While the Philippines initially considered purchasing from Italy as part of its military modernization, the deal was ultimately dropped in favor of acquiring brand-new, more advanced vessels . The Botched Maestrale Deal
: These ships were meant to provide a "stop-gap" capability to address growing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. philippines buying maestrale frigates
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. philippines buying maestrale frigates