The United States is seeking to strengthen its defense alliance with the Philippines, with a senior Pentagon official describing Manila as a “model ally” as Washington pushes for greater military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby cited the two countries’ longstanding defense ties, shared strategic interests, and Manila’s efforts to strengthen its own military capabilities.

“A model ally. I commend the Philippines for its outstanding leadership of ASEAN during its chairmanship this year, guiding the region with a clear-headed pragmatism that matches the strategic demands of our time,” Colby said during a Stratbase Institute-organized fireside chat.

Stronger deterrence

Colby said Washington is expanding its forward military posture, accelerating the delivery of combat capabilities and improving interoperability with its allies and partners.

“We are systematically strengthening our forward posture, hardening our footprint, and driving deep interoperability with key countries that are willing to shoulder their share of the burden,” he said.

The focus, he added, is on developing combat-capable forces rather than conducting exercises for appearances.

“This is not merely about performing symbolic exercises for the cameras; it is about fielding combat-credible forces capable of defeating real military aggression,” Colby said.

Washington is also seeking greater burden-sharing from its allies and partners, including increased investments in their own defense capabilities.

“We are looking for partners, not protectorates. When our partners are strong, deterrence is strong. And that is exactly what we have here in Manila,” Colby said.