MANILA: The Philippines said on Thursday (Nov 7) that its coast guard will buy 40 fast patrol ships from France and plans to deploy some of them in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

The deal is the “largest single acquisition yet” in Manila’s efforts to modernize the coast guard, and deliveries will begin within four years, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan told a news conference.

Manila has refused to provide specifications for the ships, which it says will cost 25.8 billion pesos ($440 million), which will be financed with development aid from the French government.

Some of the ships will be deployed in the South China Sea, where Philippine naval forces operate, he said. violent clashes this year It’s part of a growing territorial dispute with China’s coast guard over waters and land features.

China claims most of the seas, including near-shore waters Philippines and some other neighborsIt ignores the international court’s decision that its claims lack legal basis.

Gavan stated that the ships are “fast enough to reach the borders of our exclusive economic zone” for law enforcement and other missions, adding, “This will change the rules of the game for us.”

“This will form part of the force mix we need to counter threats in the region,” he added.