Philippine Navy eyes acquisition of anti-submarine corvettes amid rising maritime threats.

According to information published by the Philippine News Agency on December 3, 2024, the Philippine Navy (PN) has announced plans to enhance its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with the acquisition of additional platforms, as security concerns intensify in the region. Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), revealed during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, that proposals have been submitted for two more corvettes or frigates.
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South Korean built Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap. (Picture source: US DoD)

The move comes amid increasing security threats, including the recent sighting of a Russian diesel-electric submarine near Mindoro Occidental in the West Philippine Sea on November 28. This development has raised national security concerns and underscored the need for modern naval assets to address these challenges effectively.

This effort aligns with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, particularly under its Re-Horizon 3 initiative. The program aims to include additional corvettes, frigates, and other ASW capabilities to enhance operational readiness.

The PN currently operates two missile frigates—BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151)—which are equipped with ASW systems. To further strengthen its fleet, the Philippine Navy has ongoing projects, including the construction of guided missile corvettes and offshore patrol vessels, alongside additional landing docks being built by regional shipyards.

The Philippine Navy faces considerable challenges in securing its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from the growing threat of foreign submarines. These challenges are rooted in the Navy's limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, a lack of specialized assets, and insufficient underwater surveillance infrastructure.

The vast expanse of the Philippine EEZ, encompassing over 2.2 million square kilometers, is challenging to monitor effectively. This difficulty is exacerbated by the strategic importance of the South China Sea, a region that has seen a marked increase in foreign naval activities, including submarine operations. The Navy's current fleet, while undergoing modernization, is primarily focused on surface warfare, leaving it underprepared to detect and track underwater threats. Advanced ASW technologies, such as variable-depth sonar and magnetic anomaly detectors, remain scarce within the fleet, highlighting a critical gap in maritime security.

Addressing these vulnerabilities will require a holistic approach to modernization and capacity-building. Investments in ASW-capable platforms, such as modern frigates, corvettes, and maritime patrol aircraft, are essential.

Strengthening the Navy’s ASW capabilities is essential not only for defending the country’s maritime sovereignty but also for ensuring regional stability. The Philippines must prioritize these advancements to secure its vital maritime resources and maintain its strategic position in a contested region.