The Philippines is looking to buy more military hardware to modernise its arsenal, including additional BrahMos missiles from India and at least two submarines, the chief of the armed forces said on Wednesday.
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The Philippines is on the third phase of its modernisation programme called “Horizons”. It has earmarked US$35 billion for the build-up over the next decade as it aims to counter China’s military might in the region.
“It’s a dream for us to get at least two submarines,” Romeo Brawner said in a speech to leading business figures.
“We are an archipelago. So we have to have this type of capability, because it’s really difficult to defend that entire archipelago without submarines.
In 2022, the Philippines bought a US$375-million BrahMos anti-ship missile system from India, and has orders for more.
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“We are getting more of this [system] this year, and in the coming years,” Brawner said.
