THE Armed Forces has further enhanced its maritime defense capability with the launching of BRP Rajah Sulayman, the first of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) it acquired from South Korea in a P30-billion deal.
The vessel was launched in Ulsan, South Korea on Tuesday, eve of the Philippine commemoration of its 127th Independence Day.
Present in the launching were AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Joo Won Ho, chief operating officer and senior executive vice president of Hyundai Heavy Industries, the builder of the OPV.
Brawner said the launching of BRP Rajah Sulayman underscores the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in advancing maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the launch and the role of the vessel in advancing Manila’s maritime defense.
“The launch of offshore patrol vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship. It is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,” Brawner said in his remarks at the event.
“This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,” he added.
Brawner said the vessel is also a modern emblem of the Filipino people’s resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit of independence.
“As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded,” he added.
The acquisition of the OPVs is part of Manila’s efforts to modernize and orient its defense capability towards external defense amid continuing aggressive activities by China in the West Philippine Sea.
The OPVs are fitted with a 2D radar, a Kelvin Hughes SharpEye navigation and surface search radar, Safran Paseo XLR electro-optical, and infrared tracking sensor integrated with Hanwha’s Naval Shield Combat Management System.
Its other sensor systems includes “radar electronic support measure,” and chaff and decoy launchers.
The primary armament of the OPVs are an OTO Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun, two Aselsan SMASH 30mm autocannons, and four heavy caliber machine guns.
The OPV has enough space for a four-cell vertical launching system and for a short-range air defense system.
