The Philippine Navy is set to enhance its maritime capabilities with plans to procure 10 more Acero-class gunboats, a move aimed at bolstering its presence in the South China Sea amidst increasing regional tensions. This expansion follows the successful integration of the first two Acero-class vessels, which are designed for various missions, including patrol, reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance.
The acquisition of these additional vessels is part of the Philippine government’s broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and improve its maritime security. The Acero-class gunboats, characterized by their versatility and self-sustained operational capabilities, are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing naval operations in the archipelago’s complex maritime landscape.
“The additional Acero-class gunboats will significantly boost our operational capacity and enable us to better protect our maritime interests,” stated Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Chief of the Philippine Navy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust naval presence in response to the ongoing challenges posed by various territorial disputes in the region.
The Philippine Navy’s initiative aligns with a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their naval forces in light of geopolitical tensions, particularly involving China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea. Experts suggest that the increased naval presence from the Philippines and its neighbors is essential for upholding freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability.
The acquisition process will be initiated in the coming months, with the Philippine Navy working closely with local and international defense contractors to finalize the details. As the military modernization program progresses, the Philippine Navy aims to establish a more capable and responsive fleet to address both conventional and non-conventional threats.
