South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has emerged as the Philippines’ key partner in a fast-moving naval modernization program, supplying the country’s most advanced warships to date. The Philippine Navy commissioned its second HDF-3200 Hybrid frigate, BRP Diego Silang, in December 2025—just over six months after the first-of-class vessel entered service—underscoring the pace of delivery under Hyundai’s shipbuilding partnership with Manila.
The two 3,200-ton frigates were ordered under a PHP 28 billion (USD 550 million) contract signed in 2021 and significantly enhance the Navy’s operational reach, including patrols across the exclusive economic zone. They are the first Philippine warships equipped with vertical launch missile systems, reflecting a major capability upgrade driven by growing security concerns in the South China Sea. These vessels build on Hyundai’s earlier delivery of two Jose Rizal-class frigates in 2020–2021, which marked the start of a long-term supplier relationship.
Beyond frigates, the partnership is expanding into offshore patrol vessels, with Hyundai constructing six OPVs for delivery through 2028, and discussions already underway for an additional pair of frigates under the armed forces’ Re-Horizon 3 program. Hyundai has described the Philippines as a “strategic customer,” highlighting the collaboration as a showcase of South Korea’s ability to deliver complex naval platforms on time and within budget—an increasingly attractive proposition as many Western shipbuilding programs face delays.
(Source: Defense News)
