Manila: The Philippines’ Offshore Combat Force now boasts assets equipped with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, a Philippine Navy (PN) official announced Thursday. “Almost all of our Offshore Combat (Force) ships belonging to the Philippine Fleet (PF) already have ASW capabilities,” PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos stated in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. This development comes as the Navy plans to deploy surface action groups to enhance patrols in the Philippines’ maritime territories.

According to Philippines News Agency, ASW involves the ability to detect, locate, and, if necessary, neutralize hostile submarines within the country’s waters. Major assets of the Offshore Combat Force with this capability include the guided-missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151). These frigates are equipped with sonars and weapon systems designed to identify and engage enemy submarines effectively.

In addition to these frigates, the PN’s anti-submarine capabilities are bolstered by two AW-159 “Wildcat” ASW helicopters. These helicopters, which are deployed aboard the two frigates, come equipped with dipping sonars and anti-submarine torpedoes to further enhance the Navy’s ASW capabilities.

Another significant asset is the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30), a former Pohang-class corvette donated to the Philippines by South Korea in 2019. This ship also contributes to the PN’s ASW efforts.

Furthermore, Capt. Alcos mentioned that the three Gregorio Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels have been upgraded with sonars to detect submarines as needed. “We have already upgraded our Del Pilar-class (offshore patrol vessels), now they are equipped with sonars,” he confirmed.

The Philippine Fleet’s ASW capabilities are set to expand further with the anticipated delivery of two guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels, currently under construction in South Korea, over the next two years.