Manila's coast guard (PCG - Philippine Coast Guard), which bears the brunt of clashes with Chinese coast guard and fishing militia units in the South China Sea during supply trips to the Philippine islands and reefs within its own economic zone, receives support from new construction programmes in Japan and France.
At the beginning of November, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an order for five 97-metre class OPVs. These ships - like the OPV-97 TERESA MAGBANUA and MELCHORA AQUINO - is also expected to be laid down at Mitsubishi. As the Philippines, like the Japanese islands, are part of the First Island Chain along the Chinese coastline, Japan has a strong interest in robustly equipping the Philippine Coast Guard and supports the programme financially.
France is also increasingly positioning itself as an important European supporter of the Philippine navy. Following the signing of a defence cooperation agreement in 2023, the French Marine Nationale 2024 in the US-Philippine military exercise Balikatan part. A political decision in Paris has now provided funds for the construction of 40 OCEA fast response craft released. 20 boats each will be manufactured in France (Sables d'Olonne) and the Philippines.
The French offer also includes logistical support and equipment for six bases. With a length of around 36 metres, these boats are similar to the ten delivered by Japan since 2016. Parola class guard boats with a length of 44 metres. Once they have been fully delivered and commissioned, the number of PCG flagstaffs will be quadruple.
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