How serious is the Philippine government in modernizing its military?
Very much so, it would appear, amid rising tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
As a matter of fact, the government recently organized an exhibition where global defense contractors—a total of 291 firms—put their advanced military technology and weapons systems on display. This is part of the Philippine effort to proceed with a multi-billion-dollar program to modernize our military.
That the Philippines is an emerging market for the defense industry is clear. The International Development and Security Cooperation think-tank believes so: “Our strategic issues with China have caught the attention of defense firms, and the exhibit demonstrates support from like-minded nations, many of whom are our partners and allies.”
The government has allocated $35 billion, spread over the next decade, as it faces increased aggressive actions by Beijing on sea and air over contested areas in the vital sealane.
Buying advanced military hardware and technology will complement the Marcos administration’s stepped-up security partnerships with other friendly countries, such as Japan and Australia, to boost the country’s capability to defend its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.
We have the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States where we vowed to come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack by a third country. While the US government has time and again said that its commitment to help defend the Philippines is “ironclad,” we must also build up a credible deterrence posture on our own.
The goal of military modernization is to develop a credible defense posture at this time. We need to acquire advanced assets such as fighter jets, submarines and missile systems to protect our territorial integrity.
While long-standing military ties ensure the United States is a key supplier, the Philippines has broadened defense procurement to nations such as India, Israel, Poland, South Korea, and Turkey. The recent exhibition featured new companies, with other participating nations, including Britain, France and Japan.
A significant development along this line is that in 2022, the Philippines purchased a $375-million BrahMos anti-ship missile system, and the firm is now offering a ship-mounted version.
State-run Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which had earlier supplied advanced surveillance capabilities, including electro-optic systems, is also ready to provide reconnaissance aircraft and coastal radar equipment.
The Philippines is also evaluating offers for 40 multirole fighter aircraft. Sweden’s Saab, which builds Gripen jets, is widely considered a contender. The company has vowed to deliver effective and cost-efficient air power to the Philippines.
Modernizing our forces will take time due to the resources needed. But we must explore all possibilities and engage with reliable defense enterprises and select the best systems for our specific needs.
