Philippine Navy submarine studies

[adroth]

The SND isn't letting this line of discussion go away.

DND mulls purchase of Russian weaponry
 May 25, 2017

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/990910

MANILA, May 25 — The Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time).

"Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days," he added.

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"If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities," the DND chief pointed out.

And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.

"We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe," Lorenzana pointed out.

[adroth]

Submarines needed to make PH Navy more respectable: Empedrad
ByPTV NEWS - ABPosted on February 22, 2018

http://ptvnews.ph/submarines-needed-make-ph-navy-respectable-empedrad/

MANILA — While pushing for the completion of the country’s first two missile-capable frigates, Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad said the country also needs to acquire submarines as they are the “future of naval warfare”.

When asked by Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on what other equipment the Navy needs to be fully modernized, during the Senate hearing on the Frigate Acquisition Project earlier this week, Empedrad said, “Sir, we have a lot of concerns in the Navy, your honor. But for me, the future of naval warfare is submarine warfare. And I believe that if we want to get the respect of other foreign countries or navies, we should acquire submarines.”

This, he said, is due to their stealthy nature, which makes them very difficult to detect.

Submarines are naval vessels that can operate in deep or shallow waters and are capable of carrying a variety of weapons that can be used to attack land, sea and air targets.

“Sabi nga nila, mahirap kalabanin iyong kalaban na hindi nakikita (As they say, it is difficult to contain an invisible enemy). So if we have submarines, I’m sure other powerful navies would respect the Philippine Navy – if we get the submarine, your honor,” Empedrad said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to acquire its own diesel-electric class submarines during the 2nd Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program, which is expected to begin this year and end in 2022. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

[adroth]

Will the Philippines Ever Realize its Submarine Dream?
A closer look at Manila’s pursuit of the capability.

By Prashanth Parameswaran
February 24, 2018
     
https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/will-the-philippines-ever-realize-its-submarine-dream/
 
This week, the Philippines’ new naval chief grabbed headlines when he said that the country should pursue submarines as part of its military modernization not only to add to its limited capabilities, but also to gain the respect of other regional actors. Though the comments were the subject of much local media coverage, they in fact represent just the latest restatement of the Philippine pursuit of the capability in spite of the significant challenges it faces in doing so.

The idea of the Philippines developing a submarine capability is not a new one and dates back to at least the 1990s. Since then, the Philippine government has studied the issue and taken some initial steps towards that long-term goal, including setting up a submarine office in 2013. And over the past few years, as more regional states had moved to either acquire submarines or expand or upgrade existing capabilities – not just China but also neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand – the idea has gained even more steam (See: “A New Plan to Manage Asia’s Submarine Race”).

To be sure, in reality, with the Philippines still one of the region’s weakest militaries and significant investments required in more basic capabilities as well to counter a series of internal and external challenges, a submarine capability would be an expensive investment – in terms of not just the equipment itself, but also the supporting people, technology, and facilities (See: “The Truth About Philippine Military Modernization and the China Threat”). But as part of a longer-term military modernization effort, a submarine capability would also admittedly be useful for helping address aspects of some of these challenges, including preserving the Philippine position in the South China Sea, or what is left of it (See: “Will a China-ASEAN South China Sea Code of Conduct Really Matter?”).

Within the current context of the ongoing Philippine military modernization program, which is divided into three horizons and phases out to 2028, a submarine capability has been expected to occur either in the Second Horizon (2018-2022) or the Third Horizon (2023 to 2028). Philippine defense officials have indicated that this is still the case under Duterte, even though few additional specifics have been provided, including the potential number of submarines as well as where they would be sourced from, whether new or old (See: “What’s Next for Philippine Military Modernization Under Duterte?”).

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[adroth]

See time index 2:59:07 in the video below:

https://youtu.be/yLJW6wdfffQ

Submarines needed to make PH Navy more respectable: Empedrad
ByPTV NEWS - ABPosted on February 22, 2018

http://ptvnews.ph/submarines-needed-make-ph-navy-respectable-empedrad/

MANILA — While pushing for the completion of the country’s first two missile-capable frigates, Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad said the country also needs to acquire submarines as they are the “future of naval warfare”.

When asked by Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on what other equipment the Navy needs to be fully modernized, during the Senate hearing on the Frigate Acquisition Project earlier this week, Empedrad said, “Sir, we have a lot of concerns in the Navy, your honor. But for me, the future of naval warfare is submarine warfare. And I believe that if we want to get the respect of other foreign countries or navies, we should acquire submarines.”

