The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to receive 40 fast patrol craft valued at 25.8 billion Philippine pesos ($439 million) funded through French official development assistance.
In addition to maritime law enforcement, the patrol craft will be used in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and disaster response.
The deal also covers Integrated Logistics Support and support equipment for PCG bases.
Half of the vessels will be domestically built.
“The project aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing maritime security by upgrading the capabilities of institutions such as the Philippine Coast Guard,” said Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority, the primary agency that approved the acquisition.
The new fast patrol craft “will help deter smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas,” he added.
During a press briefing, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan described the acquisition as “the largest, so far, single-purchase in the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard.”
“It is a game-changer for us. It will enable the Philippine Coast Guard to have at least two patrol boats in every district, fast enough to reach edges of our socio-economic zone forms to enforce the laws.”
Boosting Maritime Capabilities
The PCG’s current inventory of vessels, equipment, and personnel faces challenges in patrolling and protecting the archipelagic country’s maritime interests.
The problems are further compounded after several watercraft sustained damage during a series of clashes with China in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
As a result, Manila has been boosting its capabilities through strategic defense pacts, such as with France, and its recent vessel procurements.
These include a $413 million deal for five coast guard patrol vessels from Japan in May this year, and receiving two more fast attack interdiction craft for the Philippine Navy in September.