Uploaded August 2015 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Philippines is the most vocal critic of China’s land reclamation efforts, having taken Beijing to the Court of Arbitration in The Hague. However, litigation hasn’t stopped China and it’s forcing Manila to beef up its military.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said, “The goal of updating and modernising our armed forces is a long and painstaking process. That means we have to be frugal and acquire reliable platforms at very reasonable costs ... as allowed by our meagre financial resources.”
Gazmin is proposing a 25% increase to the defense budget, but not all of it will be going to maritime resources. Unfortunately, there are internal problems to be addressed and preparations for potential natural disasters, like typhoons and landslides which are common.
Since 2010, the Philippines has acquired two former US Coast Guard cutters, three landing crafts, and seven helicopters. But that isn’t nearly enough to go up against China.
Manila is preparing for the delivery of two FA-50s from South Korea. A total of 12 have been ordered. Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant-General Jeffrey Delgado considered these transition aircraft to fill the gap until Manila can afford more advanced jet fighters.
But that’s not the only purchase the Philippines is eying.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said the Navy is looking at submarines to protect its deep water and open coastlines. He noted their acquisition can’t happen for some time, but an office has been set up to develop the idea and may happen in the next 3-5 years.
Also up for discussion is the acquisition the SPYDER Air Defense Missile System. It’s an Israeli short and medium range mobile air defense system. These are self-propelled, quick reaction, all weather units which are deployed throughout the world.
But with China continuously developing their military capability and able to sail beyond the first island chain, let’s be frank — Anything Manila does will be behind the curve of Beijing.
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e-mail: podcast@asianewsweekly.net
Twitter: twitter.com/SteveMillerANW
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Podcast: asianewsweekly.net
The Philippines is the most vocal critic of China’s land reclamation efforts, having taken Beijing to the Court of Arbitration in The Hague. However, litigation hasn’t stopped China and it’s forcing Manila to beef up its military.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said, “The goal of updating and modernising our armed forces is a long and painstaking process. That means we have to be frugal and acquire reliable platforms at very reasonable costs ... as allowed by our meagre financial resources.”
Gazmin is proposing a 25% increase to the defense budget, but not all of it will be going to maritime resources. Unfortunately, there are internal problems to be addressed and preparations for potential natural disasters, like typhoons and landslides which are common.
Since 2010, the Philippines has acquired two former US Coast Guard cutters, three landing crafts, and seven helicopters. But that isn’t nearly enough to go up against China.
Manila is preparing for the delivery of two FA-50s from South Korea. A total of 12 have been ordered. Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant-General Jeffrey Delgado considered these transition aircraft to fill the gap until Manila can afford more advanced jet fighters.
But that’s not the only purchase the Philippines is eying.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said the Navy is looking at submarines to protect its deep water and open coastlines. He noted their acquisition can’t happen for some time, but an office has been set up to develop the idea and may happen in the next 3-5 years.
Also up for discussion is the acquisition the SPYDER Air Defense Missile System. It’s an Israeli short and medium range mobile air defense system. These are self-propelled, quick reaction, all weather units which are deployed throughout the world.
But with China continuously developing their military capability and able to sail beyond the first island chain, let’s be frank — Anything Manila does will be behind the curve of Beijing.
Connect with me on social media and the internet!
e-mail: podcast@asianewsweekly.net
Twitter: twitter.com/SteveMillerANW
Facebook: facebook.com/asianewsweekly
Podcast: asianewsweekly.net
