5 naval builders interested in PHL frigate program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): 5 naval builders interested in PHL frigate program

Five naval builders have expressed their interest to supply the two modern and missile-firing frigates being eyed by the Philippines to boost its naval capabilities.

These firms are South Korea's Hyundai and Daewoo, Spain's Lavantia, West Australia's Austal and an unnamed Singaporean naval yard.

Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation and materiel Fernando Manalo said that they are now on the pre-procurement stage for the two frigates which has a budget of P18 billion.

He also explained why the Philippines is to forego the acquisition of Italy's Maestrale class frigate.

This is because evaluation studies found out that acquiring these vessels will be more costly in the long run.

"We found out that it will be more expensive to maintain second hand vessel(s) than buying a new one," Manalo added.

With this conclusion, the Italian-made "Maestrale" frigates, are no longer in the running for possible acquisition by the Philippines.

The "Maestrale" was earlier touted by the DND as the next ships to be acquired for the PN due to its credible missile and anti-submarine capabilities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=540587