The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is undergoing a significant modernization program to upgrade its military capabilities and address current challenges, particularly the growing threat from China. To achieve this, the Philippine government is supporting the AFP in acquiring more advanced and sophisticated weaponry. One of the key initiatives is the Re-Horizon 3, a revised military modernization plan that aims to spend up to 2 trillion pesos, or about 35 billion US dollars, over 10 years. This plan is designed to ensure that the Philippines’ defense capabilities are on par with those of potential foreign adversaries.
A major focus of this modernization is the potential acquisition of submarines, which the Philippine Navy has long emphasized as crucial for the nation’s defense, given its vast maritime territory with thousands of islands. However, details on which submarine will be acquired and when it will arrive remain unclear.
Several countries, including South Korea, France, and Spain, have offered their submarine designs to the Philippines. South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean has proposed the KSS-IIIPN, while Spain’s Navantia has offered its S-80 design. The submarine program is expected to cost around 70 billion pesos, or 1.2 billion US dollars.
If the Philippines successfully acquires its first-ever submarine, it could significantly counteract Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Submarines are just one aspect of the AFP’s future plans. Another priority is the acquisition of new and better fighter jets. According to a press release from the Philippine Defense Department on February 16, 2024, they are finalizing defense cooperation terms with Sweden, following a previously signed memorandum of understanding. Although specific assets were not disclosed, there have been reports suggesting the possible acquisition of the JAS-39 Gripen multirole aircraft.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been seeking to acquire multirole aircraft for several years. Offers have come from various countries, with Sweden and the United States as the top contenders. The US proposed selling the F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighter jets, but due to budget constraints, the Philippine government found the deal too expensive.
In contrast, the JAS-39 Gripen from Sweden is considered more affordable. The estimated cost is around 1.12 billion dollars for 14 JAS-39C/D Gripen aircraft. These aircraft are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s capabilities, complementing its current fleet of 12 FA-50PH light jet fighters from South Korea.
Additionally, the PAF is set to receive three C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin, with deliveries scheduled for July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027. The contract for these aircraft is valued at approximately 22.2 billion pesos, or about 390 million dollars.
In terms of helicopters, the AFP signed a 32 billion peso, or 624 million dollar, contract in 2022 to acquire 32 S70i Black Hawks from Poland’s PZL Mielec.
The Philippine Navy is also expecting new corvettes, with a 28 billion peso, or 505 million dollar, contract signed in 2021 with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for two corvettes. These warships will feature advanced weapon systems, including anti-ship missiles and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems.
Furthermore, the Navy will receive six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) from HHI, based on the design of the BRP Jose Rizal class frigate. The contract for these OPVs is valued at 573 million dollars.
A key addition to the Navy’s capabilities is the procurement of Shaldag Mk 5 fast attack interdiction crafts from Israel Shipyards Ltd. The Philippines has ordered nine of these crafts, with six already delivered as of November 2023. These crafts are equipped with advanced weaponry, including the Rafael Typhoon RCWS and Spike NLOS missiles.
Excitingly, the Philippine Navy has plans to acquire 15 more Shaldag Mk 5 crafts in addition to the nine already in the pipeline.
For the Army, recent acquisitions include a fleet of armored vehicles, such as nine ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, an ASCOD 2 Command Post Vehicle, five VBTP-MR Guarani 6×6 armored personnel carriers, and a tractor head truck. The ASCOD 2 Sabrah Light Tanks are particularly noteworthy, with a contract signed in 2021 valued at 172 million dollars.
Another significant acquisition is the BrahMos missile system from India, which the Philippines received after signing a 375 million dollar contract in 2022. The BrahMos missile is known for its accuracy and versatility, with upgrades underway to extend its range and improve its performance.
These acquisitions are just a glimpse of what the AFP has planned. With a 35 billion dollar modernization program, the Philippines is poised to acquire much more than just missiles, submarines, and fighter jets. This budget could be sufficient to deter foreign threats and bolster the country’s defense capabilities.