On 24 February the Philippine Navy christened and commissioned the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) and the fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910) during a ceremony with General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as Guest of Honour, at the Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.
“As these ships enter service, they join a Philippine Navy that is forward-looking and mission-ready. They join a force that understands the complexities of our time – a force that balances firmness with diplomacy, vigilance with professionalism. The commissioning of a ship is the beginning of a commitment. From this day forward, PS20 and PG910 will sail into waters that demand competence, composure, and courage,” General Brawner said.
The Philippine Navy in their media release stated that the “ceremony formally commissioned the two vessels into service which strengthen the Navy’s ability to conduct maritime security operations, territorial defence, and sustained presence at sea. Rajah Sulayman, the lead ship of the Rajah-Sulayman-class OPVs reflects the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts to build a modern, multi-capable, self-reliant, and credible force.”
There will be six ships in the Rajah-Sulayman-class which are being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. They displace 2,400 tonnes with a length of 94.5 metres and have a maximum speed of 24 knots. They are armed with one 76 mm gun, two 30mm guns and one helicopter and up to two UAVs. The ships also have a mission bay for multi-mission modules and a towed array.
The Audrey Bañares is named after Philippine Navy SEAL Team member Engineman Third Class Jose Audrey A Bañares PN who was killed during the 2013 Zamboanga City Crisis. The Audrey Bañares is the ninth FAIC in the Acero class. Based on the Israeli Shalag V design, these 95 tonne, 32 metre ships have maximum speed of ~40 knots and are armed with one 30mm gun. Some of the class are also armed with the Spike-NLOS anti-surface missile.
The Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Quiatchon Ezpeleta said,
“Both ships are tangible representations of our commitment to protect our seas and secure our people. BRP Rajah Sulayman is considered the first of her class, and as a modern offshore patrol vessel newly acquired for the fleet, she harnesses our capacity for sustained operations to bolster national defence. BRP Audrey Bañares adds depth and versatility to our patrol forces, reinforcing readiness and adaptability to address both traditional and emerging maritime security challenges. As both vessels take their place within our fleet, I have no doubt that they shall be vital contributors to the conduct of our operations at sea and to the growth of our Navy.”
Sources: Including Philippine Navy
