Given the current nature of the country’s attitude towards defense, and the state of the AFP in general and the PN in particular, it will arguably take a LIFETIME to introduce submarines into the Philippine fleet. By promoting active and factual discussion about both the need and the challenges of establishing a submarine force, this FB group hopes to help shorten this process to at least a one lifetime . . . and not several.
The technical and organizational challenges of operating submarines (where the “pwede na” mentality can actually get people killed) define a goal for operational efficiency that, once met, can have a cascading effect throughout the fleet. The rejuvenating effect of this program upon the Philippine Navy could very well be likened to the effect of the Apollo program had on the US defense R&D program and aerospace industries. That, by itself, makes the program worth pursing for the long-term.
For those who are interested, here is the link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/phsubmarine/
Started on Tuesday. 100 members in five days. Not too shabby 🙂