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