Submarine and Surface Operations: Türkiye’s Expertise to Help Philippine Navy

Our Bureau - : May 2, 2026 - : 9:44 pm

The Philippines and Türkiye are deepening maritime defense ties, with cooperation expanding into submarine operations, training and rescue capabilities as Manila seeks to build up its naval expertise.

Ankara has signaled its willingness to support the Philippine Navy in training programs for submarine and surface ship operations. During a visit last June, Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol told navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta that Türkiye is ready to support future training and education initiatives. Describing Türkiye as a longstanding partner, Akyol said Ankara remained committed to helping the Philippines strengthen its defense capabilities and safeguard its sovereignty.

In 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government plans to acquire its first submarine, although the navy is still focused on developing anti-submarine capabilities. Several countries have expressed interest in supplying submarines to Manila, he said.

As an archipelago with one of the world’s longest coastlines and ongoing maritime disputes with China, the Philippines is widely seen as lagging behind regional peers in developing an undersea capability.

As part of preparations, the country’s navy’s Fleet Submarine Group has been honing its skills, including participating in Türkiye-hosted search-and-rescue drill Exercise INVITEX 2025. The drills involved coordinated operations to improve interoperability and submarine rescue capabilities, covering scenarios such as locating a distressed submarine, escape and rescue operations, medical response and evacuation, and specialized procedures including personnel transfer under pressure.

Separately, the Philippine Army reaffirmed its commitment to closer defense ties with Türkiye during talks between its chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, and Akyol. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation under an existing defense industry agreement, as well as joint training, knowledge exchange and broader military engagement.

Türkiye’s defense attaché, Capt. Gökhan Gülbiten, said Ankara is keen on strengthening ties, while Nafarrete highlighted the role of such partnerships in supporting the Philippines’ evolving defense posture.

At the same time, Akyol expressed Türkiye’s readiness to support peace-building efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, amid developments in the peace process, including the suspension of the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the talks helped deepen bilateral understanding and identify further avenues for cooperation.