The Philippine Navy announced on Wednesday plans to procure two additional corvette warships and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) as part of the third phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, known as “Re-Horizon 3.”
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), shared the updates during an interview with Dobol B TV.
Continuing Modernization
A budget of $35 billion (more than ₱2 trillion) has been allocated for the Re-Horizon 3 phase. According to Trinidad, the modernization program is a long-term initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities across various domains, including cyber, command and control, and land, sea, and air operations.
“This is not a one-shot deal. It’s a continuing program with regular assessments to develop our capability,” he emphasized.
Strengthening Naval Capabilities
This year, the Department of National Defense revised the modernization program, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approving the updated plans.
As part of these efforts, the government previously signed a ₱28-billion contract in 2021 with South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries for two modern corvettes, which are still in progress.
The Navy’s new acquisition plans come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where disputes over territorial claims involve the Philippines, China, and several other Southeast Asian nations.
Continuing Patrols Despite Tensions
Rear Admiral Trinidad affirmed that the Navy will continue patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite China’s aggressive actions in the region. He emphasized that the Philippine Navy would exercise restraint and avoid provocation.
Last week, China’s Coast Guard launched water cannon attacks and sideswiped a Philippine BFAR vessel near the Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippines continues to uphold its rights in the WPS, backed by a 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines.
Despite the ruling declaring China’s claims in the South China Sea as having “no legal basis,” Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.
Looking Ahead
With these planned acquisitions, the Philippine Navy is taking significant steps to bolster its maritime defense capabilities and assert its presence in contested waters.