‘Under attack’ by China’s PLA-N – Philippine Navy secures ‘lion’s share’ of $35 billion modernization budget



In the face of escalating maritime tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea, the Philippine Navy has secured the lion’s share of the recently approved $35 billion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization budget, marking a remarkable recalibration of the defense allocations.

According to a report by Philippine news channel Philstar, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 2, greenlighted the US$35 billion budget to modernize the AFP, with the Philippine Navy securing the bulk to strengthen its presence in the Philippines’ disputed waters. the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Collin Koh, a maritime security expert and research fellow at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, weighed in on the development.

Ko noted on

The budget is intended to finance a series of acquisitions detailed in an extensive ‘wish list’ submitted to the president by the AFP. Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS, announced on May 1 that the budget would be disbursed over a period of 10 years.

Philippines
The Philippine Navy holds a flag-raising ceremony atop the peak of Mavulis Island in Batanes-Facebook.

Commodore Trinidad emphasized the strategic distribution of the funds, stating: “The larger portion goes to the Navy, and then to the Air Force, and then to the Army, and then to Headquarters. Because the thrust is already external.”

He explained that the goal was to equip the Philippine Navy with capabilities spanning air, surface, subsurface and electronic spectrums to effectively engage in a broad spectrum of war scenarios.

The details of specific acquisitions and implementation strategies will be managed by the Department of National Defense, which will determine priorities and modalities, including the ability of local production to attract domestic labor and investment.

“Will it be purchased? Will it be produced locally so that the local workforce can be employed and the money spent here? So we are grateful that the AFP is fully supported,” he added.

What’s on the purchasing radar?

The spokesperson refrained from specifying the specific items on the ‘wish list’, but it is believed to include the purchase of radar equipment, unmanned combat aircraft, naval frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, amphibious and auxiliary craft, and search and rescue helicopters.

These acquisitions are in line with the Philippine Navy’s objectives outlined in the revised version of the Horizon 3 plan, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times.

When asked about the Philippine Navy’s push to acquire a submarine, Trinidad declined to confirm whether it was explicitly part of the wish list but said it remained part of the overarching plan.

Manila is considering purchasing two to three attack submarines, with France and South Korea emerging as potential suppliers.

Trinidad explained: “The project is still there for undersea warfare. When you say submarine warfare, there are many components, not just a submarine. These include support components located on the surface, such as our bases, and the training of our personnel.”

Philippine Navy BRP Antonio Luna (151) releases Bullfighter Chaff Decoys.

Trinidad pointed out that the Philippine Fleet already has a submarine group, which has facilitated the training of officers and enlisted personnel both domestically and internationally.

He emphasized the importance of modernization, starting with the mindset, stating: “If our minds are outdated, even if we have new technology, we still cannot use it.”

He also underscored the Navy’s commitment to investing in the development of young ensigns, warrant officers and junior lieutenants.

Nevertheless, the Philippines’ increased focus on modernizing its naval capabilities comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, especially with China, and concerns over the potential impact of a conflict in Taiwan on the country’s territories in the Strait of Luzon.

Despite continued aggression from China, the Philippine Navy has reaffirmed its commitment not to escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Navy said it would not provide reasons for the Chinese government to deploy warships and escalate tensions by falsely claiming there was a Philippine-initiated conflict. The Philippines will take a calibrated approach to maintain its presence in the area.