Philippine Navy narrows its renewed search for OPVs
A screengrab from ASFAT’s promotional video for its OPV, as shown at ADAS 2022 in Manila in late April. (ASFAT)
After ditching a plan to buy six OPVs from Austal in March, the Philippine Navy (PN) spread its net farther afield to find a bidder willing to provide the required number of vessels within the PHP30 billion ($576 million) budget.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana explained that price was the sticking point with Austal.
‘Pending our approval of the contract for the purchase, they said the cost has increased – materials, labour and everything,’ Lorenzana explained.
‘They asked for additional payment. I think our budget is PHP30 billion, so they want PHP12 billion more for the six OPVs, or they said we
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
-
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
-
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.