Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced its commitment to enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities as part of its strategy to protect the country's vital sea lines of communication. These routes are crucial for trade, logistics, and the operational deployment of naval forces.

According to Philippines News Agency, PN public affairs office chief Captain Marie Angelica DC Sisican emphasized that strengthening the Navy's ASW capabilities is essential for a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant maritime defense approach. Sisican highlighted the importance of the ability to independently detect, track, and respond to underwater threats to safeguard sea lines, defend territorial waters, and ensure naval forces' survivability.

Sisican noted that the development of organic ASW capabilities involves integrating shipboard systems, naval aviation, and fixed undersea sensors to protect the country's maritime domain effectively. She stated that successful ASW requires coordinated and persistent efforts to counteract the advantages submarines possess.

The PN's advancement in ASW is marked by acquiring naval assets with such capabilities, including Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates, Miguel Malvar frigates, AW-159 "Wildcat" ASW helicopters, and six new offshore patrol vessels. These acquisitions are part of a broader initiative to enhance anti-submarine operations.

In the recent "Balikatan" exercises, the PN, alongside other navies, demonstrated its ASW capabilities by detecting and tracking a subsurface contact in the West Philippine Sea. This exercise, which occurred during the multinational maritime events from April 20 to May 1, involved various vessels such as BRP Antonio Luna, BRP Miguel Malvar, JS Ikazuchi, HMAS Toowoomba, HMCS Charlottetown, and USCGC Midgett.

The PN stated that these activities reflect increasingly complex and operationally relevant training, preparing naval forces for evolving maritime challenges and reinforcing cooperation and adherence to international law.