The military leader of the Philippines announced on Monday that the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernisation Program (RAFPMP) will be undergoing a phase called Horizon 3, which will concentrate on enhancing the military’s capabilities to defend the archipelago.
This remark was made by the chief of the Armed Forces, General Romeo Brawner Jr., in response to a question about whether or not President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already given his approval to the list of weapons and equipment listed for Horizon 3.
During a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, stated that the approval of the modifications to the programme demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving the capabilities and readiness of the military and ensures that it is “well equipped to address evolving security challenges.”
There are a variety of capability enhancements that have been approved, including domain awareness, connectivity, intelligence capability of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance system (C4ISTAR), and deterrence capability on maritime and aerial domains, according to Padilla.
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) evolves from internal security operations to territorial defence, she noted that these advancements will contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine military establishment.
The initial timetable for Horizon 3 was from 2023 to 2028, while the timetable for Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022, and the timetable for Horizon 1 was from 2013 to 2017.
The multi-role fighters, which are being considered to provide support for the twelve FA-50PH light jet fighters obtained from the Republic of Korea, will be acquired through the Horizon 3 programme, according to Brawner.
The previous version, which was referred to as “Horizon 3,” was presented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines before the acceptance of Re-Horizon 3. This version included acquisition plans for multi-role fighters, frigates, missiles, and radars. The Philippine military, which is still considered among the weakest in the area, was the strategy’s target all along, with the same purpose.
However, because of funding problems, the country’s military services were compelled to reevaluate their plan and present a revised list of weaponry they would like to acquire.
In addition, the current version has been based on a “complete archipelagic defence concept,” which would make it possible for the nation to project power into regions that require further protection.
China is exerting increasing pressure on the Philippines about the disputed Spratly Islands. China is also participating in risky tactics and harassing Philippine authorities related to the issue.