This, he said, is due to their stealthy nature, which makes them very difficult to detect.

Submarines are naval vessels that can operate in deep or shallow waters and are capable of carrying a variety of weapons that can be used to attack land, sea and air targets.

“Sabi nga nila, mahirap kalabanin iyong kalaban na hindi nakikita (As they say, it is difficult to contain an invisible enemy). So if we have submarines, I’m sure other powerful navies would respect the Philippine Navy – if we get the submarine, your honor,” Empedrad said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to acquire its own diesel-electric class submarines during the 2nd Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program, which is expected to begin this year and end in 2022. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

[adroth]

The latest installment. Only time will tell.

A great legacy for the country
Published March 25, 2018, 12:05 AM

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/25/a-great-legacy-for-the-country/

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The country is now steadily building up its forces under the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, the President told the PMA graduates. It has already acquired fighter jets, frigates, helicopters, arms and ammunition from South Korea and other countries. It has just acquired surveillance clones from the US. It plans to buy guided missile systems from Israel. And it plans to have its first submarine before 2020.

[redcomet_m]

well if ever PN wants that sub before or rather on 2020, they better be doing the legwork now. Vietnam got its 1st kilo 3 years after signing it in 2009. Further, is this the FOICs latest push, or are we just doing a maskirovka?

[slayermoonlight]

Wow! PN getting submarines before 2020?

Well... it's possible if they're planning to buy Submersibles and ROV's
http://tritonsubs.com/products-services/all-subs/

 

[Mr. Pitz]

This article from the Manila Bulletin slowly makes things a bit interesting.

https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/04/01/german-firm-keen-on-ph-defense-modernization/

German firm keen on PH defense modernization

Thyssenkrupp, a leading global industrial engineering company based in Germany, has expressed strong interest to participate in the country’s defense modernization program, particularly on military shipbuilding.

Heinrich Hiesinger, chairman of the executive board, said that being one of companies that is now focusing on defense side for military have expressed this interest to the government but said they are just on a standby for government decision.

“You know it’s your government’s choice, we as a company we have decided to focus very much on the defense side because commercial side in recent years has become so competitive that it’s primarily China and Korea,” he said.

By far, Hiesinger said, thyssenkrupp is number one globally in conventional submarines. They have expertise in frigates and submarines.

“We have very strong offering on defense side and if your government wants to grow that then definitely we are very interested to participate because partnership is even longer,” he said.

He explained that if ever they will be given the chance to participate in this project, the German firm will build it locally because it is a taxpayers’ money that government will be using and as such there should also be jobs that must be generated locally.

This means that if they receive an order for shipbuilding for defense, they will find a local shipyard for the construction of the military vessel.

He reiterated though that it is up to government to make decision because that would need a state budget.

“This is a sensitive topic. We never push because it is up for the government to make a decision. So we will just wait and if government makes a decision, we are standing aside because it belongs to sovereign decision of the state and country. If we are called, we very much respect the sovereign decision of the nation and country,” he stressed.

Hiesinger added that he is a very optimistic person and the main reason of his visit, aside from the opening of its regional hub in BGC, was to assess the state of opportunities in the country.

“The reason I did come is you know large organizations have tendency to underestimate opportunities,” he said noting that he once headed an organization here in another company and experienced how difficult to convince global CEOs of opportunities in booming markets like the Philippines.

“You cannot explain countries but need to visit countries, not just theory. To   grab a bit of flavor you have to come,” he said. On this visit, he discovered that the business he saw several years ago has now turned into a big one.

[adroth]

PH now looking for possible suppliers of diesel-electric submarines
By Priam Nepomuceno  June 11, 2018, 3:13 pm

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037854

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said the country is now looking for possible suppliers of diesel-electric submarines to beef up the Philippine Navy's capabilities.

"Tumitingin tayo sa (We are looking at) (South) Korea at Russia and other countries," he added.

According to Lorenzana, while the diesel-electric submarines are part of the Third Horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), which is slated for 2023 to 2028, there is a need to look into possible suppliers as building these undersea vessels takes a long time.

"Kasi yung paggawa ng submarine takes five to eight years eh, (The construction of submarines takes five to eight years) sometimes it takes 10 years," he added.

