The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recently updated its military acquisition plan in line with its ongoing equipment modernization program and submitted it for approval to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The AFP wish list had to be updated after several multiphase projects totaling almost PHP 300 billion (USD 5.4 billion) for Horizon 2—the second in the three-phase military capability upgrade program covering the years 2018 to 2022—were stalled due to funding issues.
Horizon 3, or the final phase that started this year and would run until 2028, consists of equipment geared for external defense. The list of equipment under the updated Horizon 3 plan includes multirole fighters, radars, frigates, missile systems, and rescue helicopters worth an estimated PHP 500 billion (USD 9 billion).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the announcement that the current phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program will be primarily focused on the acquisition of equipment for the Philippine Navy. Additionally, President Marcos said his administration plans to acquire the Philippines’ first-ever submarine, while concurrently working to enhance the country’s anti-submarine capabilities.
(Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
