The French Government is set to provide the Philippines at least 40 units of fast patrol crafts (FPC) through the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance its response capabilities in search and rescue operations, environmental protection, maritime law enforcement, and disaster response.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the P25.8 billion official development assistance (ODA) from France is “so far the largest single purchase” as part of the PCG modernization.
“It is the largest single purchase so far in the modernization of the PCG. It is a game-changer for us. It will enable the Coast Guard to have at least two patrol boats in every district fast enough to reach the edges of our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Gavan said.
Gavan said the 40 35-meter FPCs will position the Philippines as “the youngest fleet in Southeast Asia.”
Approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board Chair, the acquisition will involve the assembly of the first 20 FPCs in France, while the remaining 20 vessels will be locally assembled in the Philippines.
With the addition of 40 35-meter fast crafts, it will effectively quadruple the current PCG fleet.
Commandant Gavan said the FPCs will be used against maritime crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy, and illegal fishing, among others.
He added that it will also be deployed for West Philippine Sea response as well as search and rescue, and surveillance operations and maritime protection.
“This will form part the force mix that we need to address threats [in the West Philippine Sea] and all forms of maritime crimes,” he said.
In a related development, Commandant Gavan revealed that the Chief Executive has approved the acquisition of five 97-meter ships from Japan.
“Once delivered, we will have around eight large ships,” he said.
