FIRST OF ITS CLASS. The BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) stands proudly on display during its official launching ceremony on June 11, 2025. The ship is the first of the six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered from shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), worth around PHP30 billion in 2022. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday announced that it has officially launched the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) in Ulsan, South Korea on June 11.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered from shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) worth around PHP30 billion in 2022.
The AFP said the launching of the ship reinforces its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization.
Launching is a naval tradition where the ship is transferred for the first time into the water after construction.
Present in the ceremonies were AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and HD HHI chief operating officer and senior executive vice president Joo Won Ho.
This underscores the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in advancing maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities.
Brawner highlighted the strategic importance of BRP Rajah Sulayman‘s launch and emphasized its role in advancing the country’s maritime defense.
“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship —it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty. This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,” he added.
Named after a fearless native leader who stood firm against foreign conquest in pre-colonial times, the BRP Rajah Sulayman is a modern emblem of the Filipino people’s resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit of independence.
As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded.