The Philippines has received formally the BRP Miguel Malvar, a high-capability corvette-class warship, Thursday in a gesture as Beijing continues to threaten Manila in South China Sea. The 3,200-tonne warship of advanced weapons and radar enables the country to achieve a major milestone in the path of self-reliant and credible defence strategy.
Seized by a 2021 purchase from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, the Miguel Malvar is the initial of 2 ships meant to improve the Philippine Navy’s naval power. Its sister ship, the BRP Diego Silang, was launched out this month at Ulsan and is anticipated to arrive later afterwards.
“This ship goes beyond being a deterrent. It is our commitment also to defend our waters and at the same time to work in harmony with our regional friends,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated during the commissioning rites held at Subic Bay. 
The deployment comes in the wake of intensifying clashes between Philippine and Chinese ships in contested waters where Beijing asserts vast claims that were invalidated in 2016 by an international tribunal.
In another part, the Philippine Coast Guard took delivery of 20 surveillance drones donated by Australia that will boost maritime patrols and decrease operational risks.
“These drones outstretch our reach and save crank needed resources,” noted PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan.
In the time following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assuming the presidency in 2022, the Philippines has increased its military modernization. Recent measures comprise proposals to purchase the U.S.-manufactured Typhon missile system and suggested purchase of F-16 fighter jets worth $5.58 billion reflects an open shift in regional defense policies.
