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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Army boosts ties with French aerospace firm

PH Army boosts ties with French aerospace firm

Published Feb 3, 2026 03:43 pm
Brig. Gen. Jamel P. Samonte (right), commander of the Philippine Army's Signal Regiment, interacts with Thales Philippines Country Director Mr. Mayuran Sundaramoorthy as they share their insights on technological innovations in air defense and communications during the latter's courtesy call at the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA), Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on January 30, 2026.⁩ (Photo: PA)
Brig. Gen. Jamel P. Samonte (right), commander of the Philippine Army's Signal Regiment, interacts with Thales Philippines Country Director Mr. Mayuran Sundaramoorthy as they share their insights on technological innovations in air defense and communications during the latter's courtesy call at the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA), Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on January 30, 2026.⁩ (Photo: PA)
The Philippine Army (PA) said Tuesday, Feb. 3, that it has strengthened its ties with French aerospace company Thales as part of efforts to expand cooperation in defense and critical technology systems that support national security.
Brig. Gen. Jamel P. Samonte, commander of the Army’s Signal Regiment, welcomed Thales Philippines Country Director Mayuran Sundaramoorthy during the latter’s courtesy visit at the Army Headquarters, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City last Jan. 30.
According to the Army, both sides discussed possible areas of cooperation, shared their insights on technological innovations in air defense and communications, and reviewed Thales Philippines’ recent work in supplying software and hardware capabilities for the country’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) system.
The project is part of a broader contract to modernize the ATM system under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) which includes new software functionalities, modernized hardware architecture, and advanced cybersecurity enhancements.
“The Philippine Army is strengthening its stakeholder engagement to ensure collaborative growth towards common goals to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities,” Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said.
The Army earlier disclosed that it was working towards cooperating with friendly nations to secure its networks, battlefield communications, and enhance its cyber resilience.
According to the company, Thales has had long-standing links with the Philippine aviation infrastructure as it has supported upgrades to the national ATM system a few years back.
Recently, Thales won a significant contract to modernize the country’s air traffic control systems aimed at improving operational continuity and cybersecurity resilience.

Related Tags

Philippine Arny Thales France Indo-Pacific
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