MISSILE CORVETTE. Officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) led by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries grace the launch of Manila's first guided missile corvette in Ulsan, South Korea on June 18, 2024. The DND on Friday (June 21) said the missile corvette was named the BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06). (Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the launch of the Philippines' first guided missile corvette built in South Korea.
Teodoro and key Philippine defense and military officials graced the launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06), at the shipyard of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in the city of Ulsan on June 18, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a news release Friday.
The vessel is the first of two guided missile corvettes to be acquired by Manila through the Philippine Navy's Corvette Acquisition Program.
Andolong said the guided missile corvette was named after a Philippine revolutionary general and hero.
"Mrs. Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro, special envoy to the United Nations Children’s Fund, (also) led the ceremonial launching of the ship. Mr. Lee Sang Kyun, CEO (chief executive officer) of HHI, was also in attendance, underscoring the collaborative effort between the two nations," he said.
The DND chief emphasized the Philippines' commitment to partnering with companies from countries that are considered strategic allies, which include South Korea.
"He (Teodoro) highlighted the proven quality and reliability of South Korean products and noted that future acquisitions would adhere to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. Key considerations for these acquisitions include supply chain reliability, redundancy, corporate good governance, and the overall value for money," Andolong said.
He said Teodoro also stressed that the acquired capabilities must significantly contribute to establishing a credible deterrent posture for the Philippines.
"Secretary Teodoro expressed his desire to instill the Korean value of 'Indomitable Spirit' or 'bulguleui jeongsin' within the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). This value, characterized by standing up for what is right and showing unwavering resilience, has been pivotal in the progress and prosperity of South Korea. He believes it can similarly inspire the Philippines to reach its full potential," he said.
Teodoro thanked Seoul for its support of Manila's position in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in opposing unilateral aggression and illegal actions by China.
The DND and HHI signed the PHP28 billion contract for two brand-new corvettes, which are capable of launching anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare missions on Dec. 28, 2021.
The first missile corvette is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines in 2025 while the second is set for delivery in 2026. (PNA)
