The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is acquiring 40 fast patrol crafts from French firm OCEA for P25.75 billion.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan earlier said the P25.75 billion official development assistance (ODA) from France is “so far the largest single purchase” as part of the PCG modernization.
Gavan said the 40 35-meter FPCs would position the Philippines as having “the youngest fleet in Southeast Asia.”
Approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board chair, the acquisition will involve the assembly of the first 20 FPCs in France, while the remaining 20 vessels will be assembled in the Philippines.
The addition of 40 35-meter fast crafts will effectively quadruple the current PCG fleet.
Gavan said the FPCs would be used against maritime crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy and illegal fishing, among others.
He said the vessels would also be deployed for West Philippine Sea response as well as search and rescue and surveillance operations and maritime protection.
