The Rajah Sulayman, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' offshore patrol vessel for the Philippine Navy, is celebrated during its launching ceremony at the company's shipyard in Ulsan, June 11, 2025. Courtesy of HD Hyundai
Shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered a newly constructed patrol vessel to the Philippine Navy five months ahead of schedule, demonstrating its competitiveness in timely warship construction for global customers.
The company said Monday it delivered the Rajah Sulayman offshore patrol vessel (OPV) to the Philippine Navy earlier this month. It did not disclose the exact delivery date, but said the vessel was handed over five months ahead of the agreed schedule. The ship was delivered after being completed and launched in June, followed by sea trials.
The Philippines has been investing about $35 billion in its multi-phased Horizon military modernization program, which in its third phase — slated for 2023 to 2028 — focuses on strengthening naval and air force capabilities. As part of the initiative, the country has agreed to acquire frigates and offshore patrol vessels from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The 2,400-ton OPV delivered this time is the first of six vessels the company has agreed to build and supply to the Philippine Navy.
According to industry officials, meeting delivery deadlines is critical for shipbuilders. In the case of warships and other defense vessels, a fleet's operational readiness can be critically swayed by delivery delays. With the early delivery to the Philippine Navy, the company said it has contributed to the Southeast Asian country’s military modernization efforts.
“As to warship businesses, delivery is one of the core standards to determine a shipbuilder’s capability. It directly affects a military's naval advancement and a timeline for defense of a nation,” a HD Hyundai official said.
The Rajah Sulayman is equipped with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ advanced technologies for maritime defense features. An anti-submarine sonar system enables the vessel to monitor both above and below the water's surface. The ship is also designed with multiple “mission module operation spaces” that allow the vessel to carry out diverse types of mission such as maritime monitoring, offshore border security and military engagement.
Prior to the delivery, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Republic of Korea Navy agreed that the latter would provide a training program for the Philippine Navy using the Rajah Sulayman. The program helped the Philippines to learn about the OPV’s operation methods ahead of receiving it, providing a smooth transition.
HD Hyundai Heavy has been building for the Philippine Navy since 2016, so far providing 12 warships such as frigates and OPVs. The company’s first frigate for the navy, the Jose Rizal, was delivered a month ahead of its due timeline. Four other warships later also reached the navy ahead of their expected delivery dates.
“Our early delivery of the Rajah Sulayman has proven HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ trustworthiness and reputation for keeping our deadlines," the company official said. "The remaining OPVs for the Philippine Navy will further advance the military and allow more stable operation of its fleet."
Source: Korea Times News
