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Philippine navy confident it can navigate South China Sea dispute: ‘up to the challenge’
Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters
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The Philippines has expressed confidence in countering China’s widening influence in contested waters as its navy presses ahead with expanding its fleet, joint activities with foreign partners and the use of unmanned systems.
Analysts say these measures would boost the interoperability of the Philippine military across the sea and air, as the South China Sea dispute continues to dominate its security planning.
“We are up to the challenge [posed by] … the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Chinese coastguard and maritime militia, which is towards the integration of their respective forces” in 2026, navy spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad said during a briefing on Tuesday.
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According to Pitz Defense Analysis, the navy is expected to double its fleet size from nine vessels in 2023 to at least 18 by 2028. These additional vessels will include two guided missile corvettes and at least six offshore patrol vessels.
Manila’s preferred warship supplier is HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, according to Zona Militar news website. It has ordered 10 warships from the South Korean company, starting with two frigates in 2016, two patrol ships in 2021 and six offshore patrol vessels in 2022.
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