PN would Still Chase for the Transfer of Another 3 Cyclone-class?

27 Maret 2023

USS Chinook PC-9 of the US Navy (photo : Wiki)

Latest Update Acquisition of 5 decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol boats of the US for the PN

The Philippine Navy confirmed that plan to acquire additional Cyclone class Littoral Patrol Vessels that are being gradually decommissioned by US Navy.

While the Philippine Navy plan together listed five decommissioned Cyclone class Patrol Vessels, this would all depend on PN Joint Inspection Team for the valuation of the ship's seaworthiness and efficiency.

So far the Philippine Navy confirmed in 2022 that they inspected the USS Monsoon (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9) in Bahrain. 

USS Monsoon PC-4 of the US Navy (photo : Navysite)

If the Philippine Navy is slow in securing these remaining ships, chances are it would end up with nothing. Bahrain, which already has 5 Cyclone-class ships, and Egypt are close by and could be interested in taking the remaining ones.

The US Government transferred 3 Cyclone-class patrol vessels to the Egyptian Navy on 21 March 2023 during formal ceremonies held at Alexandria, Egypt.

We received confirmation from Philippine Navy sources that the PN Inspection Team sent to Manama, Bahrain 2 weeks ago to inspect two Cyclone-class patrol boats of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.

The boats, the USS Monsoon (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9) are both still active with the US Navy, but are scheduled for retirement soon.

BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38) is the lone ship of the Cyclone class of coastal patrol ships in service with the Philippine Navy (photo : Modernize the PN)

These boats are sisterships of the Philippine Navy's BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), which was formerly the USS Cyclone (PC-1) of the US Navy.

It remains to be seen if the PN Inspection Team found the ships to be acceptable for transfer to the Philippine Navy. 

It also remains to be seen if the PN would still chase for the transfer of another 3 Cyclone-class patrol boats to reach the 5 ships that they were hoping to get to equip 2 Patrol Boat divisions of 3 boats each.

(Update PH)