Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has revealed the willingness of Russia to provide the Philippine government “soft loans” to acquire a first-ever submarine in the Philippine Navy inventory.
The acquisition of a specialized watercraft of the Philippine Navy would boost its naval capability and strengthen the country’s territorial security, he said.
Lorenzana said Russia is willing to sell to the Philippines its Kilo-class submarine, which if finalized would take four years—outside the term of President Rodrigo Duterte—to be delivered.
“Maybe within the year, maybe within the next 12 months. Maybe we could finalize this. If this is approved, it will take them four years to make it,” Lorenzana said.
Presently, the government has no budget to support the submarine project, but Lorenzana is optimistic for Russia’s soft loan.
The Russian Kilo-class submarine can be armed with variety of torpedoes, missiles, and naval chargers. It has an engine displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters and a cruising speeds up to 17 to 20 knots and range of about 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles.
However, Lorenzana said they are still looking at other prospective submarine suppliers, including those from Europe and France.
The country plans to acquire at least three submarines that Lorenzana said intends for its security in order for the military to enhance its capability, particularly in securing territorial sovereignty.
He said neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore have submarines in their military inventory, and “it is only us who does not have it.”
