Manila, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) has announced to acquire submarines sooner than of the original planned under the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program. President Rodrigo Duterte finally approved Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernation Program (RAFPMP) which now includes the acquisition of diesel powered submarines which is originally planned under Horizon 3.
Horizon 1 has already executed the purchase of 12 FA-50 jet fighters from South Korea, three Navy Frigates, two strategic sealift vessels and among thers.
The second phase, Horizon will be initiated from 2018 to 2022 that has a budget of around P300-B while the third horizon will follow on 2013 until 2028. At the press briefing on Wednesday in Cubao, Quezon City, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andalong said all three major services - Army, Air Force and Navy - have put in their request and were approved.
Horizon 1 has already executed the purchase of 12 FA-50 jet fighters from South Korea, three Navy Frigates, two strategic sealift vessels and among thers.
The second phase, Horizon will be initiated from 2018 to 2022 that has a budget of around P300-B while the third horizon will follow on 2013 until 2028. At the press briefing on Wednesday in Cubao, Quezon City, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andalong said all three major services - Army, Air Force and Navy - have put in their request and were approved.
“And in the Navy, you will find this interesting, aside from the two frigates that are currently being constructed we will also purchase additional… and we will have corvettes and submarines,” Andolong said.
Numbers of unit are still uncertain but, Andolong said it will be more than one, although they really wanted four but that would require huge amount.
“We will be joining the exclusive club of countries [with submarines]. In the Navy there are two symbols of force projection, symbol of power — those are the aircraft carrier and submarines,” said Andolong.
The Defense official noted that having submarines will prove to be cost effective in terms of defense aside from the fact that it is hard to detect and can sink and aircraft carrier if a threat comes close.
“If they know you have submarines, they will start to respect the Philippine Navy,” Andolong added.
The Defense official noted that having submarines will prove to be cost effective in terms of defense aside from the fact that it is hard to detect and can sink and aircraft carrier if a threat comes close.
“If they know you have submarines, they will start to respect the Philippine Navy,” Andolong added.
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