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| Maestrale class Frigate (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons) |
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, Feb. 22 (PNA) -- A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official has said the option to acquire second-hand frigates to boost the numbers and capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) has been waived.
Fernando Manalo, DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation and materiel, said this because evaluation studies found out that acquiring these vessels will be more costly in the long run.
"The PN found out that it will be more expensive to maintain second hand vessel(s) than buying a new one," he added.
With this conclusion, the Italian-made "Maestrale" frigates, are no longer in the running for possible acquisition by the Philippines.
"Its no longer being evaluated," Manalo stressed.
The "Maestrale" was earlier touted by the DND as the next ships to be acquired for the PN due to its credible missile and anti-submarine capabilities.
With this development, Manalo said the Philippines is now looking for new build naval ships with the same configuration.
Read the full story at PNA