The Philippines will acquire five additional patrol ships from Japan through a P23.85-billion deal signed Friday, May 17, 2024, amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The acquisition of five more patrol ships is under PCG’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase III.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will acquire five additional patrol ships from Japan through a P23.85-billion deal signed Friday.

The loan is worth around P23.85 billion and was signed by Foreign Affairs.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that the vessels will help improve the Philippines Coast Guard’s (PCG) capabilities for maritime operations.

PH to acquire 5 patrol vessels from Japan

The MSCIP III involves the acquisition of five additional units of 97-meter offshore patrol capable multi-role response vessels.

This occasion signifies not only the deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.