In a major move to strengthen maritime security, the Philippine government has signed a EUR 400 million (USD 435 million) agreement with French shipbuilder OCEA for the supply of 40 fast patrol boats for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This is the largest French investment in the Philippines’ maritime security sector to date.
The new vessels will be based on OCEA’s FPB 110 MKII design—35 meters long with a top speed of 28–35 knots and a range of up to 1,100 nautical miles. These upgraded boats will expand the PCG’s capabilities for offshore patrol, surveillance, and maritime law enforcement operations, especially in contested areas of the West Philippine Sea.
The contract also includes logistical support for up to nine years and the provision of support infrastructure across six PCG bases. Production will be split equally, with 20 vessels to be built in France and the remaining 20 to be assembled in the Philippines, in line with OCEA’s previously announced plans to establish a local shipyard. This localization effort is expected to boost the country’s shipbuilding and marine services sectors.
The deal follows Manila’s recent procurement of five 97-metre multi-role response vessels from Japan and is part of a broader Coast Guard modernization program. Once delivered, the new fleet will significantly increase the PCG’s operational capacity, supplementing its current 13 ocean-capable vessels.
The expanded patrol fleet is a strategic response to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where Philippine vessels have increasingly faced aggressive actions by Chinese maritime forces. The additional assets aim to bolster the Philippines’ ability to assert its maritime rights and improve its presence in its exclusive economic zone.
Discussions are also ongoing for three additional offshore patrol vessels based on the design of the BRP Gabriela Silang, one of the most advanced ships currently in PCG service.
(Source: Naval News)
