Two Frigates Undergoing Bidding Part of PN's Minimum Credible Defense Posture Program

Two additional frigates plus one more Hamilton-class cutter are in the pipeline of PN's program (photo : Militaryphotos)

MANILA (PNA) -- The two frigates, now undergoing bidding, is part of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s program which aims to provide the country with a minimum credible defense posture.

This was stressed by PN public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic in an interview with the PNA.

"The two frigates seek to provide the PN, and in connection, the Philippine Fleet, with a capability to defend and protect the country's territorial waters.

He was referring to the two missile-armed frigates now undergoing bidding for Php 18 billion.

These ships are expected to be in service in 2017 once the bidding is completed.

These ships will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

The brandnew frigates will also be capable of electronic warfare.

Aside from this, the frigates, according to their technical specifications, must be capable of performing of extended maritime patrol with an embarked naval helicopter and extended maritime surveillance capability through air-and-surface-search radar, and sound navigation and ranging (sonar) for sub-surface search.

He added that the ongoing acquisition process for the two frigates which will be armed and fitted a variety of air-to-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine weapons and sensors, is part of the PN's envisioned force mix.

This includes six frigates for anti-air warfare, 12 corvettes for anti-submarine warfare, 18 offshore patrol vessels, three submarines, three anti-mine vessels, four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.

Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.

The PN needs an estimated Php 497-billion to make this project a reality.

Earlier, PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea will be boosted with the arrival of its more modern ships.

"With the two additional frigates plus one more Hamilton-class cutter in the pipeline, that will assure us of a 24/7 presence in the West Philippine Sea," Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said. 

(PNA)