Russian Ambassador to the Philippine Igor Khovaev said that the country has the right to have its own submarine system because it is an archipelagic nation.
During a media briefing in Makati City, Khovaev stressed the need for the Philippines to come up with its own submarine fleet.
“We are ready to help your country to have a submarine,” Khovaev said.
The Russian envoy even boasted his country’s submarine technology and considered it the ‘best in the world’.
“We are willing to help you like Vietnam,” Khovaev said.
Russia has a role in providing Vietnam six Kilo-class submarines.
Kilo-class submarines weighs 2,350 tons, and has a length of 73.8 meters. It is capable of speeds of 17 to 20 knots. These submarines could contain a variety of torpedoes, missiles, and naval mines.
This type of submarine has a cruising range of around 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles.
In a report on Philippine News Agency, Russia previously said that it is willing to provide advanced versions of its Kilo-class submarines to the Philippines through “soft loans”.