French shipbuilder offers to develop Philippine submarine force, enhance maritime protectionMANILA, Philippines — French defense company Naval Group is eyeing to build a naval base handling submarine operations in the Philippines to safeguard its maritime territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Negotiations with the Philippine government regarding the French defense company's submarine creation project are ongoing and yet to be finalized. Last May 26, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his plans to acquire the Philippines' first-ever submarine to keep up with Southeast Asian neighbors. Aside from developing a submarine force to acquire technical superiority in its maritime zones, the Naval Group has also committed to protecting the Philippine submarine force's autonomy. The Naval Group opened its Manila office on Wednesday since its inception in 2020, as a first step in its long-term commitment to cooperation and partnership in strengthening Philippine naval capabilities.

Source: Philippine Star July 13, 2023 17:28 UTC