Philippines equips Rajah Sulayman-class OPV with acoustic device
The Philippine Navy's first Rajah Sulayman-class OPV, seen here at its commissioning ceremony in February 2026. Sitep Italia's MASS SX-424(V)122 turrets can be seen on the vessel's monkey deck in this image. (Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Manila's first Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) has become the first Philippine Navy ship to be equipped with acoustic hailers.
In response to questions from Janes, representatives from Sitep Italia confirmed that it has supplied the company's multirole acoustic stabilised system, MASS SX-424(V)122, to the Philippine Navy.
The system has been customised for the Philippine Navy, the representatives said, without giving further specifics on this.
Major features of the system include high-intensity, long-range acoustic, and dazzling laser emissions; electro-optical sensors; and a searchlight.
The MASS SX-424(V)122 also has the ability to record the audio messages sent and the video stream it receives from the electro-optical sensors.
Rajah Sulayman is the first of six OPVs that have been ordered from South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a USD573 million contract signed in June 2022.
The vessel was commissioned into service in February 2026 together with the Philippine Navy's ninth Nestor Acero (Shaldag Mk V)-class fast attack craft.
Although the Philippine Navy did not make an announcement of the weapons fit for these vessels, images of the commissioning ceremony released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) via its social media pages indicate that Rajah Sulayman has been incorporated with two acoustic hailer turrets.
Both turrets are located in a forward-facing orientation on the vessel's monkey island.
Rajah Sulayman
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
