The Philippines could acquire its first submarines under a proposal discussed between President Ferdinand Marcos and South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean during the 2025 APEC Summit.
A potential agreement would cover submarine delivery, crew training, and the creation of a dedicated base and maintenance facility for long-term operations.
Hanwha also proposed supplying KSS-III–class submarines equipped with advanced sonar, combat systems, and lithium-ion batteries for extended underwater endurance.
If approved, the deal would mark the Philippines’ entry into submarine operations and advance Manila’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture initiative, which aims to enhance defense capabilities, modernize the military, and strengthen ties with allied nations.
According to the governmental Philippine News Agency, Hanwha’s offer builds on South Korea’s expanding defense ties with Manila, which have already seen the delivery of FA-50 fighter jets and several naval platforms over the past decade.
Philippines’ Submarine Options
The Southeast Asian nation has previously shown interest in acquiring submarines, a program valued at up to $1.9 billion aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities amid growing maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
In April, European shipbuilders Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) signed an industrial cooperation deal to offer submarine solutions to the Philippine Navy.
Under the agreement, Fincantieri will present its U212 Near Future Submarine, developed jointly with TKMS for service with the Italian Navy.
Separately, in 2022, the French government also offered its support, with Naval Group presenting its Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines as potential first submarines for Manila.
