HD Hyundai releases BRP Miguel Malvar sea trial footage; first OPV keel laying revealed

For the past few months, the Philippine Navy has its first new “corvette”, likely designated as a frigate upon commissioning into the fleet, under sea trials in South Korea’s eastern seaboard not far from HD Hyundai shipyard in Ulsan.

In the latest video provided by the South Korean shipbuilder, it provided development updates of their accomplishments, notably with the sea trials of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and the keel laying of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel.

Being under wraps from both mainstream media and local defense communities alike, the keel laying ceremony of the first HDP-2200+ Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Philippine Navy took place on February 5, 2025, which means that the first OPV is on its way to launching, likely taking place at the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year. For context, the Philippine Navy ordered at least six (6) units of HDP-2200+ Offshore Patrol Vessels for maritime presence operations in areas like the contested West Philippine Sea.

As for the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), the presented footage of its sea trial indicate that it is now getting closer to its maiden sail to the Philippines, which likely taking place at the latter part of March 2025. Subsequently, this will eventually get the ship commissioned into active service as a guided missile frigate, given its FFG nomenclature.

The launching of its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), isn’t that far off, as it is likely to take place some time within this year, and given the pace of development on HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ facilities, it might likely get delivered at the latter part of the year 2025.

For the eye candy purposes, here are the following images of the sea trial of the Philippine Navy’s most sophisticated ship to date, along with the keel laying ceremony of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel that took place recently.

BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Sea Trials