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.
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 philippines buying maestrale frigates
: The Maestrale frigates were eventually sold to Indonesia in a larger deal involving modern FREMM frigates. Shift to South Korean Warships philippines buying maestrale frigates