The Philippine Navy’s first Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel, the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), has embarked on its sea trials off the coast of South Korea. Recent footage has captured the new vessel engaging in initial testing in the waters near Ulsan, where it was constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
This development is part of a significant $573-million contract signed in 2022 as part of Manila’s military modernization efforts, which have recently been updated to bolster capabilities in domain awareness. The BRP Rajah Sulayman is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, with a formal handover scheduled for March 2026, following further testing and outfitting.
In addition to the BRP Rajah Sulayman, five more vessels in the Sulayman-class are currently under construction. These include the Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), Rajah Humabon (PS-22), Sultan Kudarat (PS-23), Datu Marikudo (PS-24), and Datu Sikatuna (PS-25), which are anticipated to be delivered by 2028. The addition of these vessels will modernize the Philippine Navy’s fleet, replacing aging patrol boats and enhancing the country’s surveillance and border security capabilities, as well as their capacity for anti-piracy and humanitarian missions within its exclusive economic zone and surrounding waters.
The Sulayman-class patrol vessels are designed to measure 94 meters in length, accommodating approximately 70 personnel. They are equipped with three rigid-hull patrol boats and a maritime helicopter, enhancing their operational versatility. In terms of armament, the vessels feature decoy launchers, a 76-millimeter autocannon, secondary 30-millimeter guns, and support machine guns of 12.7-millimeter caliber. Their advanced design incorporates multiple sensors, an integrated navigation system, identification friend or foe capability, electronic warfare countermeasures, and a combat management system that facilitates collaborative ship operations.
Powered by twin MTU-STX diesel engines, the Sulayman-class vessels can reach speeds of up to 22 knots (approximately 41 kilometers or 25 miles per hour) with a remarkable operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 kilometers or 6,329 miles) and an endurance of 30 days.
The impending Sulayman fleet represents the third major naval collaboration between the Philippine government and Hyundai, following the successful deployment of the Rizal-class frigates and Malvar-class corvettes. This continued partnership underscores the Philippines’ commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.
