The Philippines continues to accelerate its naval modernisation to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The recent launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the first of two corvettes ordered from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in 2021, marks a significant step in this process. The second corvette is due to launch by year-end, with both vessels joining the fleet within the next few years. These corvettes, along with Jose Rizal-class frigates received earlier in 2016 and the upcoming Wonhae-class offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), will bolster the Philippines’ naval capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market Forecast 2024-2034” reveals that Philippine investment in procuring various types of naval vessels is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during 2024-34. The need to update its naval fleet as part of the country’s naval modernisation program is primarily responsible for such growth.
Venkatesh Kandlikar, Aerospace & Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “China’s recent assertiveness in the South China Sea has driven the Philippines to strengthen its territorial defense, a primary objective highlighted in the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act passed in December 2012. The escalating presence of Chinese coast guard patrols and the establishment of military installations in nearby islands have further led to frequent clashes with Philippine vessels in the contested waters.”
The modernisation efforts of the Philippines are part of a broader regional trend in response to these escalating challenges, with countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei also bolstering their maritime defences to counter China’s assertions.
Kandlikar adds: “While this collective effort has the potential to restore stability in the South China Sea, there are also concerns about the risk of wider military escalation in the region. Given the strategic importance of the South China Sea, characterised by overlapping territorial claims and crucial trade routes, there is apprehension about potential entanglements with major global powers, including the US and its allies.”
Amid these escalating tensions, collaboration among the Philippines Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) becomes critically important. Through coordinated efforts and pooling of resources, these agencies can effectively enforce maritime laws and patrol the Exclusive Economic Zone. Such collaborative endeavours not only strengthen maritime security but also enable the Navy to focus on joint maritime drills with friendly countries, thereby strengthening overall maritime defence capabilities.
Kandlikar concludes: “Over the period 2024-34, a substantial portion of the Philippine Navy’s inventory is expected to largely feature cost-effective naval platforms built by South Korea. HHI’s scheduled delivery of corvettes, OPVs, and maintenance services for the in-service naval fleet plays a pivotal role in the country’s naval modernisation efforts. Through strategic partnerships, such as with South Korea, and collaboration with various maritime agencies, the Philippines is looking to tackle a stronger opponent, China.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Director of Sales Graham Joss at graham.joss@venturamedia.net
Congratulations on your new ship and good luck to all the countries around the South China Sea, join forces and show the dictatorship of China that they can’t have their own way the South China Sea belongs to all. Freedom of Navigation….
Interesting that the Philippines orders new corvettes from Korea in 2021 and they are delivering the first in 2024!
What is wrong with our government, Defence Department and Navy? Can’t they see that this would be an excellent vessel to boost our defences if properly armed, and could be available in three years!
Albo and Co are asleep at the wheel!
Or we could have missile armed corvettes from Luerssen, built in Henderson with 80% Australian content in the water from 2026. Why hasn’t that been accepted?
Well to be fair South Korea has one of the largest and most efficient ship building industries in the world, so it’s a bit rough to compare like that.
But you are right the last time Australian Industry was able to deliver naval warships on time and on budget was 20 years ago.
The South Korean economy is almost exactly the same size as Australia’s, so it’s interesting to contemplate how they have developed such capacity. Here, we have scrapped the car industry and the state of naval planning is so abysmal that the first three General Purpose Frigates will be constructed offshore – in total contradiction of the promises of a continuous shipbuilding program.
Yes you are so right they are asleep at the wheel we need a new government next election now
It’s interesting to note that the Phillipines seem to be getting on with their Naval Upgrade a lot more efficiently (and quickly) than Australia. Perhaps they have a Defence Ministry that’s full time. It continues to confuse me that the Government and its Spokes people constantly stress that we no longer have a ten year warning time and then follow up with an announcement that we will soon embark on a project that will enhance the ADF abilities to Defend Australia in 10 or 20 years time.