Naval Group opens Manila office in pursuit of submarine deal

Naval Group has opened an office in Manila with a view to meeting the Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) requirement to procure diesel-electric submarines over the next few years.

The French naval shipbuilder said on 26 November that the opening of the representative office “signifies the first step of a long-term commitment of co-operation and partnership in developing naval capabilities for the country”.

Naval Group added that through its new office it will aim to support the Philippines in not only its procurement of submarines but in developing associated industrial partnerships and supply chains, as well as related facilities and capabilities.

The group added that it had demonstrated its commitment to support “military capabilities and economic growth” in regional countries including India, Malaysia and Australia where Naval Group is delivering major submarine programmes in partnership with local industry.

Alain Guillou, Naval Group’s senior executive vice-president of development, said, “We are the only provider with previous experience in helping a country develop a submarine force from scratch and we stand ready to assist the Philippine Navy by providing the submarines but also setting up the training, facilities, and supply chain required to operate a fully operational submarine fleet.”

The PN has identified the procurement of submarines as a priority during its ‘Horizon Two’ modernisation programme, which runs until 2022.

The submarine procurement, which will feature an initial two units, was originally included in the 2023-2027 Horizon Three phase but was moved forward in 2018 to reflect growing requirements in the Philippines to secure its territory in the South China Sea.