Philippines Receives First S. Korea-Built Miguel Malvar-Class Corvette, Australian Surveillance Drones

The Philippines on Tuesday received its first South Korea-built Miguel Malvar-class corvette and 20 surveillance drones from Australia, in separate handover ceremonies aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime defense and patrol capabilities.

The future BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) was formally welcomed at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales. The 3,200-ton corvette is the first of two ships ordered from Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2021. Its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang, was launched in South Korea last month and is expected to arrive in the Philippines later this year.

The arrival of the vessel follows a series of maritime incidents involving Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. On April 8, China alleged that a Philippine vessel, which “repeatedly harassed” a China Coast Guard ship patrolling waters near Huangyan Dao, was “driven away” from the area.

Meanwhile, in a separate event in Bataan province, the Philippine Coast Guard received 20 surveillance drones donated by Australia. Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan said the drones will expand the coverage area of patrol vessels.

“Using drones will save fuel and it will be less risky for our people,” Gavan stated.

The Philippines has increased defense acquisitions in recent years, including plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system and a possible $5.58 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets, which remains under negotiation.