The Philippines is seeking to enhance its military capabilities with the acquisition of mid-range missiles and advanced fighter jets, according to two high-ranking security officials who spoke on Thursday. This modernization effort, which involves an investment of at least $33 billion, is being pursued amid escalating regional tensions.
The Armed Forces chief, General Romeo Brawner, informed reporters that the military is looking to procure more sophisticated weaponry. This announcement came shortly after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro disclosed that the Philippines is considering proposals to purchase additional arms. "We are aiming to obtain more of the most advanced weapon systems, including mid-range capabilities," Brawner stated during a joint press conference with US Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo in Baguio City.
Both the Philippines and its ally, the United States, are gearing up for what could be the largest joint military exercises next year, as the security interactions between the two countries have intensified to address what they view as China's increasing assertiveness. In April, the US deployed its intermediate-range missile system in the northern Philippines during military drills, a move that drew criticism from China, which argued that it introduced significant war risks to the region.
The missile system, which remains in the Philippines, was not activated during the exercises but was transported to assess the viability of airlifting the 40-ton weapon system. The Philippines has experienced numerous confrontations at sea and in the air with China in the South China Sea. It intends to allocate at least 1.894 trillion pesos ($33.74 billion) to modernize and strengthen its military's external defense capabilities, which may involve purchasing 40 jets, as previously mentioned by Teodoro during a congressional hearing on his department's budget.
Teodoro did not disclose the names of the countries that submitted bids or the specific fighter jet model the Philippines plans to acquire, noting that "the bidding process is currently confidential, but we are evaluating the tenders that meet our criteria." He also mentioned that the Philippines is investing in other deterrent capabilities, which are not necessarily multi-role fighters. To finance the jets, which could range in cost from 300 to 400 billion pesos ($5.3 to $7.1 billion), the government is exploring viable financing options, including syndicated loans from private lenders.
Previously, General Brawner had emphasized the need for "faster and more lethal" multi-role jet fighters, in addition to the South Korean FA-50s. Teodoro stated that the Philippines aims to finalize the tenders "as soon as possible, provided our financial conditions are satisfied."
