Philippines Eyes Mid-Range Missiles, 40 Fighter Jets to Modernise Military.

The Philippines are planning to modernize their military with medium-range missiles and advanced fighter jets, two high-ranking security officials said on Thursday, spending at least $33 billion to upgrade their defenses amid growing regional tensions. The military seeks to acquire more advanced weapons, Army Chief Romeo Brawner told reporters, just hours after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced that the Philippines were reviewing bids to purchase more arms.
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FA-50 fighter jets, newly purchased from South Korea, are escorted by fighter jets in the sky upon arrival in Clark air base, Angeles city, Pampanga province, north of Manila, Philippines December 1, 2016 (Picture source: Romeo Ranoco)

The Philippines and their ally, the United States, are gearing up for what could be the largest joint military exercises next year, stated Paparo, as security engagements between the two nations have increased to counter what they perceive as China's growing assertiveness. In April, the United States deployed its intermediate-range missile system in northern Philippines during military exercises, angering China which stated that its presence "posed huge risks of war in the region." The missile, which remains in the Philippines, was not fired during the exercises but was shipped to test the feasibility of airlifting the 40-ton weapon system.

The Philippines are frequently involved in more or less hostile encounters at sea and in the air with China in the South China Sea, which is why they are requesting access to significant offensive capabilities such as medium-range missiles.

It plans to spend at least 1.894 trillion pesos ($33.74 billion) to modernize and strengthen the external defense capabilities of its army, which could include the purchase of 40 aircraft, Teodoro earlier said during a Congressional budget hearing of his department. He declined to name the countries that have submitted bids or the model of fighter jet he is considering, adding: "The bidding is a secretive process at the moment, but we continue to review bids that are acceptable."

The Philippines are also investing in other deterrence capabilities, not necessarily versatile fighters, which could be anti-aircraft missiles, long-range weaponry, etc.

To finance these planes, which could cost between 300 and 400 billion pesos ($5.3 to $7.1 billion), the government is exploring reasonable financing plans, including syndicated loans from private lenders. Chief of Staff Brawner previously stated that the Philippines needed multi-role combat aircraft that are "faster and more lethal" in addition to the South Korean FA-50s. The Philippines aim to award bids "as soon as possible, as long as our financial requirements are met."