The Philippine Navy has engaged in exploratory discussions with the Italian Navy on enhancing shipbuilding capabilities.

During a press conference at the Navy Headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the Italian Navy provided insights on its naval capabilities, particularly in shipbuilding initiatives.

The talks followed a courtesy visit in March by Vice Admiral Andrea Gueglio, the Italian Navy’s director for personnel employment, and Italian Ambassador to the Philippines David Giglio to Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Josema Ambrosio Espeleta.

Alcos said the meeting underscored the shared commitment of both navies to enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in shipbuilding, modernization, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues.

“As mentioned by the Flag Officer-in-Command, we are looking forward to having my team visit your ships and learn more about new technology offered by the Italian Navy,” he said.

He added that the Philippine Navy is exploring potential partnerships with its Italian counterpart to support naval modernization, technological advancement, and regional security cooperation.

“With the myriad of capabilities that your Philippine Navy intends to have, for us to better perform our mandate in support of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and our active archipelagic defense strategy, we will continue to engage other like-minded nations who already perfected these particular capabilities that we intend to have,” Alcos said.

While noting that the Philippines has a robust shipbuilding industry, Alcos said the Navy is exploring technology transfer agreements with allied nations to improve shipbuilding for both military and commercial purposes.

“It is very well known that Italy has one of the most robust shipbuilding industries in the world and we will continue to engage other nations in our strive to be a modern naval force capable of securing the state and contributing to regional peace,” he said.

Alcos also said the Philippine Navy is working toward reducing reliance on foreign sources for military equipment.

“Through the SRDP (Self-Reliant Defense Posture), our main objective is for us to be able to manufacture our own warships and even other capabilities that are required for us to better defend our country,” he said.