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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com
January 19, 2026 | 1:51pm
Philippine Navy’s newest Offshore Patrol Vehicle (OPV), the future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20).
Philippine Navy / Released
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy's first of six offshore patrol vessels from South Korea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman, arrived in the country over the weekend, marking the first delivery in a ship acquisition worth P30 billion.
The vessel, designated PS-20, sailed into Philippine waters off Zambales on January 17, according to a Navy statement on Monday, January 19. It was met by the BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy's first missile-capable frigate, following standard naval protocols.
The future BRP Rajah Sulayman is the lead ship of the Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels built by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a contract signed in 2022.
There are five remaining vessels — BRP Rajah Lakandula, BRP Rajah Humabon, BRP Sultan Kudarat, BRP Datu Marikudo, and BRP Datu Sikatuna — that are set to be delivered through 2028. The Lakandula was launched last November and is currently undergoing sea trials in waters off South Korea.
Philippine Navy’s newest Offshore Patrol Vehicle (OPV), BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) with the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) on January 17, 2026.
Philippine Navy / Released
Each 2,400-ton vessel measures 94 meters in length with a cruising speed of 15 knots and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles. The ships are designed for maritime patrol, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, fisheries protection, search and rescue, and disaster relief missions.
The acquisition is part of the Navy's Horizon 2 modernization program aimed at replacing older World War II-era vessels and expanding its Offshore Patrol Force from 11 to 17 ships.
Philippine ships have faced an overwhelming disadvantage in patrolling its own waters in the West Philippine Sea, where dozens of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels maintain a near-constant presence and drive out Filipino fishers from their traditional fishing grounds.
China's largest coast guard vessel displaces 12,000 tons — more than five times the weight of the Philippine Coast Guard's biggest patrol ship, the 2,260-ton BRP Teresa Magbanua.
