MANILA—The Philippine Navy said it is set to acquire 25 to 30 warships in the next decade in a bid to strengthen maritime security.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad on Thursday said the government plans to purchase offshore patrol vessels and submarines, according to a Philippine News Agency report posted Saturday.

"I think there is a need to beef up the Philippine Navy because we have vast maritime (territories) and we need to protect it," he told reporters in Ulsan city, South Korea.

Empedrad was in South Korea for the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna, the second missile frigate the country acquired after BRP Jose Rizal.

• Isa sa pinakamodernong warship ng PH pinasinayaan

BRP Jose Rizal will be delivered in 2020, followed by BRP Antonio Luna in 2021.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Navy welcomed 2 new helicopters, which has the capability to "detect and destroy" submarines.

• PH Navy's 2 new anti-submarine helicopters arrive in Manila

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., meanwhile, said the Philippines will get a new imagery satellite in July as he stressed the need for new technology to protect the West Philippine Sea.

• West PH Sea 'very hard' to protect; gov't to acquire satellites: Esperon