MANILA, 21 SEPT – Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) reported on Wednesday that France has reaffirmed its support for the continuing Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (AFPMP), which includes the growth of the nation’s submarine fleet.
In a statement, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said that Ambassador-designate Fontanel “emphasized France’s role as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and reiterated France’s offer to support the AFPMP, including (French defense manufacturer) Naval Group’s readiness to assist in building a Philippine submarine force.
According to PNA report, Andolong was making reference to the Naval Group’s promise to assist the Philippine Navy (PN) in transforming Subic Bay in Zambales into a cutting-edge facility equipped to manage submarine operations should it be awarded the contract for the development and delivery of the warship with submersible capabilities.
France has previously expressed interest in participating in the ongoing AFPMP, particularly Horizon 3, which is focused on procuring equipment for external defense.
Horizon 3 is scheduled to run from 2023 to 2028, while Horizon 2 runs from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 from 2013 to 2017.
The PN has already stated that its submarine station will be in Subic Bay. – airtimes.my
