MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced on Monday its continued push to enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to better secure the country’s sea lines of communication and maritime interests.
Sea lines of communication are essential ocean routes used for commercial shipping, logistics movement, and military operations between ports.
PN public affairs office chief Captain Marie Angelica DC Sisican said improving ASW systems is a core part of building a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant defense posture for the Philippines.
She stressed that the capacity to independently locate and respond to underwater threats plays a vital role in protecting territorial waters, maintaining secure sea routes, and ensuring operational survival of naval assets.
The Navy is advancing the development of an integrated ASW network that combines shipboard systems, aircraft support, and underwater sensor technology to strengthen maritime surveillance and defense coverage.
Sisican noted that coordinated and sustained capability is necessary to counter the advantages of submarines, which are designed for stealth and persistence.
She added that an independent ASW capability reduces reliance on foreign support and enables a more effective layered defense combining air, surface, and underwater assets.
The effort is supported by the ongoing expansion of the PN fleet, including Jose Rizal-class frigates, upcoming Miguel Malvar-class frigates, AW-159 Wildcat helicopters, and new offshore patrol vessels currently being delivered, alongside other ASW-related systems.
The Navy also showcased its capabilities during the Balikatan exercises from April 20 to May 1, where it participated in multinational ASW drills in the West Philippine Sea.
Assets involved included BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-15), BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6), JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), HMAS Toowoomba (FFH-156), HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339), and USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757), which took part in detecting and tracking simulated subsurface targets.
The PN said the exercise demonstrated more advanced and realistic training scenarios aimed at improving operational readiness and strengthening interoperability among allied forces in accordance with international maritime norms.
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