Philippines to bolster defence with advanced drones, naval vessels

The Philippine Defence Ministry is pursuing an expansion of its unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities as part of a broader defence modernisation programme, according to statements from the country's defence leadership. The initiative forms part of efforts to enhance the nation's ability to monitor and respond to threats across its maritime territories. Officials have identified drone technology as a key component of the country's future defence infrastructure, reflecting global trends toward greater reliance on unmanned systems in military operations. Beyond aerial platforms, the Philippines is also seeking to acquire additional guided-missile corvettes and other major naval assets to strengthen its external defence capabilities. The corvettes would expand the country's surface warfare capacity and extend its operational reach across the South China Sea and adjacent waters. These acquisitions represent a significant investment in maritime security and represent Manila's determination to modernise aging defence assets. The modernisation effort comes amid ongoing regional security challenges and reflects the country's commitment to maintaining credible defence capabilities. Defence officials have indicated that the planned acquisitions will be pursued through existing budgetary allocations and potential defence partnerships, though specific timelines and funding details remain under review.