Philippine Navy

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The Philippine Navy (Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas) is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It defends Philippine waters, conducts naval warfare and maritime patrols, helps protect maritime resources and borders, fights piracy, and provides humanitarian assistance during disasters.

What it is today
- Size and assets: About 24,500 active personnel, including roughly 10,300 Marines. It operates around 90 combat vessels and 16 support ships, with about 27 manned aircraft and 8 unmanned aerial vehicles. The Navy also maintains a sizable reserve force.
- Headquarters: Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila.
- Main commands: The Navy is organized into two type commands — the Philippine Fleet (sea forces) and the Philippine Marine Corps (amphibious forces). It is led by the Flag Officer-in-Command, with roles in administration and operations shared with other top military leaders.

A brief history
- Early roots: The Navy traces back to the Philippine Revolutionary Navy of 1898. The Offshore Patrol, formed in 1939, laid the groundwork for a modern navy.
- Mid-20th century to postwar: The service was renamed the Philippine Navy in 1951. After World War II, it rebuilt with help from allies and expanded its naval aviation and marine components.
- Late 20th century to today: The end of U.S. bases in the Philippines reduced external support, prompting the country to focus on modernization. The Navy has pursued new ships, missiles, and sensors to strengthen its ability to defend the country’s waters, including the disputed areas in the South China Sea.

Where it operates
- The Navy patrols Philippine waters, protects territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, and supports security along maritime borders.
- It works alongside the Philippine Coast Guard on many maritime tasks and conducts anti-piracy missions, search-and-rescue, and humanitarian missions after disasters.
- The service has been involved in various regional security developments, including incidents around the Scarborough Shoal and ongoing efforts to upgrade capabilities under modernization programs.

Organization and focus
- The Philippine Fleet handles combat and surface operations.
- The Philippine Marine Corps provides amphibious capabilities for coastal defense and land-sea operations.
- Supporting units include training and doctrine, naval reserve forces, combat engineers, installation and logistics commands, and other shore-based support services.

Looking ahead
- Modernization goals include acquiring new frigates and corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, strategic sealift ships, and upgraded weapons systems. The aim is to better defend the country’s exclusive economic zones and expanded maritime interests, while continuing to assist in humanitarian missions and disaster response.

In all, the Philippine Navy is a key component of the country’s defense, focused on safeguarding coastal areas, securing maritime rights, and contributing to regional stability through modernization and cooperation with allies.