Philippines looking to upgrade maritims Security

摘要

The Philippine Navy (PN) is reputedly one of Asia's most poorly equipped maritime forces. This is certainly true, at least in respect of the PN's deep sea-capable assets, which are mainly of World War II vintage, and lack both guided missile armament, and anti-submarine capability. The operational demands on the service, however, are heavy. The south of the country has long been plagued by armed anti-government Muslim groups, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayaf. Other PN coastal operational commitments include piracy, poaching, and large-scale smuggling, as well as search and rescue response to depressingly frequent maritime accidents and to nautical disasters.