Interoperability a factor in acquiring major naval systems: Navy chief

Philippine Navy Flag-Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad (PNA file photo)

MANILA — When acquiring major naval systems like submarines, interoperability is always a key factor, Philippine Navy (PN) Flag-Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said.

“Interoperability is a very important factor (in the) acquisition (or) upgrade. ‘Pag bumili tayo (When we buy equipment, we must ensure that) we come up with (the necessary) technical specifications (that will) make sure that the interoperability with our (ships) will be taken into consideration,” Empedrad said Wednesday.

In the case of the submarines that the government plans to acquire, the Navy chief said the installation of equipment that would allow it to coordinate and communicate with other Navy assets would be a priority.

“We can include (that in) our specifications. ‘Yung communication (equipment that will be installed) will be coming from a proponent (supplier) that we already have in our inventory,” Empedrad said.

Having this capability would ensure that there is no “miscalculation” among the submarines and other PN ships, he pointed out.

He reiterated that it is high time for the Philippines to have submarines in its fleet to beef up its capability to defend the country’s vast maritime territories.

Earlier, Empedrad said government-to-government procurement is the best way to acquire submarines for the Navy.

He said Russians are proposing a “soft-loan” for their Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines. Despite the offer, however, Empedrad said nothing is final.

Aside from Russia, Germany and South Korea have also expressed interest to participate in the Navy’s submarine acquisition program, he added. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

Popular

Taal Lake site assessment yields sack containing ‘bones’ — DOJ

By Brian Campued The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that authorities retrieved a sack containing burned remains believed to be human bones during the initial...

LTO integrates online driver’s license renewal system in eGovPH app

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has integrated the online driver’s license renewal in the eGovPH app, which ensures a fast and...

5 of 21 Filipinos in Houthi-hit ship in Red Sea rescued — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers manning the cargo vessel Eternity C, which...

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...