The DND chief also said that the Philippines needs to acquire diesel-submarines as its Southeast Asian neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam now possessed squadrons of these vastly capable underwater craft.

"Kailangan din naman natin (ang diesel-electric submarines) yan para meron naman tayong (deterrent and) security, kasi yung mga kapitbahay natin may mga submarines na eh, Malaysia, Indonesia, pati Singapore na napakaliit na bansa, at saka Vietnam, tayo na lang wala dito (We need diesel-electric submarins so we have a deterrent and security. It's because our neighbors already have submarines. Malaysia, Indonesia, even a small country like Singapore. Vietnam also has submarines. It is only us who do not have it)," he added.

The RAFPMP is divided into three horizons, the first of which was slated 2013 to 2017, the second from 2018 to 2022 and third, 2023 to 2028.

The Second Horizon calls for the acquisition of equipment more attuned to external defense missions, including jet fighters and other air assets and missile systems.

Acquired during the First Horizon were the three Gregorio Del Pilar cutters, three combat utility helicopters for the Navy, two naval attack helicopters, six MPACs (multi-purpose assault craft), eight combat utility helicopters for the Air Force and refurbishment of two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes, two strategic sealift vessels, 12 FA-50 fighter jets among others. (PNA)

[dr demented]

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038865

AFP to acquire diesel-electric subs in Phase 2 of modernization

By Priam Nepomuceno June 20, 2018, 6:30 pm

MANILA -- The acquisition of the country's first diesel-electric submarines will be brought forward to Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andololong said Wednesday.

The procurement of the naval craft was earlier scheduled for Horizon Three, which is expected to run from 2023 to 2028, while Horizon Two is scheduled from 2018 to 2022. The budget for the program is roughly placed at PHP300 billion.

Horizon One lasted from 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, and two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few.

"Hindi na (This is not included in Horizon Three anymore), pinush na dito sa (It was pushed to be included in Horizon Two), ngayon (now), how will this come to be, yan ang kailangan pag-aralan (that is what must be studied)," Andolong said.

He declined to give the exact number of diesel-electric submarines to be acquired but said it will be more than one.

"Oo, hindi lang isa kasi kung iisa lang balewala lang yun (Yes, it won't just be one because having only one would be useless)," the DND spokesperson said.

Andolong said the diesel-electric submarines would be a great equalizer in the country's naval arsenal once acquired.

He added that incumbent Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad can be credited for pushing the inclusion of diesel-electric submarines in Horizon Two.

Earlier, the PN chief said he fully supports all proposals that would allow the country to acquire its first diesel-electric submarines at the soonest possible time.

This, he said, is because undersea or submarine warfare is the trend in naval warfare as it is very difficult to fight an opponent that cannot be seen or detected due to its ability to go underwater.

In line with this program, Empedrad said the PN has already created a Submarine Group that is now sending Navy personnel for training on submarine operations in preparation for the country's eventual acquisition of the naval craft.

He added that this is necessary as submarine acquisition, including building the vessel, training, and support facilities, often takes seven to 10 years.

Empedrad added that the decision to acquire submarines for the Philippine military is bolstered by a recent conference he attended in London, where more modern navies are shown building up their submarine fleet and anti-submarine capabilities. (PNA)

[El_Filibusterismo1978]

What's the cheapest submarine in the market today?

[dr demented]

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038951

PH to have force projection capabilities with diesel-electric subs

By Priam Nepomuceno June 21, 2018, 10:34 am

MANILA -- Having a small squadron of diesel-electric submarines will give the Philippines force projection capabilities.

This was emphasized by Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in an interview Wednesday.

"(Once the Philippines acquires its first diesel-electric submarines), we will be joining the exclusive club (of) countries (operating these vessels). Pag sa Navy kasi, dalawa ang symbol ng (In the Navy, there are two symbols of) force projection, symbol of power, the aircraft carrier (which can sink all kinds of ships through its air power) and the submarine, kasi ang (because the) submarine mahirap ma-detect (is hard to detect), kayang magpalubog ng aircraft carrier kung makakalapit siya (once it is able to approach, it can make an aircraft carrier sink), so at least, (it is) cost effective in terms of defense," he added.

Earlier, Andolong said acquisition of the country's first diesel-electric submarines will be brought forward to Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

Procurement of the above-mentioned naval craft was earlier scheduled for Horizon Three which is expected to run from 2023 to 2028 while Horizon Two is scheduled from 2018 to 2022.

