On February 12, Philippine Armed Forces Commander Romeo Brawner announced that the country aims to purchase more military equipment to modernize its arsenal, including BrahMos missiles from India and at least two submarines.
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| The Philippines wants to buy more BrahMos missiles and two submarines as part of its military modernization plan. (Source: The Prints) |
"Having at least two submarines is a dream of ours. We are an island nation. So we have to have this capability, because it is very difficult to defend the entire archipelago without submarines," General Brawner told top Philippine business figures.
Reuters news agency reported that the Philippines is in phase 3 of a modernization program called "Horizons". The country has earmarked 35 billion USD to strengthen its military over the next decade, to counter China's military power in the region.
The Philippines purchased a $375 million BrahMos anti-ship missile system from India in 2022 and has ordered more in the future. "We will receive more of these systems this year and in the coming years," General Brawner said.
The Philippines has previously said it is looking to buy medium-range missiles and at least 40 fighter jets to bolster its defenses. It is expected to receive at least two frigates from South Korea this year. Last year, Manila upgraded its relationship with Seoul to a strategic partnership.
General Brawner said Manila is trying to get South Korea to join the Squad - a multilateral group consisting of Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States.
In addition, the Philippine general added, a "joint maritime operation" with the US and Canada in Manila's waters in the South China Sea is underway. In addition, Manila is also considering joint operations with France, Italy and the United Kingdom. General Brawner affirmed that these activities are to ensure an effective presence in the South China Sea.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hien-dai-hoa-quan-doi-philippines-se-hoan-thanh-giac-mo-mua-tau-ngam-304049.html
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