Philippine opts for enhanced crew, combat capabilities on new frigates

A Philippine Navy Miguel Malvar-class frigate. The second batch of frigates in the class will feature enhanced combat capabilities and crew accommodations. (US Navy)

The second batch of two Miguel Malvar-class frigates under construction for the Philippine Navy will feature combat enhancements and improved crew accommodations compared to their predecessors.

In a statement provided to Janes on 5 November, South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) confirmed that both vessels will be based on the two Miguel Malvar-class frigates commissioned in 2025.

“The common design is expected to improve operational efficiency and streamline maintenance through greater fleet commonality”, said the shipbuilder.

However, the second-batch vessels will have enhanced combat capabilities, operational performance, and crew accommodation, the company added.

HD HHI did not provide more details on these, but a December 2025 corporate filing from the company indicates that the contract for the second batch is valued at KRW844.7 billion (USD622 million).

This is notably higher than the approximately USD505 million contract that Manila signed with HD HHI for the Miguel Malvar class.

Janes reported then that while this increase may be due to inflation owing to higher prices of shipbuilding materials, it has also raised the possibility that the newer ships will be delivered with a more complete suite of sensors and effectors, including towed-array sonars.

The first batch of Miguel Malvar-class frigates was not delivered with these sonars.

Steel for the first vessel in the second batch was cut on 4 November, marking the start of construction work for this tranche.

The class derives its design from HD HHI's HDC-3100 concept but tailored for the Philippine Navy's requirements.