Philippines gears up for its maiden submarine acquisition amid Southeast Asian Naval race.

According to information published by Inquirer on May 30, 2023, the Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., confirmed that his government intends to procure the nation's inaugural submarine.
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French built Royal Malaysian Navy's Scorpene class submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

He also mentioned that several countries, including France, have offered to build submarines for the Philippines.

Previously, the French Ambassador to the Philippines, Michèle Boccoz, affirmed that ongoing negotiations were taking place between France and the Marcos government concerning the potential procurement of the Philippines' first submarine.

In anticipation of this acquisition, the Philippine Navy has commenced the process of sending staff to France for related training. 

Several Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore already have submarines, making the Philippines' acquisition crucial in maintaining a balance of power within the region. It signifies the nation's intent to not just match, but potentially exceed the maritime capabilities of its neighbors.

The Philippines has one of the world's longest coastlines and is involved in multiple territorial disputes. The procurement of a submarine can act as a deterrent, underscoring the Philippines' ability and determination to protect its territorial sovereignty.

The Indonesian Navy boasts a varied fleet that includes the German-made Type 209 and South Korean-made Chang Bogo class submarines. Malaysia, on the other hand, leverages the technological superiority of the West. Its naval forces possess two Scorpène-class submarines, built in cooperation by France and Spain.

These advanced submarines, equipped with stealth features, modern torpedoes, missiles, and mine-laying capabilities, underscore Malaysia's desire for a highly sophisticated and effective underwater fleet.

With six Kilo-class submarines procured from Russia, the Vietnam People's Navy operates some of the quietest and most effective submarines suitable for the coastal regions' shallow waters.