In Dec 2012, the Philippines signed a PHP 1.34b deal for 3 Augusta Westland AW109 which will be delivered in 2014. At least two of which is to be outfitted with Dipping Sonar and Magnetic Anomaly Detection. The AW109 will only be capable of detection and will not have any capabilities to engage submarines; this role will be fulfilled by the two Maestrale class frigates that the helicopters will operate from.
Maestrale class Frigate
In September 2012, the Philippine congress approved a budget that includes the funding for the two frigates. The Maestrale class is designed primarily to be an anti-submarine platform but with capabilities for anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. The frigates are currently undertaking refurbishment and is expected to be delivered within 2013.
The ASW procurement is being expedited; most probably due to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
The Chinese are known to operate at least 60 submarines, about 50 of which are conventional attack submarines; the rest are ballistic-missile subs (a mix of conventional and nuclear). Therefore it is imperative and timely for the Philippines to develop further ASW capabilities so as to achieve some semblance of balance in capabilities.
Vietnam has ordered six Kilo-class submarines from Russia, of which at least two has been delivered with the rest to arrive from 2013 through 2016. The Kilo-class was designed to primarily conduct anti-submarine and ant-shipping operations.
The Malaysians are in possession of two scorpene class submarines, but those are not fully operational as of yet.
The capability to detect and engage submerged targets are imperative for The Philippines as it is a glaring tactical gap that they need to fill to better defend their territories.
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