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
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
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
-
![Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe]()
Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe
With the Tamandaré frigate commissioned and a second batch under negotiation, Brazil is leveraging European partnerships to position itself as South America’s premier maritime power without surrendering industrial sovereignty.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
