Naval Group Offers to Develop Naval Base at Subic Bay if it Bags Philippines' Submarine Deal

Naval Group has expressed willingness to help the Philippine Navy (PN) develop Subic Bay in Zambales into a modern naval base if it wins the Scorpene submarine contract.

On Wednesday, the firm opened its Philippines Office.

Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, the country wants to buy six anti-air frigates, 12 anti-submarine corvettes, and three submarines along with other naval assets.

The budget for the PN's submarine acquisition program is estimated at PHP70 billion to PHP100 billion. This includes two submarines and their integrated logistics support package, along with the initial basing requirements.

The PN wants a submarine to carry out anti-access/area denial, maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Once acquired, these submarines will be equipped with a large number of weapons.

The PN has earlier announced that Subic Bay will be the location of its submarine base.

This includes proposals for docks capable of handling more than two submarines and surface ships needed to support the growth of the force, operation zones for the squadron's command center, maintenance yards and logistics depots, and the Philippine Submarine Force Training Center that includes classrooms and simulators.

Naval Group is the manufacturer of the Scorpene diesel-electric submarine which is included on the list of preferred submarine platforms of the country and was evaluated by naval and defense officials in 2019.