Philippines buys dozens of new patrol boats from France, Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard is set to acquire at least 49 new patrol boats to boost maritime security amid a volatile maritime environment.

At the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea, Philippine Coast Guard Commander Ronnie Gil Gavan said: "Starting in 2027, we will add at least 49 ships to our fleet. This will double the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard."

Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua arrives at Palawan port (Philippines) on September 15, 2024

According to This Week in Asia , Mr. Gavan said that the Philippines will buy 40 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPCs) with a length of about 35 meters from France. The deal is funded by official development assistance from the French government and was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Council on November 5.

The French official development assistance loan package is worth up to US$438 million, including a nine-year logistics support program along with additional equipment. According to Mr. Gavan, this agreement differs from other official development assistance packages in that it combines local elements and technology transfer. Accordingly, 20 ships will be built in France and 20 ships will be manufactured in the Philippines.

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NEDA Secretary General Arsenio Balisacan said the project is in line with the Philippines’ goal of enhancing maritime security. The new FPCs will help prevent smuggling and illegal activities, while ensuring the enforcement of sovereignty in key maritime areas, Balisacan said.

In addition to the ship purchase, security cooperation between France and the Philippines is also expanding significantly. French forces have participated in military exercises with the Philippines, including the Balikatan 2024 joint exercise.

In addition, according to the South China Morning Post , the Philippine Coast Guard will also receive five 97-meter-long vessels from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Corporation (Japan) with an expected delivery date of 2027. The above deal is funded by a $507 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

France and Japan have not commented on the above information.

The Philippine Coast Guard will also increase its strength by 7,000 personnel, bringing it to about 37,000 by the end of 2025, Gavan said. "With this move, I hope the Philippines will have one of the most manned coast guards in the world," Gavan said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/philippines-mua-hang-chuc-tau-tuan-tra-moi-tu-phap-nhat-ban-185241113170307104.htm