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Philippines Seeks to Expand Its Maritime Capabilities With Acquisition of Two Submarines.
The Philippines is actively pursuing the expansion of its defense capabilities as part of its ongoing military modernization program, with a particular focus on acquiring additional BrahMos anti-ship missiles from India and at least two submarines. These developments are part of the country’s broader efforts to strengthen its strategic posture and counter the growing military influence of China in the region.
The Republic of Korea's Chang Bogo submarine is a serious candidate for the Philippines. (Picture source: US DoD)
The country is currently in the third phase of its modernization initiative, called “Horizons,” which has allocated $35 billion for upgrading its defense capabilities over the next decade. These improvements are considered essential for protecting the territorial integrity of the Philippines, particularly due to its archipelagic geography, which presents unique defense challenges.
In a recent speech before leading business figures, General Romeo Brawner, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of acquiring submarines. “It’s a dream for us to get at least two submarines,” Brawner said. “We are an archipelago. Therefore, we need this kind of capability because it is really difficult to defend the entire archipelago without submarines.”
The Philippines' acquisition of defense technologies from India has already begun with the purchase of a BrahMos missile system worth $375 million in 2022. The government has confirmed additional orders for this advanced weapon system, which is expected to be delivered in the coming years. “We are receiving more of this system this year, and in the years to come,” Brawner added.
To further strengthen its defense infrastructure, the Philippines is also acquiring medium-range missiles and at least 40 fighter jets to improve its air and missile defense capabilities. Additionally, the country is expected to receive two corvettes from South Korea this year, further bolstering its naval assets. The strengthening of ties between South Korea and the Philippines is marked by the elevation of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership last year.
Brawner also indicated that the Philippines is working to include South Korea in the Quad, a strategic multilateral group composed of Australia, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines. This initiative reflects the emphasis on regional security cooperation in response to rising tensions with China, particularly in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has noted a concerning increase in actions that the country describes as “illegal, coercive, and deceptive” by China in the South China Sea. According to Brawner, the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, which refers to waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, has significantly increased. From 190 Chinese ships in 2021, the Philippines is now observing a daily average of 286 ships in its maritime zone.
As the Philippines continues to bolster its defense capabilities, the situation in the South China Sea remains a central point. The ongoing military buildup aims to ensure that the Philippines can effectively protect its territorial waters and respond to regional security challenges in the face of China’s increasingly assertive actions.