Philippines to Build Own Naval Vessels Locally

In an attempt to modernize the military, the Department of National Defense had a major purchase on items that are all beneficial to the advancement of its forces.

It has nailed a deal and purchased two brand new strategic sealift vessels with Indonesia. These vessels are said to facilitate the transfer of technology to make it possible for the country to build its own sea vessels.

Defense assistant Secretary for personnel Efren Fernandez has reiterated, that the technology transfer by Indonesia’s PT PAL Surabaya, is important as it will allow local sea vessel manufacturers based in Cebu to produce the same.

Recently, Fernandez and a local shipbuilder from Cebu have visited Indonesia to observe PT PAL (Persero) Surabaya shipyard. During the said visit, the Indonesian ship builder has agreed for the technology transfer thus, making it possible for Filipino manufacturers to produce locally made navy ships.

The Indonesian ship builder has won the bid thus bagging this P3 billion project under the Armed Forces modernization program. It is said that the first sea vessel is expected to be delivered later this year or early next year. The other one is said to be delivered by May of the next year.

Though the Philippines is considered to be the fourth biggest ship builder around the globe next to China, South Korea and Japan, it has not build that much sea vessels since it comes in short with the military technology to build modern warships.

Other countries have been generously donating modern vessels to the country though.

Just recently, the Australian government has given the country two Landing Craft Heavy. These vessels are decommissioned by the Australian government and have donated the same to the Philippines.

/Marco Buenaventura/

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