In a bid to modernize the country’s naval defense and with eyes set on South Korea’s advanced maritime technology, Philippine Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino recently toured Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding facility in Geoje. His visit comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and as the Philippines grapples with the decision to invest in the Jangbogo-III PN — a state-of-the-art attack submarine by Hanwha, currently on the Philippines Navy’s radar.

Historically leaning on World War II and Cold War-era vessels for naval defense, the Philippines embarked on a significant shift toward modernization in 2016. The landmark order of two Jose Rizal-class frigates from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries highlights this transformation.