Philippines,Vietnam Receives Warships

[T.C.P]

Well I support the PN's ambition of getting subs by 2020, by then they will have a larger economy and more funds. Such long term planning by a country's military should be applauded.

Now my question does the PN want to commission a sub in 2020, because if they do, then they will need to start building sub infrastructures by 2016-17 and also should be sending navy personnel to get training on subs couple of years before the inquisition, so have the PN started doing anything like this.

I am asking this because we plan to get a sub by 2019(similar to the PN's plans) We have already sent crews to train on Turkish and South Korean(possibly also Chinese) navy subs. While at the same time are negotiating with South Korea, Turkey and China on building sub infrastructures.

 

[STURM]

You have to start somewhere and a single sub is an investment in the future.

Operating just 1 sub would be a very expensive business. At minimum at least 2 should be bought. Even if 4 were operated, ensuring that at least 1 was ready for deployment at all times would be challenging.

Are these not outdated ships? What are they for if the others have the more advanced facilities?

Why would the Hamilitons be ''outdated''? They may be 25 years old and may be surplus to the USCGs requirements but they are still very useful assets for the PN to patrol national waters. They are newer than most ships in the PN, have good seakeeping and endurance. My concern is the costs in operating these large vessels and the level of maintainance needed.

 

[ManilaBoy]

Are these not outdated ships? What are they for if the others have the more advanced facilities?

Maybe some research 1st would help you before jumping into this kind of question right away, the entire 12 vessels of the USCG Hamilton class cutters went tru a very extensive FRAM back in the late 80's and early 90's which makes it a far more advance ship than any patrol vessels that the current PN fleet is operating...

 

[Ananda]

Submarine is very expensive business to maintain. even in Indonesia where the Navy already have more than 40 years of experience in handling submarine operations, many still not understand how expensive the business of operating submarine really is.

Some of politician in here still think that since Indonesian Navy used to handle a dozen Submarine in the 60's then now they should not have problem if going to handle a dozen at present time. However when the Navy says they need a budget of USD 2 bio for only 3 SSK, they go ballistic and say it's outrageous and that must be some corruption in preparing the Budget.

What they don't understand is that acquiring subs is not just matter of procurement of the subs it self, but also preparing additional berth and other land infrastructures for submarine, additional supporting vessels, etc,etc. In short, getting 3 submarine probably only costing USD 1.0 - 1.2 bio, but to build additional support will cost close another USD1 bio. This is due to the fact, that present infrastructure only can handle 2 existing submarine, and it's only also limited to one naval base.

In short, if Philipines Navy have spared USD 2 bio budget, do Philipines want to used them only to operated 2 - 3 subs (because that's what budget you need to begin operating small force of submarines), or used that money to get 8 well equipped OPV plus additional supporting facilities.

That's why it take some time for Singapore and Malaysia to begin operating Submarines. This why only now Vietnam decided it's time to get Submarine. That's also why after more than 20 years, Indonesian Navy only can begin preparing for additional subs (other than existing 2). It's simply because those Navy's need another priority first to get, before decided that's it's time to have subs or enlarge existing submarines forces.

 

[ManilaBoy]

Yes they are very expensive to maintain and operate and the PN should put more priority on acquiring a modern fleet of surface combatants that are more economical to maintain and operate rather than 1 single submarine which would eat a chunk of it's budget...

 

[NTB]

Operating just 1 sub would be a very expensive business. At minimum at least 2 should be bought. Even if 4 were operated, ensuring that at least 1 was ready for deployment at all times would be challenging.



Why would the Hamilitons be ''outdated''? They may be 25 years old and may be surplus to the USCGs requirements but they are still very useful assets for the PN to patrol national waters. They are newer than most ships in the PN, have good seakeeping and endurance. My concern is the costs in operating these large vessels and the level of maintainance needed.

I totally agreed with you about this, the Hamiltons are still more than standard of advataged technologies on it. It's may not useful by US Navy but for patrol and defence youre coast that's a best choice.

Remember, US Cost Guards are the best equiped in the World. If VN has not embargo military by US I think they going to get them all.

Cheap and a perfect toys to defence the Coast.