South Korea is taking a highly visible step towards achieving a leading position in the race for the Philippine Navy's first submarine programme. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially met with Hanwha Ocean on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Seoul. The government in Manila subsequently confirmed that the country will not only be offered submarines - but a package that goes far beyond that.

South Korea offers Manila more than submarines: infrastructure, training and technology transfer

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the proposal includes the construction of a submarine base, the establishment of a maintenance and modernisation centre in the country as well as a training system including simulators and long-term operator support. In other words, Manila will not only be a customer, but will become an independent operator. For a country that does not yet have a submarine force, this is a crucial point - capabilities must first grow, not just be procured.

KSS-III against Scorpène, S-80 Plus and U212CD/U214

At the centre of the offer is an export version of the South Korean KSS-III: a large, diesel-electric attack boat with lithium-ion batteries for extended dive times, modern sonar systems and a wide range of missions from covert reconnaissance to sea-based deterrence. Hanwha also refers to its experience from its involvement in the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) - where it also promotes technology transfer and local production. South Korea is thus increasingly presenting itself as a provider that not only supplies platforms, but also builds up capacities.

However, the decision does not lie solely with Manila. Manila is negotiating in parallel:

• Naval Group (France) - Scorpène with training and shipyard options,
• Navantia (Spain) - S-80 Plus as a modernised, large AIP variant,
• TKMS (Germany) - Interest in a 214/212CD solution is known, but currently without any new official steps.

Submarines as a question of power: Whoever delivers shapes sovereignty

The competition is more than just a price and capability comparison. For both Manila and the supplier, a long-term security and industrial commitment is at stake. The Philippines not only wants to operate submarines, but also to build up its own sustainable underwater expertise - including shipyard capacities, maintenance and training. This makes the debate similar to that in Europe, where the question of sovereignty and local value creation is increasingly deciding which supplier is selected.

The decision also comes against the backdrop of growing tensions in the South China Sea. A potential treaty is likely to entail a high-volume, multi-year commitment and shape the Philippines' maritime security architecture for decades to come.

One thing is clear: the provider who not only supplies a platform, but also accompanies the navy's learning curve and industrial development - from training and MRO to gradual regionalisation - has an advantage. This is precisely where South Korea is trying to start with its "complete submarine package".

The coming months will show whether this model will open the door to Manila's own submarine era - or whether the country will opt for a different industrial and security policy connection.

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