The second strategic sealift vessel or SSV of the Philippine Navy made by the Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL Persero is expected to arrive in May 2017.
This acquisition is part of the first phase of the AFP modernization program.
According to the Philippine Navy fleet commander Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, five SSVs are needed to attain the desired force of the Philippine Navy together with other war ships and military equipment.
“Based on our fleet force mix, we need five. So, next year, around May we’ll be expecting the arrival of our next SSV."
It is up to the next administration to acquire three more strategic sealift vessels for the Philippine Navy.
“Hopefully, our national government will have sufficient funds to be able to provide funding for all the modernization projects” added Admiral Mercado.
Yesterday was the arrival ceremony of the biggest, first-ever and new SSV owned by the country.
On June 1, as the Philippine Navy celebrates its founding anniversary, the landing dock vessel will be commissioned to service and shall be called Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Tarlac (BRP Tarlac).
Media personnel will also have the chance to tour inside the biggest warship of the Philippine Navy.
Read also: 2016 holds big promise for the Philippines for new Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSV)
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