The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
(PTV News)
See Also :
Philippines outlines plans to acquire surplus US ships
14 Januari 2014
The Philippine military is seeking to procure two former US naval vessels under an agreement with the United States that will seek to boost the Philippine Navy's (PN's) maritime awareness and capability at sea.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters during a press briefing on 15 January that funding will come from a military assistance package provided by the US government.
The USD40 million package was announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry in Manila on 17 December 2013.
While not elaborating, military sources said the Philippines will probably seek two additional US Coast Guard (USCG) Hamilton-class high endurance cutters or smaller offshore patrol craft.
(Jane's)
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