Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities, says defence chief

MANILA: The Philippine defence chief announced plans to expand the country's military drone capabilities during a budget hearing in the lower house of Congress. US ally the Philippines also intends to acquire more guided-missile corvettes and other major defence assets to strengthen its external defence capabilities. The shift in security focus from internal to external threats is driven by rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea, where frequent confrontations have occurred over disputed features within Manila's exclusive economic zone.

Currently, the armed forces operate a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The defence chief, Gilberto Teodoro, proposed a 6.3% increase in the defence ministry's budget for 2027, bringing the total spending to 305.5 billion pesos ($4.95 billion). Drone expansion is part of a proposed 50 billion peso ($810.4 million) allocation for the Philippines' modernisation programme next year, a 25% increase from the current budget.

Developing systems, connectivity, and operational knowledge to effectively use drones is a priority, according to Teodoro. He emphasized that personnel development is less important than integrating drones into operations and teaching how to effectively utilize them. Teodoro declined to disclose specific systems under consideration, stating that the details were classified and highly sensitive, particularly concerning AI.

The Philippines has been in close communication with countries possessing expertise in drone technology. In June, the United States provided the Philippine military with four solar-powered sea drones to enhance its maritime surveillance.