The Philippine Army’s acquisition of a short-range missile system remains under review, with officials considering the long-term sustainability of maintaining such a platform, Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said Monday.
In a press conference at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Galido emphasized that procuring a short-range missile system is a crucial part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) broader strategy to enhance its national defense capabilities.
“It’s part of the overall strategy of the AFP to strengthen our territorial defense. Investing in missile systems will allow us to project our military strength and safeguard our country’s sovereignty and interests,” he told reporters.
Galido noted that the Army has begun identifying suitable missile platforms for its external defense operations.
“This acquisition is part of our appropriations, meaning it was included in last year’s budget. The Army is set to procure short-range air defense systems, and the mechanism to acquire them is currently underway,” he said.
He also stressed the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system’s maintenance requirements.
“Our financial capability remains a challenge. As the chief of staff mentioned, we are exploring different options because we cannot commit to a project without securing the means to sustain it,” he said.
Galido clarified that the Army has not yet decided on specific brands or manufacturers for the missile system.
“We have yet to identify a specific brand. What we are focusing on is the platform and its capabilities. Everything is still under review and evaluation,” he said. “Our approach will likely be based on the outcome of the Philippine Navy’s BrahMos missile project. We will take our cue from that, as this remains a work in progress.”
A report published Monday by the Indian media outlet, Adda 24/7 Current Affairs, said that India is set to finalize a $200-million deal with the Philippines for its Akash surface-to-air missile system this year.
When asked if the Philippine Army is in talks on the Akash missile system, Galido denied any discussions.
“The Akash? We don’t have that… there is nothing in the pipeline right now,” he said. “As I mentioned, financial considerations must be fully established before any acquisition process can proceed.”
He clarified that while research and market assessments may be conducted, no official funding or procurement action has been taken regarding the Akash system.
The Akash missile system is a medium-range surface-to-air missile designed to counter various threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. It is equipped with a 60-kilogram high-explosive warhead with a proximity fuse and has a range of up to 25 kilometers. The system is particularly effective in safeguarding moving convoys and providing rapid-response defense.