Philippines modernises its ‘weak’ navy as China muscles closer
After the second world war, the Philippines had one of the most powerful navies in Asia. But over the past 60 years, the Philippine Navy became one of the weakest as the government focused on internal security threats
The Philippine Navy is one of the weakest maritime defence forces in Southeast Asia, leaving the sprawling island nation of over 100 million people vulnerable to threats like China’s assertiveness in taking control of disputed territory, according to senior officers, including the top commander.
“A few days ago, we were surprised by the reports that the Chinese have embedded anti-ship missiles and anti-air missiles in three critical island features – Subi, Fiery Cross and Mischief Reefs,” a Philippine naval officer told a maritime security seminar in Manila in May.
He went on to say the “logical next step” was deployment of J-11 strike aircraft with a range of 1,500 kilometres, bringing almost the entire Philippine archipelago within striking distance.
“We have to upgrade the capability of the Philippine Navy so that we can protect our maritime waters because we are an archipelagic nation,” Philippine Navy chief, Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad told reporters afterward.
“With a weak navy, we cannot protect it.”
