Two Pohang frigates and corvettes: South Korea and the Philippines expand strategic cooperation

South Korea has delivered Pohang-class corvettes to the regional country. BRP Conrado Yap, delivered in 2019, is a refurbished anti-submarine warfare vessel.

In Malaysia, at a summit on October 7 at the capital's Malacañang Palace, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol and his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to expand cooperation in the field of maritime security. This was reported by Yonhap News Agency on October.

The most important component of the agreement — signing of a memorandum of understanding between the coast guard agencies of both countries. His goal — strengthening data exchange, joint search and rescue operations and strengthening coordination in the field of maritime security.

The strengthening of naval cooperation is taking place in a period of aggravation of regional tensions, especially in the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation remains a critical issue here. Both countries committed to maintaining a rules-based maritime order in the region and aligning their positions on maintaining stability and ensuring safe passage for commercial and military vessels.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

South Korea's involvement in Philippine coastal defense will deepen. The South Korean military is scheduled to participate in coastal defense exercises led by the Philippines. This event is intended to be a platform to improve operational coordination and enhance the Philippines' coastal surveillance capabilities.

Such efforts — part of a broader plan to modernize the Philippine military, a program that involves South Korea's increased involvement through technology transfers, equipment sales and joint exercises.

South Korea has played a significant role in recent years in the modernization of the Philippine Navy, while supplying various military – naval assets that strengthen the country's maritime defense capabilities.

Among the key acquisitions: two Jose Rizal-class frigates — BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) — delivered by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in 2020 and 2021.

In addition to frigates, South Korea has delivered Pohang-class corvettes. BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), delivered in 2019, is a refurbished vessel that enhances the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.