{
  "id": 3223403,
  "title": "Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities in modernization push, defense chief says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/philippines-seeking-to-expand-military-drone-capabilities-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T08:20:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/international/article-906502"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Philippines is planning to expand its military drone capabilities as part of a broader modernization effort for its armed forces, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. The country, which views external security as a growing priority due to escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea, aims to acquire additional guided-missile corvettes and other major defense assets, Teodoro said during a budget hearing in the lower house of Congress. Currently, the armed forces utilize unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance purposes. The proposed 6.3% increase in the defense ministry's budget for 2027, from the current $4.95 billion spending plan, includes a 50 billion peso ($810.4 million) allocation for modernization next year, representing a 25% boost over the current budget. Developing the necessary systems, connectivity, and operational expertise to effectively utilize drones is a key focus, Teodoro emphasized. The Philippine military is also keen on enhancing secure communications and network capabilities, he added. Teodoro did not disclose specific systems under consideration, stating that the details are classified and highly sensitive. The Philippines has been in discussions with Ukraine regarding potential drone technology cooperation, with the latter expressing interest in the matter. The United States has also provided the Philippine military with four solar-powered sea drones to enhance its maritime surveillance efforts.",
  "summary": "The Philippines is seeking to expand its military drone capabilities as part of a modernization push. According to Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the country plans to develop and acquire drones to enhance its unmanned capabilities. The armed forces currently operate a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles that provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.\n\nThe Philippines also plans to acquire additional guided-missile corvettes and other major defense assets to boost its external defense capabilities. This move is part of a shift in security focus from internal threats to external security, driven by rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. Confrontations between the Philippines and China over disputed features in Manila's exclusive economic zone have increased in frequency in recent years.\n\nThe drone expansion is part of a proposed 50 billion pesos allocation for the Philippines' modernization programme next year. The Defence Secretary pitched for a 6.3 per cent increase in the defence ministry's budget for 2027, from the 305.5 billion pesos spending plan approved for this year, to support the modernization efforts.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities, says defence chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/philippines-seeking-to-expand-military-drone-capabilities-says-3213116",
        "published": "2026-08-25T06:49:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities, says defence chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/philippines-seeking-to-expand-military-drone-capabilities-says",
        "published": "2026-08-25T07:07:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}