DND eyes additional warships amid South China Sea tensions 

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing more warships as part of the Philippines’ military buildup, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said on Tuesday, though it has yet to finalize acquisitions.

“There is an intent to acquire, but the trigger has not yet been pulled,” he said at a congressional budget briefing, responding to a question whether the agency has plans to purchase two more missile frigates from South Korea. 

Teodoro’s remarks come as the Philippines modernizes its military to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, including parts of the waterway within its exclusive economic zone. 

READ: Teodoro: Decrease in capital outlay funds can affect AFP modernization

And Manila has increasingly turned to South Korea as its equipment dealer as it embarks on a P2-trillion military modernization program over the next decade, purchasing warships from Ulsan-based HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. 

The South Korean shipbuilder has delivered two Malvar-class missile frigates, with two more under construction, while two Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels are in active service and four more are in the pipeline. /mr