Philippines to Allocate US$35 Billion for Military Modernization to “Confront” China
The ten-year military modernization plan is crucial for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as Manila intensifies its stance against China's attempts to claim more maritime territories in the South China Sea, known as the West Philippine Sea.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Philippines intends to allocate $35 billion (RM157 billion) over the next 10 years to modernize its military forces, aiming to safeguard its interests in the South China Sea, at a time when the Southeast Asian nation faces increasing pressure from China.
President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos has approved modernization efforts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the navy, air force, surveillance, and other assets.
“This capability enhancement will contribute to the strengthening of the country’s defense as the Armed Forces of the Philippines transition from domestic security operations to territorial defense,” said Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to Bloomberg.
Last month, Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr reportedly said the country’s military plans to acquire more warships, combat aircraft, and radars under its modernization program.
The $35 billion military modernization plan marks the third phase of a program initiated in 2013.
The ten-year military modernization plan is crucial for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as Manila intensifies its stance against China’s attempts to claim more maritime territories in the South China Sea, known as the West Philippine Sea.
In addition to directing its military towards territorial defense amid escalating maritime disputes with Beijing, Manila is strengthening its security ties with countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
After focusing on domestic security operation for decades, the Philippines is now shifting its efforts towards territorial defense to address external threats consistently encroaching on its territory.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines aims to enhance its capabilities to defend territories in the South China Sea, including Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), a disputed island claimed by China.
The military modernization plan includes the purchase of Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), radars, an additional two Jose Rizal-class frigates, guided missile systems, and helicopters.
Under this program, the Philippine Navy is expected to acquire its first submarines, with countries like South Korea, Spain, and France expressing interest in supplying their submarines.
Furthermore, the Philippines is expected to receive its first batch of the Coastal Missile System “BrahMos” this month after spending approximately $375 million (RM1.5 billion) to acquire it.
The Philippines is the first country outside India to deploy the BrahMos Coastal Missile System, which will be positioned at strategic locations in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines aims to use the BrahMos missile system to deter China from any attempts to seize, occupy, or control islands or reefs within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
With the BrahMos missile, Chinese coast guard vessels will need to think twice before approaching any Philippine islands or reefs within the Philippine EEZ.
The contract for the purchase of the BrahMos missile system was awarded to Brahmos Aerospace Private Ltd on December 31, 2021.
The BrahMos missile system is a collaboration between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostreyenia (NPOM).
The anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile has an effective range of approximately 300km with a supersonic speed of Mach 2.8, carrying around 200kg of high-explosive material. – DSA
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