Budget for the program is roughly placed at PHP300 billion. Horizon One lasted from 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few.

"Hindi na (This is not included in Horizon Three anymore), pinush na dito sa (It was pushed to be included in Horizon Two), ngayon (now), how will this come to be, yan ang kailangan pag-aralan (that is what must be studied)," Andolong said.

He declined to give the exact number of diesel-electric submarines to be acquired but said it will be more than one. (PNA)

[adroth]

Philippines moves ahead with ‘second horizon’ modernisation
Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
21 June 2018
 
http://www.janes.com/article/81234/philippines-moves-ahead-with-second-horizon-modernisation?utm_campaign=CL_%20Jane%27s%20360-June-22-2018_PC5308_e-production_E-11307_KP_0622_0715&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

< Edited >

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has given approval to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to progress plans to procure a wide range of defence equipment under its ‘second horizon’ modernisation programme, which runs 2018–2022.

The state-run Philippines News Agency (PNA) reported on 20 June that the second horizon programme has been allocated “roughly PHP300 billion” (USD5.6 billion) and includes the procurement of a range of tactical military platforms including multirole combat aircraft and diesel–electric submarines.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong was quoted by the PNA as saying Duterte has approved the funding programme, which also encompasses an accelerated schedule for the submarine procurement. This was originally scheduled for the 2023–2027 third horizon but has now been moved forward, said Andolong. “This is not included in horizon three any more,” he said. “It has been pushed into horizon two [and the procurement] must be studied.”

< Edited >

PN officials have said the service requires at least two submarines and that the procurement was initiated in 2015 through the issue of a preliminary request for information (RFI). The PN has also established a submarine office that, as part of planning processes, is reviewing contemporary submarine designs and drawing up a concept of operations. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also confirmed in 2017 that the Russian-made Kilo-class submarine was one platform under consideration.

[adroth]

Dick Gordon commends AFP plan to purchase submarines
Published June 22, 2018, 4:07 PM
By Mario Casayuran

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/22/dick-gordon-commends-afp-plan-to-purchase-submarines/

Senator Richard J. Gordon doffed his hat off to the Department of National Defense (DND) for its plan to buy submarines as part of its military upgrade amid growing security challenges in the Southeast Asian region.

Gordon said the earlier than expected acquisition is a ‘’step in the right direction.’’

< Edited >

A few years ago, the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the appointment of a Philippine Navy officer who was subsequently sent to train on submarine warfare in Germany.

The DND has announced that the purchase of submarines had been moved from the military’s shopping list under Horizon 3 to Horizon 2. Projects under Horizon 2 will be implemented from 2018 to 2022, while Horizon 3 projects will run from 2023 to 2028.

< Edited >

[adroth]

https://amti.csis.org/the-next-phase-of-philippine-military-modernization-looking-to-external-defense/

The Next Phase of Philippine Military Modernization: Looking to External Defense

By Renato Cruz de Castro | July 12, 2018
AMTI Update

President Rodrigo Duterte recently decided to bankroll the second phase of the 15-year Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program. The plan for the program involves three five-year phases, or “horizons.” The first horizon, which began in 2013 and ended in 2017, involved purchases of military hardware mainly for internal security challenges, though it included some big-ticket air and naval acquisitions for external defense. The second horizon, which will be implemented from 2018 to 2022, entails an ambitious transition period wherein the AFP will shift its arms acquisitions away from internal security to territorial defense. This will require a huge allocation of 300 billion pesos (about $5.6 billion).

< Edited >

The acquisition of submarines was originally planned for the third horizon (2023-2028). But the current navy chief, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, lobbied for the immediate inclusion of diesel-electric submarines in horizon two. He argued that undersea operations are a trend in naval warfare and its lack of submarines would disadvantage the AFP in any future conflict. The Department of Defense (DND) supported Empedrad, saying that diesel-electric submarines would be a great equalizer in the country’s naval arsenal. The DND declined to provide an exact number of submarines that the navy will buy, but said that it will be more than one. To show it is serious about the project, the navy has formed a Submarine Group that is now sending personnel abroad for training in undersea operations. The navy estimates that its acquisition of submarines, including building the vessels, training officers and crews, and the provision of support facilities will take 7 to 10 years.

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