The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is acquiring additional missile systems, warships, and multi-role fighter jets to integrate its air and missile defense capabilities.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. bared this during the Raisina Dialogue, India’s multilateral conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, in New Delhi last month.

“We are looking at acquiring more missile systems to complete the integration of our air and missile defense. Alongside this, we will be purchasing more warships and multi-role fighter jets to build a strong and reliable deterrent force,” he said.

In a news release on Saturday, April 5, the AFP said that its modernization roadmap is anchored on a long-term strategy to develop both the military’s capability and deterrence. The AFP has transformed the third and last horizon of its modernization program to “Re-horizon 3”, a defense spending which will last for 10 years and is worth P2 trillion.

Brawner underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly with India, as exemplified by the successful procurement of the BrahMos missile system, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.

The Philippines received the first batteries of the BrahMos missile in April last year.

“India is a vital partner. Beyond procurement, we are looking into joint manufacturing, technology transfer, and local production in the Philippines to support our growing defense industry,” Brawner said.

Aside from BrahMos, the AFP is also poised to procure 20 brand new F-16 fighter jets from the United States for $5.58 billion.

Two corvettes from South Korea will also be delivered to the Philippine Navy this year.

The first one, the future BRP Miguel Malvar, is expected to be transferred this month while the second one, the future BRP Diego Silang, may be delivered in the latter part of the year.