More anti-ship missiles, submarines, and air defence systems are on the Philippines’ table to counter the increasing Chinese aggression in the Pacific.
Asia Pacific Defense Journal reported that the Philippines has allocated $35 billion for large-scale military modernisation. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the modernisation includes acquiring more BrahMos anti-ship missiles and new submarines.
The Chief of Staff’s underlining of these two pieces of equipment points out the Philippines’ attention to countering the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.
On a political note, the sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines is well within India’s interests, another player in Asia against the camp of China. The supersonic anti-ship missile developed from the Russian P-800 Oniks is heavy and fast enough to incapacitate large-sized ships. It would give the Philippines a striking chance against Chinese destroyers, aircraft carriers, or LHDs.
New submarines will bolster the Philippines’ anti-surface/submarine warfare and observation capabilities, as modern submarines equipped with AIP systems can stay submerged for longer periods. Submarines should be seen not only as sneaky subsurface combatants but also as intelligence-gathering platforms.
The modernisation plan, titled “Re-Horizon 3,” also includes new fighter jets, surface-to-surface missiles, air defence missiles, and warships.
The authorities have felt a purpose-built fighter’s necessity for the air force, currently consisting of FA-50PH LCA as the combat wing. This is because of the increasing aggression from China, which is rapidly introducing new fighter jets like the J-20 and J-16. A plan to acquire 40 fighter jets is in motion, but no decision has been made. F-16, Gripen, and KF-21 are some of the possibilities.
