Philippines Seeks to Expand Military Drone Fleet and Modernize Defense

Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced plans to expand the country's military drone capabilities and acquire additional guided missile corvettes to strengthen external defense. Speaking at a budget hearing in the lower house of Congress, Teodoro proposed a 6.3 percent increase in the defense ministry's budget for 2027, raising it from the 305.5 billion pesos (US$4.95 billion) approved for this year. The drone expansion is part of a proposed 50 billion pesos allocation for the modernization program next year, which represents a 25 percent increase over the current budget. Teodoro emphasized that the priority is developing the connectivity, operational know-how, and secure communications needed to integrate drones into operations. While he declined to name specific systems due to security concerns, he noted that the Philippines is in contact with countries possessing drone expertise. Ukraine's ambassador to the Philippines previously mentioned discussions regarding drone technology cooperation, and the United States has already provided four solar powered sea drones for maritime surveillance. Center right sources frame these acquisitions as a direct response to rising tensions in the South China Sea, while center sources present the news as a general expansion of military capabilities.