Philippines Secures Funding for Acquisition of Short-range Air Defense Missiles for Army

21 Februari 2025

Akash from India is the chosen short-range missile candidate for Army (photo: Tata)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Monday said they already have the "appropriations" to acquire short-range air defense missile systems.

"It is already in our appropriations, meaning in the budget of the PA, which was listed last year, that the Army will acquire short-range air defense systems. And this is now in operation, meaning the mechanism to acquire it is being undertaken," he said in an interview.

This project is different from the Philippine Navy which is also acquiring similar weapons systems to protect its newly-acquired BrahMos cruise missile platforms.

Short-range air defense missile systems are needed to protect PA installations and other sensitive equipment and platforms against enemy air attacks.

Galido said investing in missile systems is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' ongoing capability build-up to allow it to defend its territory.

The PA chief did not identify or give specifics on what short-range air defense missiles they are planning to procure.

"Just like what I mentioned last year, I believe, December, the Army is venturing into identifying platforms or capabilities that would enable the Army to project our force within the sovereignty of the country, which is the 200 exclusive economic zone, in coordination or in support to the Navy's and the Philippine Air Force capability development," Galido said.

"As to the brand, we haven't identified a specific brand, but we go for the platform and its capability.”

(PNA)

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