As Beijing’s repressed influence grows in the disputed South China Sea, The Philippines took control of the first of two corvette-class warships on Tuesday ( Apr 8 ) with “advanced weapons and radar systems.”
The 3, 200-ton BRP Miguel Malvar’s appearance is a part of Hyundai Heavy Industries ‘ two-ship deal in South Korea in 2021.
Its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang, was officially launched in Ulsan, South Korea, next month, but it has not yet begun the journey to the Philippines.
Corvettes are tiny, quick warships that are primarily used to shield other ships from harm.
The Spanish defense ministry said in a statement that the appearance of the ship marked” a crucial step toward developing a self-reliant and reliable defense posture.”
It comes after months of disputes between Philippine and Taiwanese vessels in the South China Sea, which Beijing almost exclusively asserts in spite of a global decision that rejects its claim.
At a ceremony held at the Subic Bay naval base, Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro stated that” the ) Miguel Malvar is here today not only to serve as a deterrent and protector of our waters but also as an important component in joint and combined operations” with allies.
Five decades after Hyundai Heavy Industries had been awarded a contract to build two new battleships for the Spanish Navy, the first announcement for the two boats was made in 2021.
In response to the West Philippine Sea’s growing security challenges, the military announced last month that the two corvettes do” substantially increase the government’s naval capabilities.”