By Martin Sadongdong

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has revealed that the Philippines has come a step closer to acquiring its first submarine after the signing of an agreement with France that sought to enhance both country’s maritime defense.

Lorenzana said that the “Philippines’ signing of the Letter of Intent on Enhancing Defense Cooperation in the Maritime Domain with the French government could aid us in acquiring the Scorpene-class, diesel-electric attack submarine.”

“Intent pa lang, non-binding ‘yun para makapagumpisa na ng planning. Ang binding ‘yung kontrata na (It’s only [a letter of] intent, it’s still non-binding but it will set the planning [to start]. The contract is what binds [the agreement],” Lorenzana said on Monday night when asked about the matter.

Asked how it would help the Philippines in its maritime defense, Lorenzana responded that it would be crucial in the country’s acquisition of its first ever unit of submarine.

“Kasi nagbebenta sila sa atin ng submarines, ‘yung Scorpene ([It would be helpful] because they are selling us submarines, the Scorpene type),” he said.

Lorenzana and French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the letter of intent in Paris last November 29.

The Defense Chief said the Philippine Navy regarded the Scorpene-class attack submarine as “one of the best submarines” there is.

The Scorpene diesel-electric submarine being offered by the French government to the Philippines will be manufactured by French defense contractor Naval Group.

Lorenzana managed to see for himself the submarine when he visited France last month after his trip to South Korea with President DUterte for the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.

According to the official website of the Naval Group, the Scorpene is a 2000-ton, conventional-propulsion submarine “designed for all types of mission such as surface vessel warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations or intelligence gathering.”

The Naval Group said its combat edge is highlighted by six weapon launching tubes and 18 weapons including torpedoes, missiles and mines. It also has a top speed of 37 kilometers per hour.

Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad earlier expressed inclination to acquire French-made submarines over other proposals submitted by Russia, Korea and Germany.

“Their [France] proposal best fits the requirements set by the Philippine Navy but we continue to request for proposals from other companies,” Empedrad told reporters in an interview on October 2.