Philippines Seals Maritime Security With Hyundai Heavy Industries Frigate Deal

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Signs Contract to Build Two New Frigates for the Philippine Navy

On December 29, 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) announced that it has signed a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defence to build two new frigates for the Philippine Navy. The project marks another milestone in HHI’s long-standing partnership with the Philippine military, which has resulted in the delivery of several advanced warships over the years.

The contract, worth approximately ₱34-billion ($585 million), is part of the Philippine Navy’s Horizon 3 modernization plan, aimed at upgrading the country’s naval capabilities to address emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The two frigates will be built using HHI’s proven HDF-3200 design and are expected to be delivered by 2029.

HHI’s involvement in the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts dates back to 2016, when the company delivered two frigates and two 3,200-ton class corvettes to the country. Since then, HHI has continued to expand its presence in the Philippines, with the current project marking its seventh delivery of warships to the Philippine military.

The Philippine Navy’s Horizon 3 modernization plan is a critical component of the country’s efforts to enhance its maritime security and deterrence capabilities. The plan aims to upgrade the navy’s fleet to include advanced multi-mission vessels that can perform a range of tasks, from anti-piracy operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The two new frigates will play a key role in achieving this goal, providing the Philippine Navy with enhanced capabilities for maritime surveillance, patrol, and defense. The ships will be armed with a range of advanced systems, including 16-cell vertical launching systems for VL MICA missiles, eight C-STAR anti-ship missile launchers, a Gökdeniz 35mm close-in weapon system, a 76mm main gun, two triple torpedo launchers, and an advanced AESA radar.

The Malvar-class frigates are designed to operate in a variety of environmental conditions, from the open sea to coastal waters, and can perform a range of tasks, including anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian assistance. The ships will also feature advanced communication systems and electronic warfare capabilities, allowing them to engage with enemy vessels and aircraft.

The Philippine Navy’s acquisition of new frigates is part of a broader effort to modernize its fleet and enhance its regional security posture. The country has been actively engaging with international partners, including South Korea, to acquire advanced warships that meet its military requirements.

Over the past five years, HHI has delivered four frigates to the Philippine Navy, in addition to the current project. The company is also constructing six offshore patrol vessels, the first of which—the future BRP Rajah Sulayman—is scheduled for delivery in January 2026. Once completed, HHI will have built a total of 12 warships for the Philippine Navy, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the country’s military modernization efforts.

The Philippines’ defense industry has been actively promoting public-private partnerships to acquire advanced military equipment and technologies. The country’s procurement process is guided by the Philippine Acquisition Rules, which aim to ensure that the government obtains the best value for its money while also meeting its military requirements.

In 2009, the Philippines and Korea signed the Implementation Agreement for the Procurement of Specific Defense Products, which established a framework for direct negotiation between Korean companies and the Philippine Department of Defense. This agreement has enabled Korean shipbuilders, including HHI, to participate in the country’s defense procurement process and deliver advanced warships that meet the Philippine military’s needs.

The new contract with HHI marks an important milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its maritime security capabilities. The delivery of two new frigates will enhance the country’s ability to deter piracy, terrorism, and other maritime threats, while also supporting regional stability and security. As the region continues to evolve, the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts are critical to ensuring that the country remains a key player in regional security affairs.

The acquisition of advanced warships like the Malvar-class frigates is expected to play a significant role in the Philippines’ military strategy, enabling the navy to operate effectively in various maritime environments and respond quickly to emerging threats. With its proven track record of delivering high-quality warships, HHI will be closely watched by the Philippine Navy as it completes this project and delivers the two new frigates.

As the Philippine Navy continues to upgrade its fleet, HHI’s involvement is expected to remain crucial in supporting the country’s maritime security objectives. The company’s expertise in designing and building advanced warships will likely play a key role in meeting the Philippine military’s needs, as the region continues to face an increasingly complex array of security challenges.