The Philippine Coast Guard clarified that the ship is a law enforcement vessel and is designed to conduct environmental and humanitarian missions, as well as maritime security operations and patrol missions.[1]
The ship was designed with a bulletproof navigation bridge, and is equipped with fire monitors, night vision capability, a work boat, and radio direction finder capability.[2]
The ship will be equipped with communications and radio monitoring equipment from Rohde & Schwarz, specifically the M3SR Series 4400 and Series 4100 software-defined communication radios, and DDF205 radio monitoring equipment. These equipment enhances the ship's reconnaissance, pursuit and communications capabilities.[3]
Construction, delivery and commissioning
BRP Suluan underwent sea trials since June 2017 until it was delivered. On 7 August 2017, Philippine Coast Guard formally received the ship at a ceremony held on Philippine Coast Guard headquarters in Manila.[4]
She was commissioned into service on November 21, 2017, together with the Шаблон:BRP and Шаблон:BRP.[5]
BRP Suluan participated in the field training phase of SEACAT 2017 Exercise.[6]
In November 2018, the BRP Suluan participated in a joint anti-piracy drill with the Japan Coast Guard ship Echigo (PLH-08) and PCG ships the Шаблон:BRP and Шаблон:BRP. The drill was held in Manila Bay and featured the mock hijacking of a vessel and arrest of the perpetrators aboard the ship.[7]