Philippines reveals more details about submarine acquisition plans

The Philippines has revealed more details about its plans to acquire its first-ever diesel-electric attack submarines.

Speaking to the state-owned Philippines News Agency (PNA) on 7 June, then-Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, who retired the following day upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, said Manila has earmarked PHP70 billion (USD1.47 billion) for the acquisition of two submarines along with an integrated logistics support package (ILS). Also included is infrastructure work on naval facilities to accommodate the boats.

“That's the package, but regarding the details as to who will be the contractor, we have not reached that part because that will be determined in the bidding,” the PNA quoted Vice Adm Bacordo as saying, adding that besides France and South Korea, Turkey and India have also expressed interest in bidding for the PN programme.

The now-retired vice admiral, who was replaced as PN chief by Rear Admiral Adeluis Bordado on 8 June, also said that Singapore is interested in selling some of its older submarines to the PN, but noted that “there is no formal offer yet, only through some intermediaries”. At the same time, he clarified that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the PN want to acquire new submarines for the fleet.