AFP Eyes 2 Subs to Beef up Defensive Capabilities

14 Februari 2025

Philippines plans first ever submarine fleet (photo: Hanwha Ocean)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said the military is keen on acquiring at least two submarines of the diesel-electric type as part of its ongoing modernization program.

"Hopefully, we can achieve that, within the specified time. Remember what we need is really funds in order for us to achieve the objectives that (is) set for the Horizon 3 of the (AFP) Modernization Program," he said.

The AFP Modernization Program has three Horizons. Horizon 1 was scheduled from 2013 to 2017; Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 3, from 2023 to 2028.

However,  the Horizon 3 acquisition list was overhauled into Re-Horizon 3, which was approved in January 2024, and slated to last for 10 years.

The budget for the AFP's submarine acquisition program was placed between PHP80 billion to PHP110 billion.

This is for two submarines along with basing and other logistical requirements.

The AFP chief said a submarine capability is crucial, considering that the Philippines is an archipelago.

However, Brawner admitted that funding for the AFP's modernization projects is not enough and this prompted them to look into local and foreign financing to fund the upgrades. 

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said they expect Chinese Research Vessel Lan Hai 101 to be out of the country's exclusive economic zone "just after midnight" Thursday.

As of 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, Trinidad said the Chinese ship was some 71 nautical miles west-northwest of Sabtang Island, Batanes, cruising at 10.5 knots. 

(PNA)

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