Breaking News: Philippines Accelerates Submarine Procurement to Counter Growing Chinese Naval Threats.

Facing increasing maritime coercion from China in the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is fast-tracking its plan to acquire submarines, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s maritime defense strategy. With aggressive Chinese incursions into the West Philippine Sea, part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Manila is intensifying efforts to establish an undersea warfare capability that can serve as both a deterrent and a strategic force multiplier amid intensifying regional tensions.
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Philippines accelerates submarine procurement as a strategic response to rising Chinese naval threats and incursions in the South China Sea. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group Editing)

Over the past year, the Philippine Navy has confronted a growing number of hostile activities by Chinese maritime forces, including the China Coast Guard and maritime militia. These include unauthorized patrols, obstruction of resupply missions to Philippine-held outposts, and harassment of local fishermen. Tensions have flared particularly around contested areas such as Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese vessels have used water cannons and aggressive maneuvering to block Philippine operations. Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China’s sweeping claims, Beijing has continued its expansive activities unabated. These developments have galvanized the Philippine defense establishment to prioritize the acquisition of submarines, assets that offer stealth, persistence, and strategic deterrence.

General Romeo Brawner Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, emphasized the importance of this capability. “We are an archipelago, so we have to have this type of capability because it’s really difficult to defend that entire archipelago without submarines,” he noted. Submarines provide the Philippines with the means to monitor maritime traffic, gather intelligence covertly, and project influence beneath contested waters, all without exposing surface assets to detection or interference. They are critical for enforcing sovereignty, deterring gray-zone operations, and ensuring strategic depth in a region marked by asymmetric threats.

The planned submarine procurement falls under the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, which was approved in January 2024. With an allocated budget of PHP 80 billion to PHP 110 billion (approximately USD 1.4 to 2 billion), the program envisions the acquisition of at least two modern diesel-electric submarines over the next decade. It also includes the development of shore-based infrastructure, training centers, logistical support systems, and maintenance facilities, creating a complete ecosystem to support long-term submarine operations.

Four major international defense contractors have formally submitted proposals to supply submarines tailored to the operational and strategic needs of the Philippine Navy. France’s Naval Group has proposed the battle-proven Scorpène-class submarine, which has already been adopted by several navies including those of India, Brazil, and Malaysia. The offer to the Philippines includes a comprehensive support package: construction of a submarine base at Subic’s Agila Shipyard, extensive personnel training, and a long-term financial loan arrangement to ease acquisition costs. The Scorpène is known for its acoustic stealth, robust sonar suite, and the ability to deploy torpedoes and missiles for anti-surface and land attack roles.

Spain’s Navantia has entered the competition with its advanced S-80 Plus-class submarine, a platform characterized by air-independent propulsion (AIP), long endurance, and a high degree of automation. The Spanish proposal also includes the establishment of a new submarine base and training facility in Ormoc, Leyte. Designed for deep-sea and long-duration patrols, the S-80 Plus enhances force projection and is capable of carrying out diverse missions including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and maritime interdiction.

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is offering the Jangbogo-III PN, a customized variant of its KSS-III submarine. The vessel integrates advanced sonar systems, large-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and reduced acoustic signatures. South Korea's proposal extends beyond just hardware, encompassing full-spectrum training programs, maintenance cooperation, and technology transfer, following a model successfully implemented in Indonesia and Seoul’s domestic fleet. The KSS-III’s modular architecture and future upgrade potential make it a flexible choice for evolving threats.

Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Italy’s Fincantieri have jointly submitted a proposal for the U212 Near Future Submarine (NFS), a next-generation platform featuring hydrogen fuel cell AIP technology and an ultra-quiet propulsion system. With outstanding stealth and endurance, the U212 NFS is designed for multi-role operations in contested waters. The European consortium’s offer highlights not only cutting-edge technology but also long-term strategic cooperation, including lifecycle support and potential co-production arrangements with Philippine industry partners.

As these proposals are evaluated, the submarine acquisition initiative stands as a crucial element of the Philippines' national defense transformation. It represents a clear commitment to securing the country’s maritime rights and strengthening its ability to deter coercive behavior in the South China Sea. More than a military procurement, this effort signals a strategic pivot toward self-reliance, deterrence, and the assertion of international law in one of the world’s most volatile maritime theaters. The final selection will shape the operational future of the Philippine Navy and its posture in the evolving Indo-Pacific security environment.