If they get the Maestrale class frigate from Italy, I can see that being their backbone of the Philippine navy and center their navy around it. Their Hamiltons would be their light frigate or OPV and if were to get the Reliance and Famous cutters from the US Coast Guard, it would be their Corvette fleet as well.
True, Zhaow. I think that is the minimum route they should go. PN's goal is to have 6 frigates serving as AAW, 12 corvettes for ASW and 18 OPV's for EEZ patrol. But things are changing so fast and China is doubling is budget the next 10 years so Philippines has to tweek its minimum defense posture and capability also.
If the Philippines can get the Maestrale class frigate it would be their Multi Role frigate that dose ASW, ASUW and AAW. Their Hamilton, would be their ASW frigate, provided they arm her correctly. It provide presence and secondary ASW for the Maestrale class frigate. Their Soldati/Lupo class frigate would be like a patrol Frigate/ OPV. If they get the US Coast Guard's Reliance and Famous cutter class, they provide Corvette duty as well. I really think if they get the Maestrale class frigate, It would give them the multi role capability
Well, those WMECs are pretty darn good also. I hope PN can get a few of those to do all the dirty work (Patrolling). They are big enough to patrol PH EEZ which could get pretty rough. And that endurance is unmatched, 10,000 miles.
I don't think current PN defence budget supports this plan as 6 frigates and 12 corvettes will draw out huge amount fund from PN.I think induction of 5-6 Corvettes and moderate number of missile boats and Offshore Patrol Vessels will be a good plan for PN now..It'll be an effective deterrence against China and Vietnam.
The Philippines is spending and initial $1.8 billion to jump start it's massive modernization program. They are allotting 500 billion peso (equivalent to $12 billion) over the next 5 years. Remember it only cost them less than $15 each ex-Hamilton which they already have one and another one is arriving and a planned acquisition of the third is being planned. And the Soldati Class frigate they are negotiating with Italy should not cost more than $20m considering Peru got the Lupo-class a few years back for $15m each and another 10m were spent to put it in tip-top shape for a total of only 25m each. A bargain considering they were still fairly new because they were repossessions from Iraq's orders Italy is planning to get rid of the Maestrale class Frigates (5) and a couple of the shorter Soldati class the next 5 years.
This seems official enough, since this quote Philippine Defense Secretary. 2 Maestrale, will give the Phil-Navy the biggest punch they ever have. Whether PN will get the current armament composition of Maestrale will remain to be seen. So does the amount of upgrade/recondition being taken.
We were close to getting these frigates to, but a change in govt led to collapse of the deal.
So far this only confirm that the PN will get the whole Maestralle packages in term of Weapons and Electronics, but no mentioned of whether PN will get AB 212 ASW Helo.
The AB-212s really complement and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Maestrales in it's different roles so I'm hoping they are included. It would save a lot of time and expense of acquiring an alternative helo and integrating it with the ships' systems.
According to last month's Air forces Monthly, Kaman has sought U.S. government approval to sell these to the Royal New Zealand Navy [RNZN].