Philippine Army Eyes Air Defense Capability

22 Februari 2026

Bofors 40 mm L60 gun of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for Air Defense (photo: Wiki)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) is looking to develop an air defense capability that would allow the service to support the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) now being operationalized by the country's military forces.

"We have proposed air defense capabilities. This is not only for force protection but also to project our force within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ)," Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

This is in response to the PNA's queries on whether the service is planning to acquire weapons and platforms designed to neutralize threats coming from the air.

The CADC is a strategic shift where the Armed Forces of the Philippines is tasked to defend all Philippine territories, including its 200-nautical mile EEZ.

Having a potent anti-air capability, Dema-ala said, will allow the PA to undertake missions "as part or in support of CADC."

Earlier, Dema-ala said the PA is also considering developing more potent drone capabilities. 

"Part of our future plan is to develop the PA's drone capability, doctrine and training," he said.

Dema-ala said the drone capability will be used for "recon and combat."

Recon refers to reconnaissance or surveillance, while combat refers to drones with the capability to attack military targets.

While the Army already has an existing drone capability, this is only good for a "limited recon capability," Dema-ala said.

Military use of drones were highlighted following the continued use of the platforms in the ongoing Russian-Ukraine War by the two opposing sides in varying effects. 

(PNA)

from DEFENSE STUDIES https://ift.tt/i18j3gL
via IFTTT