MANILA. The Philippines is set to embark on a significant military modernization effort, seeking to acquire mid-range missiles and 40 advanced fighter jets as part of a broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The initiative, estimated to cost at least $33 billion, was revealed by senior security officials on Thursday.
Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner emphasized the country’s need for more sophisticated weaponry during a joint media conference with U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo in Baguio. “We are wanting to get more of the latest weapons systems. That includes the mid-range capability,” Brawner stated, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to bolstering its defense forces.
The announcement follows Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro’s earlier comments that the Philippines is actively reviewing offers to procure additional weaponry. Speaking at a congressional hearing on the Department of National Defense’s budget, Teodoro confirmed that the government plans to allocate approximately 1.894 trillion pesos ($33.74 billion) to strengthen the military’s external defense, including the potential purchase of 40 new jets.
Teodoro, however, remained tight-lipped about the specific countries or fighter jet models being considered, noting that “the bidding is a secret process right now, but we are continuing to review tenders that are acceptable.”
In addition to multi-role fighters, Teodoro mentioned the country’s interest in other deterrent capabilities that may not necessarily involve jets. To finance the acquisition, which could range from 300 to 400 billion pesos ($5.3 to $7.1 billion), the government is exploring various financing options, including syndicated loans from private lenders.
The modernization efforts come at a time of increased military collaboration between the Philippines and the United States, with both nations preparing for what could be their largest joint military exercises next year. This partnership is seen as a countermeasure to China’s perceived growing assertiveness in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has had multiple confrontations with China.
Earlier this year, the United States deployed its intermediate-range missile system in the northern Philippines during military drills, a move that drew sharp criticism from China, which accused the U.S. of escalating the risk of conflict in the region. The missile system, which was not fired during the exercises, remains in the Philippines and was tested for its air transport feasibility.
Brawner had previously highlighted the need for “faster and more lethal” multi-role jet fighters to supplement the country’s existing fleet of South Korean FA-50s. Teodoro echoed this urgency, stating that the Philippines aims to award contracts for the new jets “as soon as possible as long as our financial requirements are met.”
This military upgrade is seen as a crucial step for the Philippines in ensuring its defense preparedness and maintaining regional stability amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
