Philippines Eyes Second 378, #3 in 2013, Missiles Coming

The Philippines is looking at acquiring a second 378 and apparently expects to receive a third in 2013. They are also talking about fitting some of their ships with missiles, although the type is still not clear.

File:BRP Goyo Hawaii.jpg

110727-N-WP746-089 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (July 27, 2011) – The Philippine Navy’s newest ship, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during a scheduled port visit. The ship, a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter, is on its maiden voyage to the Republic of the Philippines to join the Philippine Navy Fleet. As a multi-mission surface combatant ship, Gregorio del Pilar becomes the first gas-turbine jet engine-powered vessel in the Philippine Navy fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico/Released)

“The third Hamilton-class cutter is projected to be acquired by the Philippine Navy in 2013.

“Pama (Vice Adm. Alexander Pama, Navy Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC)) also revealed that they are now preparing to acquire some missile technology. The Philippine military is the only one in Southeast Asia that still does not have missiles. “It’s in the drawing board. I can’t say when but if things turn out as planned, it will be more sooner than later,” he told ABS-CBN News.

“Despite recent irritants over the Spratly Island dispute, Pama said he was convinced that competing countries were committed to a peaceful resolution of their overlapping claims. “I wouldn’t say it’s getting more dangerous; there are just issues and challenges confronting everybody. I can say the neighborhood has states that are responsible enough. No nation, at least within ASEAN, is out there to make trouble.”

Perhaps significantly china is not a member of ASEAN.

23 thoughts on “Philippines Eyes Second 378, #3 in 2013, Missiles Coming

  1. Wow, with three in PI, it would be a great place for a ship’s reunion. I am sure there are many of the 378-sailors who have fond memories of PI.

    • I think Philippine Navy should seriously be looking at buying some CIWS, Harpoon, Exocet and maybe an air search radar.

  2. As expected the Dallas should be transferred soon. The news here is that she may include more of her equipment than was transferred in the case of the Hamilton.

    http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=//2012/february/11/news7.isx&d=/2012/february/11

    “Assistant US State Secretary Andrew Shapiro told reporters he would consider a Philippine request to have the warship turned over with as much military equipment as possible.”

    When the Hamilton was transferred the air-search radar, Phalanx CIWS, and 25 mm guns had been removed.

    • Chuck,
      While were selling our old 378’s to the Philippine and replacing it with the NSC. Why not sell them the old 110 patrol boats to them as well. For every FRC that comes online, we can decom a 110 and sell them to either the Philippines, Iraq or even Kenya. I’d say we we give them the Dallas and include the air-search radar, Phalanx CIWS, and 25 mm guns for them as well. The money we get from the sale, we use it to pay for more FRC, NSC or even the OPC.

      • Pretty sure someone will get some of the old 110s. We don’t get much in return when these ships are passed to another nation, but it does save the Coast Guard the cost of disposal.

    • Andres Bonifacio is a noble name for Boutwell, the Supremo of the Katipunan and one of the greatest heroes in Philippine history, ironically there was a other previous USCG cutter sold to us and named BRP Andres Bonifcaio, Boutwell will be the second USCG cutter in PN service to bear such a noble name

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