DSA 2022: Philippines abandons long-cherished plan to buy Austal OPVs
Austal is well in the frame to build six OPVs for the Philippines, but no contract has been signed yet. (Austal)
After casting Austal adrift, the Philippines will now look to a different overseas shipyard to build six OPVs.
The Philippine Navy (PN) voiced plans to buy six OPVs several years ago, with the plan approved by the government in 2018. The frontrunner was always Austal, but the Australian shipbuilder has now been pipped at the post.
On 23 March, Austal announced Manila’s decision not to proceed with the purchase of Austal-built vessels.
‘Austal has been advised by the PN that the PN has now decided to sole-source foreign-built OPVs rather than proceeding to purchase Austal-built vessels facilitated through the government-to-government memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth of Australia,’ the company said in a statement.
The plan was for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
