The Philippine Navy officially commissioned the BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), its second Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel, during a ceremony on June 9, 2026. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over the event at the Navy headquarters in Manila, which coincided with the service’s 128th anniversary. The commissioning marks a significant infrastructure milestone, as recent dredging allowed one of the Navy’s largest warships to berth at the facility for the first time.
Modernization and Fleet Expansion
The BRP Rajah Lakandula is part of a ₱30 billion ($573 million) contract awarded to South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai in 2022. The 2,400-ton vessel features a Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, and advanced radar and sensor arrays. According to Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, the acquisition of this vessel follows a year of significant fleet growth, including the addition of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), as well as two Acero-class gunboats built by Israel Shipyards Ltd.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Response
The commissioning ceremony occurred amid heightened friction regarding the Scarborough Shoal. Hours after the event, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that the Philippines had filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing. The protest concerns a six-by-six-meter floating structure discovered inside the shoal’s lagoon, which appeared to be manned and equipped with an antenna.
Future Operational Outlook
The Philippine Navy expects to receive the remaining four Sulayman-class vessels in batches through 2028. As the fleet grows, the Navy plans to enhance its anti-submarine capabilities by acquiring modular towed-array sonar systems for three of the six ships. In light of ongoing maritime disputes, President Marcos Jr. stated that he has directed the military to continue strengthening its capabilities to protect national interests and maintain regional peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BRP Rajah Lakandula?
It is a 2,400-ton Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel built by South Korea’s HD HHI, commissioned into the Philippine Navy on June 9, 2026.
What weaponry is included on the new vessel?
The vessel is equipped with a Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, Terma C-Guard decoy launchers, and a non-lethal effector system.
Why did the Philippines lodge a diplomatic protest against Beijing?
The protest was issued after a six-by-six-meter floating structure, which appeared to be manned and fitted with an antenna, was detected inside the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal.
How do you believe these new naval capabilities will shift the balance of power in the region?
