BRP Jose Rizal is the first combat ship designed and acquired for the Philippine Navy as part of the Frigate Acquisition Project, which started in May 2013, to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Jorge Cariño, ABS-CBN News

MANILA—The Philippine Navy said it is set to acquire 25 to 30 warships in the next decade in a bid to strengthen maritime security.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad on Thursday said the government plans to purchase offshore patrol vessels and submarines, according to a Philippine News Agency report posted Saturday.

"I think there is a need to beef up the Philippine Navy because we have vast maritime (territories) and we need to protect it," he told reporters in Ulsan city, South Korea.

Empedrad was in South Korea for the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna, the second missile frigate the country acquired after BRP Jose Rizal.

BRP Jose Rizal will be delivered in 2020, followed by BRP Antonio Luna in 2021.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Navy welcomed 2 new helicopters, which has the capability to "detect and destroy" submarines.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., meanwhile, said the Philippines will get a new imagery satellite in July as he stressed the need for new technology to protect the West Philippine Sea.