The Philippines agreed a deal to buy two naval ships worth a total 337 million USD with a shipbuilding corporation of the Republic of Korea on October 25.

Illustrative photo (Source: nationalinterest.org)

Lued Lincuna, spokesperson of the Philippine Navy said that the purchase of two modern naval ships is a big step for the Philippine Navy towards building a “world class and well-equipped” military force, contributing to protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty.

The purchase highlights the Philippines’ intention to diversify its military and decrease its dependence on the United States.

This is the biggest procurement for the army since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June.

In September, the Philippines proposed increasing its defence budget by 14 percent next year to support the five-year modernised military programme, worth 82 billion PHP (1.7 billion USD).

(Source: VNA)