The Philippine government is planning to enhance its military capabilities by acquiring more anti-ship missile systems and at least two submarines, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr.

This move comes as tensions continue to escalate in the South China Sea.

During the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) General Membership Meeting held in Taguig City on February 12, Brawner discussed national security and regional geopolitics, emphasizing the military’s goal of modernizing its defense systems.

He underscored the strategic importance of acquiring submarines to safeguard the country’s extensive maritime territory.

Strengthening defense capabilities

In his speech, Brawner explained the AFP’s approach to enhancing national defense. He emphasized the need to improve military readiness for external security threats, and the significance of joint defense initiatives with international allies.

Brawner reiterated the AFP’s long-standing ambition to establish a submarine fleet, saying: “It is a dream for us to get at least two submarines. We are an archipelago, and so we have to have this type of capability because it is really difficult to defend the entire archipelago without submarines.”

The planned acquisition is part of the AFP’s modernization program, aiming to bolster defense amid China’s continued presence in the West Philippine Sea.

“We have seen an increase also in the number of vessels in the West Philippine Sea on a daily basis. From 190 vessels in 2021, now we see 286 on the average daily for the year 2024,” the AFP chief said.

Brawner affirmed the AFP’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the disputed waters to safeguard the country’s territorial interests.

Although no specific timeline was provided, he expressed optimism that the submarines would be secured before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s term ends in 2028.

“Hopefully, we can achieve that within the specified time. Remember, what we need is really funds in order for us to achieve the objectives set for Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program,” he said.

The AFP Modernization Program is divided into three phases known as Horizons. Horizon 1 covered the period from 2013 to 2017, Horizon 2 spanned 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 3 is set from 2023 to 2028. In January 2024, the Horizon 3 acquisition list was revised to Re-Horizon 3, extending the timeline by 10 years.

These phases focus on procuring advanced equipment, weapons systems, and platforms to enhance the AFP’s external and territorial defense capabilities. However, funding challenges persist, prompting the AFP to explore alternative financing options.

“We are looking into local and foreign financing. That is why we’re getting in touch with the Bankers Association of the Philippines. They said they can fund it,” Brawner explained.

The budget for acquiring two submarines, including basing and logistical requirements, is estimated between PHP 80 billion (US$1.38 billion) to PHP 110 billion. Brawner emphasized the strategic necessity of submarine capability due to the Philippines’ archipelagic geography.

On February 14, in an ambush interview at a West Philippine Sea press conference, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson, confirmed to Maritime Fairtrade the planned submarine acquisition but declined to provide further details.

Philippine Navy personnel man their stations during the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) on February 12, 2025, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Photo taken from BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), showing HMCS Ottawa (FFH341) sailing during the 7th multilateral exercise on February 12. 

Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (left) and Canada’s HMCS Ottawa warship (right) sail during the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity on February 12, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea. 

Multilateral maritime drills with allies 

Amid rising tensions, the Philippines continues to engage in multilateral maritime drills with allied nations to bolster regional security cooperation.

On February 12, naval and air forces from the Philippines, Canada, and the United States conducted joint maritime activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This marked the seventh such exercise since last year.

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio frigate participated alongside Canada’s HMCS Ottawa warship in the West Philippine Sea. The joint activity aimed to strengthen interoperability among allied forces and enhance regional stability.

“There were three (People’s Liberation Army Navy, PLAN) ships, one oceanographic surveillance ship, and one helicopter monitored from a distance during the activity,” AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said, adding that the Chinese vessels did not interfere with the exercise.

“The monitored PLAN and other assets did not interfere during the 7th MMCA. The exercise proceeded as planned,” he said.

Brawner emphasized that the joint activity was conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of navigation and respecting the rights of other states.

Upholding regional security and cooperation

The multilateral exercise reflects the participating nations’ shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

Brawner stressed the strategic significance of these collaborative efforts, saying, “This activity underscores the AFP’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and maritime security. These strategic partnerships strengthen our interoperability and foster collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The latest drill follows six previous exercises in the region, with the first MMCA conducted in April 2024. Subsequent drills were held in June, August, September, and December of the same year, with the sixth MMCA carried out on February 5, 2025.

Tensions in the South China Sea continue as Beijing asserts claims over nearly the entire waterway, which is a crucial maritime corridor for over $3 trillion in annual trade. Parts of the South China Sea are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

To strengthen its territorial claims, the Philippine government has designated parts of the South China Sea within its jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea. This includes the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, encompassing the Luzon Sea, Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc.

As the Philippines intensifies its defense initiatives, the planned acquisition of submarines and participation in multilateral maritime exercises underscore the nation’s resolve to protect its maritime interests and contribute to regional security.

All photos credit: Armed Forces of the Philippines

Top photo: Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr discusses the military’s national security efforts during the MAP General Membership Meeting on February 12, 2025.