German-Italian Consortium Offers Submarines to Philippines

A German-Italian consortium comprising ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Fincantieri has offered submarines to the Philippines as part of a program to develop the country’s submarine fleet.

The announcement was made on Fincantieri’s official website.

The cooperation aims to provide the Philippines with a modern submarine capability while involving local industry in the project’s implementation.

The offer includes U212 NFS and NFS EVO submarines, which are currently in service with the Italian Navy and are available for export.

As part of the Horizon III modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy is seeking to strengthen the country’s maritime defenses by acquiring advanced weapons systems. Submarines, in particular, are seen as a potential game changer for security in territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea, according to a Fincantieri press release.

Although the Philippines began considering submarine procurement in 2012 under its armed forces modernization program, recent tensions in the South China Sea involving China have renewed interest in expanding naval capabilities.

The third phase of the Horizon III program has been revised to better address current defense needs. The plan accounts for limited procurement activity over the past 13 years and includes a budget of $34 billion, with programs running through the 2030s.

As part of this phase, the Philippine Navy aims to acquire two submarines, along with supporting infrastructure for maintenance and basing. The budget for this component is $1.7 billion.

The Philippine Navy has never operated submarines.

Historically, its focus has been on surface vessels such as frigates, corvettes, and patrol boats used to defend the archipelago and counter piracy and smuggling.

The introduction of submarines would mark a significant development for the Navy and could enhance national defense amid ongoing maritime disputes with China.

Previously, Militarnyi reported that the Pakistani Navy had received its second Hangor-class diesel-electric submarine, an export variant of China’s Type 039B.