Philippines considers buying submarines in order to improve its navy, as a result of China‘s increasing presence on the South China Sea.
Strategic Imperative
Manila has committed to an extensive military modernization program, allocating 35 billion dollars over the next ten years to upgrade its defense system. The initiative is aimed at strengthening security alliances between the United States, key regional partners such as Japan and Australia to meet evolving security challenges.
China’s aggressive claims to more than 90% the South China Sea are at the center of this new strategic approach. China, citing historical disputes, has increased its paramilitary, coast guard and naval presence inside the Philippines’ internationally recognized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In response to this increasing activity, the Philippines has had to reconsider its military posture and give priority in the acquisition of new naval assets.
Navy Modernization: The Submarine as a Key component
General Romeo Brawner Jr. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has highlighted the rising number of Chinese vessels that operate within the Philippine EEZ. Reuters reported that from 2021, the daily average count had risen to 286, highlighting the urgency of enhancing maritime surveillance and defence capabilities.
General Brawner stressed that the submarines were crucial to enhancing our country’s maritime power, and patrolling effectively its vast territorial waters. He said that obtaining at least two subs was a goal for the country. We are an island nation, and we need this capability. It’s very difficult to protect the archipelago if you don’t have submarines.” For maritime defense, submarine technology has unique benefits, such as stealth and extended operating range. It can also monitor and deter threats.
Although President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously stated that the Philippines would prioritize anti-submarine war (ASW), the purchase of submarines is still an important part of their long-term defence strategy. A timeline and possible supplier countries have yet to be revealed.
Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea has ordered 10 ships for the Philippines to strengthen its fleet. This year, the first vessel, a corvette is scheduled to arrive at the Philippine Navy. The acquisition is a reflection of the increasing defense cooperation between Seoul, Philippines and Manila. This partnership was upgraded to strategic last year.
Expert perspectives
Chester Cabalza is the president of International Development and Security Cooperation, a think-tank based in Manila. The importance of investing into submarines in order to protect the maritime interests of the Philippines was stressed. He told the South China Morning PostI hope Manila pays serious attention to the naval asset. Subs are needed to protect the archipelagos, exclusive economic zone and seabeds in the nation’s waters. They are both needed to modernize the military.” “Both are needed in achieving military modernization.”
Broader Defense Initiatives
Other initiatives are being pursued by the Philippines to modernize its defence, in addition the the purchase of the submarine. General Brawner has confirmed that the Philippines intends to purchase more BrahMos cruise missiles after the first batch was delivered last year.
Recent deployments of the U.S. Army Mid-Range Capability, also called the Typhon missile systems, have further exacerbated tensions. Typhon, which can fire Tomahawks, puts a large portion of China’s east coast within reach. Manila claims that it is being used for training on Philippine land, while China calls the action a “highly danger” escalated threat and demands its removal.