In 2012–2013, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) explored acquiring two retired Maestrale -class frigates from the Italian Navy for roughly $270 million.
: Military leaders eventually decided that used 20-year-old ships would have maintenance costs that were too high. Instead, they opted to pursue a competitive bidding process for brand-new frigates . philippines buying maestrale frigates
Following the cancellation of the Italian deal, the Philippines turned to South Korea’s for its primary naval modernization. philippines buying maestrale frigates