Philippines advances frigate project
Following Chinese claims on maritime territory in the South China Sea and the increasing occurrence of incursions by Chinese fishing vessels in the region, the Philippines has suddenly been convinced of the urgency of upgrading its ageing fleet of frigates.
Modern frigates are usually much larger and more heavily armed that what the Philippine Navy is looking for in its programme, which is really an OPV programme.
However, it is likely the new vessels will replace the 1940s-vintage Cannon-class frigate, which displaces about 1780t when the frigate designation meant the vessels were much smaller.
The programme was launched in October
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