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The Armed Forces of the Philippines ramps up army modernization with plans for BrahMos missiles and submarines amid rising tensions within the South China Sea
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is seeking to purchase extra army {hardware} to modernize its arsenal, together with extra BrahMos missiles from India and a minimum of two submarines, the chief of the armed forces stated on Wednesday, February 12.
The Philippines is on the third part of its modernization program referred to as “Horizons”. It has earmarked $35 billion for the buildup over the subsequent decade because it goals to counter China’s army would possibly within the area.
“It’s a dream for us to get a minimum of two submarines,” Basic Romeo Brawner Jr, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stated in a speech to main enterprise figures.
“We’re an archipelago. So we now have to have the sort of functionality, as a result of it’s actually tough to defend that complete archipelago with out submarines.”
In 2022, the Philippines purchased a $375-million BrahMos anti-ship missile system from India, and has orders for extra.
“We’re getting extra of this (system)this 12 months, and within the coming years,” Brawner stated.
The Philippines has beforehand stated it’s eyeing mid-range missiles and a minimum of 40 fighter jets to spice up its protection capabilities.
It’s anticipating deliveries this 12 months of a minimum of two corvette vessels from South Korea, which final 12 months elevated its ties with Manila to a strategic partnership.
Brawner additionally stated Manila is attempting to get South Korea to hitch the Squad, a multilateral grouping composed of Australia, Japan, Philippines, and the USA.
The Philippines’ army build-up comes as tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated within the South China Sea, the place the 2 have clashed lately.
Brawner stated the army has noticed a rise in “unlawful, coercive and misleading” actions by China within the South China Sea.
“We’ve seen additionally a rise within the variety of vessels within the West Philippine Sea each day,” Brawner stated, utilizing Manila’s time period for waters within the South China Sea that fall inside its unique financial zone.
From 190 vessels in 2021, the Philippines is now seeing a day by day common of 286 Chinese language ships round Manila’s maritime zone, he stated.
China’s embassy in Manila didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. Chinese language authorities have beforehand stated their actions within the area had been lawful.
Brawner added a “joint maritime exercise” with the US and Canada in Manila’s maritime zone within the South China Sea was underway. He stated Manila can be eyeing joint actions with France, Italy and the UK.
These actions are supposed to guarantee an efficient presence within the South China Sea, Brawner added. – Rappler.com
