HD Hyundai Heavy Industries successfully launched the first of six coastal patrol ships ordered by the Philippine Navy, a key partner of K-Ocean and Defense.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that on Wednesday the 11th, it held a launching ceremony for the 2,400-ton Philippine offshore patrol ship, the ‘RAJAH SULAYMAN’, at its Ulsan headquarters. This is the second export ship launching ceremony this year, following the launch of the second Philippine patrol ship, the ‘Diego Silang’, in March.
The event was attended by approximately 70 people from both countries, including Philippine military and government officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Romeo S. Brawner, Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Maria Teresa Dizon-De Vega, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Edwin E. Amadar, and Under Secretary of Defense for Defense Technology Development Augusto V. Gaite, as well as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Special Ship Business Division Representative Joo Won-ho.
Raja Sulaiman is a state-of-the-art coastal patrol ship with a length of 94 m, a width of 14 m, a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h), and a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km). It is equipped with weapon systems such as a 76 mm gun, a 30 mm secondary gun, a decoy launching system, search radar, and electro-optical tracking equipment.
The ship is named after Raja Sulaiman, a Filipino hero who defended Manila against foreign invasion in the 16th century.
The Raja Sulaiman is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippine Navy in March next year after undergoing sea trials and final assembly. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also planning to build five follow-up ships and deliver them sequentially by 2028.
“We are delighted to have successfully launched the first of six coastal patrol ships ordered from the Philippines, based on our strong mutual trust, we plan to continue to actively support the successful completion of the Philippine military modernization project, a key partner of K-Ocean and Defense.”
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Specialized Ship Business Division Head Won-ho Joo
Prior to this, the Philippine government had been carrying out a military modernization project to secure a number of ships to modernize and strengthen the power of its navy, and had ordered a total of 10 ships from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, including two frigates (2016), two patrol ships (2021), and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) (2022).
“Raja Sulaiman is a result of the close collaboration between the Philippines and HDHHI, and is a valuable example of the power of teamwork and shared vision, as we commemorate this meaningful Philippine Independence Day on June 12, we join together in commemorating our commitment to move forward as a dynamic and capable maritime nation.”
Vice Admiral Romeo Browner, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Philippines
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries participated in the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025 held in Busan in May, unveiled a 6,500-ton export frigate for ocean operations for the first time, and signed a business agreement (MOU) for a strategic partnership with the Portuguese Navy, accelerating its conquest of the global maritime defense market.