Philippine Navy Commissions BRP Miguel Malvar, First Warship with Vertical Launch System for Air Defense
Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Philippine Navy (PN) marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of its most advanced warship to date—the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06). This newly-acquired guided missile frigate is the first PN vessel equipped with a vertical launch system (VLS), enhancing the Navy’s capabilities to counter air threats.
PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos highlighted the ship’s distinction, noting its omni-directional missile launch capability. “With the BRP Miguel Malvar, you don’t have to maneuver anymore. It is omni-directional—you can fire in whatever position you are in,” he explained on Tuesday, emphasizing the strategic edge provided by the VLS.
Unlike conventional systems that require ships to maneuver for a proper firing angle, the VLS allows rapid, 360-degree missile deployment. The VLS onboard the Miguel Malvar is optimized specifically for surface-to-air engagements, making it a formidable asset against aerial threats.
Weighing 3,200 gross tons and measuring 118.4 meters in length with a beam of 14.9 meters, the frigate boasts a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles, a top speed of 25 knots, and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Aside from its advanced air-defense capabilities, the BRP Miguel Malvar is a multi-role combat vessel, equipped with cutting-edge sensors, surveillance systems, and weapons platforms capable of tracking and engaging surface, sub-surface, and airborne threats.
Its armaments include:
- An Oto Melara main gun
- 35mm Aselsan close-in weapons systems
- Four .50 caliber heavy machine guns
- Eight C-Star surface-to-surface missile tubes
- Two triple Blue Shark torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare
- 16 VLS tubes for air defense
The frigate’s arrival marks a leap in the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts, previously led by the Jose Rizal-class frigates—BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna.
A sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), is slated for delivery by June or July, further expanding the Navy’s surface fleet capabilities.
With the induction of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the Philippine Navy is poised to take a more prominent role in regional maritime defense, reinforcing the country’s sovereignty and maritime security.
