By Liz Lagniton | 2026-05-28

New warships, antisubmarine helicopters and advanced missile systems are significantly expanding the Philippine navy's surveillance and strike capabilities, allowing for longer and more continuous deployments in the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking at the navy's 128th anniversary events in Manila on May 20, military officials highlighted how the ongoing modernization drive has transformed the service's operational reach. Newer vessels can remain at sea far longer than legacy platforms, fundamentally shifting the country's maritime defense posture.

Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, said the navy now possesses capabilities comparable to those of some of its Southeast Asian counterparts.

"I would say so. We are at par with our Southeast Asian neighbors," Orbe said during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila when asked whether the Philippines could be considered a middle power in Southeast Asia.

Manila is intensifying maritime deterrence efforts and defense cooperation with allies amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea, part of which the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea.

Longer reach

One of the most significant changes brought by the modernization drive is extended operational endurance at sea, said Orbe.

He said older vessels typically required refueling or resupply after one to two weeks, while newer platforms can now remain deployed for more than 20 days and, in some cases, over a month.

"What that translates into is that we have more presence in our maritime areas compared to before," Orbe said.

The Philippine Fleet operates more than 80 platforms, including frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and smaller gunboats.

Among the country's front-line assets are two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates and two Miguel Malvar-class corvettes acquired under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

Under a roughly 30-billion-PHP ($500 million) acquisition program with South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the navy expects four more offshore patrol vessels to arrive by 2028. Hyundai already has delivered two ships, including the BRP Rajah Lakandula, which arrived earlier in May and was christened May 27.

Orbe described the incoming patrol vessels as a "big boost" that would allow the navy to keep more ships deployed simultaneously across Philippine waters.

In 2025, the modernization program bolstered the navy's surface combat capability with the delivery of two new corvettes.

Antisubmarine, drone expansion

The navy is busy growing its antisubmarine and unmanned capabilities too.

AW159 Wildcat antisubmarine helicopters are now operational and have already been deployed alongside surface vessels during exercises and missions, Capt. Ariel Joseph Coloma, commander of the Naval Air Warfare Force, said.

"The AW159 Wildcat helicopters are full ASW [antisubmarine warfare]-capable helicopters, so they can detect, identify, and prosecute subsurface targets," Coloma said.

The Philippine navy expects Leonardo, the Italian manufacturer, to deliver six additional helicopters over the next four to five years as it continues boosting its antisubmarine warfare capability.

The navy has established dedicated drone units that now support surveillance and operational missions in strategic areas, said Coloma.

"Our drone capability started with the help of allied countries," he said, adding that the navy has since established dedicated drone units and squadrons to sustain unmanned aerial operations.

The Naval Special Warfare Force is developing drone and asymmetric warfare capabilities, according to Capt. Tirso Binasoy, superintendent of the Naval Special Warfare Training Center.

Coastal defense

The country's Marine Corps separately highlighted progress in coastal defense and missile capabilities under the modernization program.

According to an Inquirer report, Col. Joel Lazo, commander of the Marine Corps' Coastal Defense Regiment, said recent Balikatan exercises with U.S. forces underscored the effectiveness of maritime strike and coastal defense operations.

Deployment of the BrahMos missile system acquired under Horizon 2 of the AFP modernization program remains ongoing, with additional systems expected under Horizon 3, he said.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has previously said the BrahMos system is intended to strengthen the Philippines' coastal defense and maritime deterrence capabilities.

Defense ties with the United States, Japan and Australia have grown through joint exercises, maritime patrols and defense cooperation aimed at strengthening interoperability and regional deterrence.

In a statement on May 20, the DND said it would continue supporting the navy's capability development as Manila works to build "a more capable, credible, and resilient defense force."