The Pentagon has awarded a USD 32 million contract for upgrades to Basa Air Base in the Philippines, part of a broader initiative to enhance military infrastructure under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. This upgrade will involve constructing a 625,000-square-foot parking apron capable of accommodating up to 20 aircraft, addressing the base’s current limitations for U.S.-Philippine joint training exercises.
Acciona CMS Philippines LLC has secured the contract, which will be funded through the Air Force’s military construction budgets. The project is expected to be completed by July 2026 and is part of ongoing investments into Basa Air Base, which has seen USD 66 million allocated for various enhancements since 2014.
The upgrades come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, particularly around areas like Scarborough Shoal. Experts emphasize that modernizing Basa will bolster the readiness of both the Philippine and U.S. militaries to deter aggression in the region. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) facilitates these improvements by allowing the U.S. to construct and operate facilities on Philippine bases.
(Sources: U.S. Naval Institute; VOA)
