Brawner: AFP shooting for ‘reliable deterrent force’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is planning to acquire more missile systems, warships and multi-role fighter jets as part of efforts to strengthen and enhance the country’s “reliable deterrent force.”

AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., said on Saturday that the move would complete the integration of the military’s air and missile defense capabilities.

Brawner Jr. outlined this initiative during his participation in the Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi, India recently.

“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,” Brawner said.

Brawner noted that the AFP’s modernization roadmap is anchored on a long-term strategy “focused on enhancing both capability and deterrence.”

Since the administration of then-President Noynoy Aquino, the Philippine military has been modernizing under the so-called Horizons program. This week, the government said it is procuring legendary F16 fighter jets, America’s air-superiority and multi-role plane until it was supplanted by the FA-18 Hornet and F22.

Brawner cited India as a vital partner in modernizing the country’s military assets.

“Beyond procurement, we are looking into joint manufacturing, technology transfer and local production in the Philippines to support our growing defense industry,” he added.

Brawner’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue marks the AFP’s inaugural attendance at the annual conference, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening international cooperation and tackling shared security challenges.

India recently delivered the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System procured by the Philippine government from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., a defense materials production company.

The acquisition deal includes the delivery of three missile batteries, each consisting of mobile autonomous launchers and tracking systems.

The missile asset is expected to improve the Philippine Navy’s firepower, particularly that of the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coast Defense Regiment.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system will provide counter-attack capabilities within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines and India have been close partners in development and capacity building and remain committed to adhering to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Previously, a report published by the Indian media outlet Adda 24/7 Current Affairs mentioned that India is set to finalize a $200 million deal with the Philippines for its Akash surface-to-air missile system this year.

Army chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, clarified that the acquisition of a short-range missile system for the Philippine Army is still under review.

Galido added that the Army has already begun identifying which missile platforms are best suited to its operations toward external defense.