Due competing claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines has signed a deal on Tuesday to purchase two corvettes from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., hence boosting up its defense capabilities in a region.

In a speech, during the signing of the deal, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the warships are a part of a $556 million project for the Philippine Navy. He added that these warships are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions.

Earlier, the country bought two frigates also from Hyundai Heavy, and expects “ease of maintenance and repairs” with a common shipbuilder for all its naval platforms, Lorenzana said.

It also plans to sign a deal with PZL Mielec of Poland for 32 Black Hawk helicopters.

The Philippines has been boosting its military strength and is planning a return to full drills with the U.S. In November, the country accused China of firing water cannons to prevent its boats from resupplying a South China Sea outpost.

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