The Raja Sulayman-class represents a pivotal step in the Philippine Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea, these 2,400–2,800-ton offshore patrol vessels are envisioned as multi-mission platforms capable of extended maritime patrols, surveillance, and constabulary duties. However, their true value lies in their modularity offering the potential to evolve from lightly armed patrol assets into capable surface combatants.
Design and Baseline Features
Length: Approximately 94 meters
Beam: 14 meters
Speed: 22–25 knots
Range: Over 5,000 nautical miles
Crew: ~80 personnel
Primary Armament (baseline): 76mm main gun, secondary 30mm or 40mm remote weapons systems
Sensors: Modern radar and electro-optical suite (derived from HHI’s HDP series)
Aviation: Flight deck for a medium helicopter and UAV integration capability
The hull design closely resembles HHI’s HDP-2400 platform, already known for its open architecture and future-proofing making it ideal for up-arming.
Potential Up-Armament Pathways
1. Anti-Ship Capability
The most immediate enhancement would be the installation of two twin-canister anti-ship missile launchers, such as the C-Star (Haeseong) or a lighter export variant like Sea Serpent. The vessel’s design includes adequate deck space and power reserves for these systems.
Impact: Extends strike range to 150–180 km, dramatically increasing deterrence value.
Integration Feasibility: Minimal structural modification; similar installations have been made on smaller HDF-2600 hulls.
2. Air Defense Enhancement via K-VLS
The Raja Sulayman’s design could feasibly accommodate a 4-cell K-VLS module, enabling the launch of K-SAAM (Haegung) missiles for point and limited area defense.
K-VLS Capacity: 4 cells, each capable of carrying one K-SAAM or compatible missile type
Missile Range: ~20 km (K-SAAM), expandable with future variants
Strategic Value: A compact vertical launch system would mark the Philippine Navy’s first VLS-equipped OPV, bridging the gap between patrol vessels and modern corvettes.
Challenges:
Requires internal reconfiguration near the foredeck and additional fire control integration.
Increased weight and power draw demand stronger onboard power management systems.
However, if successfully integrated, the K-VLS system would future-proof the class, enabling compatibility with next-generation munitions such as:
Anti-Ship Missiles: K-ASROC or LIG Nex1’s extended-range derivatives
Air Defense: Potential cross-compatibility with foreign systems (e.g., VL MICA NG)
3. Sensor and Combat System Upgrades
To support advanced weapons, the class would require:
Combat Management System (CMS): HHI’s Naval Shield or similar open architecture CMS
Fire Control Radar: Integration of 3D surveillance radar for missile cueing (e.g., Hanwha’s SPS-550K or Thales NS-50)
Electronic Warfare Suite: Soft-kill measures like decoy launchers and radar jammers
These enhancements elevate situational awareness and allow the Raja Sulayman to operate within a broader task group as a multi-role escort.
From OPV to Corvette: The Modular Transition
The Philippine Navy could follow a phased modernization approach:
1. Phase 1: Baseline OPV delivery and patrol mission optimization
2. Phase 2: Integration of surface strike and VLS systems
3. Phase 3: Sensor and CMS upgrade, conversion into a true light corvette
This approach minimizes cost while leveraging the ship’s modular infrastructure. With added VLS and anti-ship missiles, the Raja Sulayman-class would closely mirror the combat capability of smaller corvette classes like the Daegu-class Batch I or Singapore’s Independence-class.
Strategic Implications
Equipping the Raja Sulayman-class with K-VLS and anti-ship missiles transforms it from a presence vessel into a credible deterrent platform, capable of:
Area Denial Operations within the West Philippine Sea
Task Force Escort Missions for logistics convoys and amphibious elements
Joint Operations with Korean-built frigates for layered defense
The up-armed configuration ensures flexibility: a single class of ships could be deployed for constabulary duties during peacetime, and frontline defense during conflicts a critical capability for a navy constrained by limited hull numbers.
Conclusion
The Raja Sulayman-class is more than just another patrol ship it’s a modular foundation for future naval power. With incremental investment in K-VLS, missile integration, and sensor fusion, the Philippine Navy could transform these OPVs into compact, high-value corvettes that fill the capability gap between patrol vessels and frigates.
In essence, this class represents the Navy’s bridge toward self-reliant defense capability, blending endurance, modularity, and modernization potential into one platform.