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Reuters

The Philippines is looking to buy more military hardware to modernise its arsenal, including additional BrahMos missiles from India and at least two submarines, the chief of the armed forces said on Wednesday.
The Philippines is on the third phase of its modernisation programme called “Horizons”. It has earmarked US$35 billion for the build-up over the next decade as it aims to counter China’s military might in the region.
“It’s a dream for us to get at least two submarines,” Romeo Brawner said in a speech to leading business figures.
“We are an archipelago. So we have to have this type of capability, because it’s really difficult to defend that entire archipelago without submarines.
In 2022, the Philippines bought a US$375-million BrahMos anti-ship missile system from India, and has orders for more.
“We are getting more of this [system] this year, and in the coming years,” Brawner said.

The Philippines previously said it is eyeing mid-range missiles and at least 40 fighter jets to boost its defence capabilities.
It is expecting deliveries this year of at least two corvette vessels from South Korea, which last year elevated its ties with Manila to a strategic partnership.
Brawner also said Manila is trying to get South Korea to join the Squad, a multilateral grouping composed of Australia, Japan, Philippines and the United States.
The Philippines’ military build-up comes as tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated in the South China Sea, where the two have clashed in recent years.
Brawner said the military has observed an increase in “illegal, coercive and deceptive” actions by China in the South China Sea.
“We have seen also an increase in the number of vessels in the West Philippine Sea on a daily basis,” Brawner said, using Manila’s term for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone.


From 190 vessels in 2021, the Philippines is now seeing a daily average of 286 Chinese ships around Manila’s maritime zone, he said
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese authorities previously said their actions in the region were lawful.
Brawner added a “joint maritime activity” with the US and Canada in Manila’s maritime zone in the South China Sea was under way. He said Manila was also eyeing joint activities with France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
These activities were meant to ensure an effective presence in the South China Sea, Brawner added.


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The Philippines

Philippines to modernise military with India’s BrahMos missiles amid China tensions

A soldier salutes from a Brahmos Weapon system during a Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Photo: AFP

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) rides beside Philippine Military Chief Romeo Brawner Jnr at the Philippines at military headquarters Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, on December 20, 2024. Photo: AP

Indonesia eyes India’s BrahMos missiles in major defence boost amid China tensions

A soldier salutes from a BrahMos Weapon system during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021 Photo: AFP

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on January 25, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) embraces Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press briefing in New Delhi on January 25, 2025. Photo: AFP

A Naval officer walks past BrahMos weapon systems during a rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, on January 20, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Philippines in Brics – would joining mend ties with China?

Brics leaders attend the 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia. Photo: dpa

The flags of Brics nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Photo: AP

Philippines assured by Hegseth of US’ ‘ironclad’ pledge to mutual defence treaty

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has pledged Washington’s commitment to its defence treaty with the Philippines. Photo: AP

Two Philippine FA-50 fighter aircraft and two US B-1B bombers taking part in a joint drill over the South China Sea. Photo: AFP

Military public affairs chief Xerxes Trinidad says plans for this year’s Balikatan exercise involving Philippine and US troops are ongoing. Photo: Raissa Robles

News

Asia

Southeast Asia

This move comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippines observing an increase in Chinese vessels within its maritime zone


This move comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippines observing an increase in Chinese vessels within its maritime zone.


Philippines to modernise military with India’s BrahMos missiles amid China tensions

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}This move comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippines observing an increase in Chinese vessels within its maritime zone

This move comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippines observing an increase in Chinese vessels within its maritime zone