French subs fit Philippine Navy requirements: Empedrad

October 2, 2019

French submarines fit Philippine Navy requirements than those offered by other countries.

"For now, the France proposal fits the requirements of the technical working group," said Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad Wednesday.

"It's capability, weapon system, sonar capability, so the capability that we need in submarines," he said referring to French submarines.

"Based on stealth design and then it's a very quiet submarine so its the same with, but the kilo class (submarines) of Russia it's a very huge submarine and very expensive so it depends really on our budget and then the requirements of the Philippine Navy," he added.

Empedrad noted that the Philippine Navy is continuously requesting proposals from other states.

"We continue to request for proposals from other company as well so there is proposal from Korea, I think Germany also has a proposal," he said.

If the government will later on decide on G-to-G (government to government) if the budget will be available then most likely France has an advantage, unless the (other) countries will come up with a better proposal," Empedrad said.

"Actually there is also a proposal from Israel... and another shipyard will propose for our submarines and corvettes program... of course were going to choose what is advantageous to the Philippines, to our country," he added.

Empedrad said Philippine Navy is planning to acquire two submarines by 2027.

"Our program is to... deliver the submarines in 2027. We have timelines, if the budget is available... last December of 2018 we sent many people to France to study submarine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and other countries, so the training is continues," he said.

"Last year. I spent 18 million ( pesos) for submarine training, because we have to be ready before the submarines arrive", he added. Robina Asido/DMS