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MANILA, Philippines - Two Italian warships are set to strengthen the Philippines' maritime defense capabilities, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Thursday.
Gazmin said the Philippine Navy is buying the P11.7-billion Maestrale-class frigates , which have anti-submarine and anti-aircraft weaponry.
The move is part of the Armed Forces' modernization program, the defense chief said at a forum in Camp Aguinaldo.
"These frigates are warships. These have anti-air, sub-surface, they have anti-submarine (capabilities). What we are getting are really meant for war," Gazmin said.
The frigates, which were commissioned in the 1980s, are being used by the Italian Navy.
He said the Navy is waiting for the approval of contract that is expected to be signed in January 2013.
The ships will then be delivered by November after they are refurbished.
Read the full story at ABS-CBN news