The Philippine Navy is set to acquire two submarines under the final phase of its military modernization program (Horizon Three) to strengthen maritime defense. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner confirmed the plan, calling it a long-term goal for the archipelagic nation.
Despite its 7,641 islands and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Philippines has never operated submarines. Since 2016, the Navy has prioritized frigates, corvettes, and offshore patrol vessels, with former Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci emphasizing the need to enhance submarine detection, ASW capabilities, and maintenance facilities before acquiring attack boats.
With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the revised USD 35 billion (PHP 1.96 trillion) Horizon Three program now includes submarines alongside anti-ship missiles, warships, and fighter jets. Leading contenders are France’s Naval Group, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, and Spain’s Navantia.
Hanwha Ocean offers the KSS-III PN and Ocean 1400PN, the latter allowing local maintenance and a full torpedo/mine complement. Naval Group’s Scorpène-class submarine proposal includes an expansion of Naval Operating Base Subic for submarine training and upkeep.
With growing security challenges, the Philippine Navy sees submarines as essential for protecting territorial waters and ensuring maritime security.
(Source: Naval News)
