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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Can a submarine operate in the West Philippine Sea?

Can a submarine operate in the West Philippine Sea?

Published Feb 7, 2024 10:02 am
commodore roy Vincent trinidad.jpg
Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (Photo by Martin Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN) 

As the Philippine Navy (PN) embarks on a new phase of modernization anchored on fortifying the country's external defense capabilities, it begs the question: can a submarine operate in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)?

The average depth of the WPS within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is 200 meters while the general depth of a submarine when it operates underwater is 50 meters below sea level, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, told the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

"So yes, kayang mag-operate ng submarines doon (submarines can operate there)," he confirmed.

A submarine is mainly used in the military to travel deep under the ocean without the risk of getting spotted. They can be used for covert patrol operations, or to make a surprise attack during combat.

In the context of the country's external defense operations, Trinidad said that the modernization of the navy would help in achieving their mandate to protect the territorial integrity of the country, including the West Philippine Sea.

However, the submarine acquisition comes with considerations, particularly on the budget needed to maintain it and the training of the navy personnel that would operate it. 

Would these compensate for the urgent need by the navy to bolster its capabilities amid the growing tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea?

"Lahat ng developments ng PN at armed forces ay (All of the developments by the PN and armed forces are) designed to allow us to be able to perform our Constitutional mandate: number 1 securing our sovereignty, protecting [the] integrity of our territory, and looking after the welfare of the Filipinos wherever he or she is around the world," Trinidad said.

"Any capability, surface, sub-surface, or electronic warfare hindi lang nakadesign sa West Philippine Sea (are not merely designed for [operations in the] West Philippine Sea) but to allow us to perform our mandate as mentioned in the Constitution," he stressed.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP Philippine Navy
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