ROK OPV for PI, Now with OTO, Ok? OK!
The Philippine Navy holds an arrival ceremony on May 8, 2026, for Offshore Patrol Vessel 2, the future BRP Rajah Lakandula, at Naval Operating Base-Subic. The event is led by PN Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta with Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia. Photo courtesy: Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), has arrived in the country from Hyundai in Korea for a pending commissioning, just 14 weeks after her sister.
The 2,400-ton/310-foot Rajah Sulayman-class OPV is a heavy hitter for her size, carrying a 76mm/62 cal OTO Super Rapid forward, two 30mm RWS mounts, and two stabilized .50 cals backed up by a Leonardo 2D air/surface surveillance radar, an EW suite including IR and RF decoys, a heli/UAV-deck and hangar, and a mission bay that supports a towed array sonar.
Philippine Navy’s BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20), with the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), during a pass ex evolution on January 17, 2026.
BRP Rajah Sulayman OPV (PS-20)
It would be nice to see the U.S. Navy and USCG move back to a 76mm (if not 5-inch) gun from the current 57mm Mk 3/Mk 110 Bofors mount.
And maybe some ASW stuff.
Just saying.
We used to be a proper country.