Armscor Global Defense Inc. (AGDI), the largest defense manufacturer in the Philippines and a major player in Asia, is investing P1 billion to bolster its military and weapons systems development for both domestic and export markets.
Daniel Tuason, Armscor vice president for business development, said the investment will fund property acquisition, a new plant, and advanced equipment for their recently launched Rock Island Armory Defense.
This initiative includes a state-of-the-art electrical discharge machining (EDM) barrel line capable of producing barrels ranging from .22 caliber to 20mm, with the potential to manufacture heavy machine guns and cannons in the future.
AGDI has also partnered with US-based ArmorLube to establish a Plasma Vapor Deposition facility, utilizing proprietary technology to significantly enhance weapon lifespan and reduce maintenance requirements.
Furthermore, AGDI plans to invest in a propellant and nitroglycerine factory to localize gunpowder and energetic material production.
Tuason said this move aims to create employment opportunities and enhance national security by ensuring a completely indigenous ammunition source.
Currently, AGDI's facilities have a production capacity of 350,000 pistols, rifles, and revolvers, along with 650 million rounds of rimfire and centerfire ammunition annually.
Seventy percent of their sales are attributed to exports, with the remaining 30 percent catering to the local market, including Philippine government agencies.
"Armscor has robotics and utilizes new technologies in manufacturing top-class products that are comparable with the best in the world," said AGDI chief operations officer Felino Neri, highlighting their export reach to over 60 countries.
Rock Island Armory (RIA) Defense, an international Filipino company, is also poised to revolutionize the local firearms manufacturing industry.
Leveraging AGDI's engineering expertise, craftsmanship, and innovative technology, RIA Defense produces world-class firearms, ammunition, and defense products tailored to the needs of the Filipino military and law enforcement (MI/LE) community.
Tuason, also RIA defense brand manager, said that many existing products are primarily designed for foreign end-users and do not adequately address the specific requirements of Filipino MI/LE personnel, such as physique, tropical environment, threat levels, budget constraints, and trade restrictions.
RIA Defense aims to overcome these challenges by providing world-class products specifically designed for Filipino users, strengthening the country's defense capabilities and establishing its reputation as a globally competitive defense manufacturer.