The Philippine military is accelerating its shift toward external defense, with the Navy expanding its maritime patrol reach through new missile-capable warships and the Army refining its land-combat tactics based on modern global conflicts.
The Philippine Navy (PN) confirmed Thursday that the recent acquisition of advanced surface ships has significantly boosted its ability to monitor and protect the country’s maritime domain.
Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said the commissioning of the guided-missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), alongside the arrival of the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), allows the fleet to stay at sea longer and cover more territory.
“With the addition of more ships, we will be able to extend the operational reach of the Navy across the maritime domain,” Martinez said.
She added that the expanded fleet allows for the flexible formation of “Surface Action Groups” (SAGs)—tactical units tailored to respond to specific mission threats.
The Navy expects five more offshore patrol vessels to be delivered within the next three years to complement its current modern fleet.
While the Navy secures the seas, the Philippine Army (PA) is overhauling its anti-armor capabilities to prepare for high-intensity land warfare.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala revealed that the service is currently refining its anti-tank doctrines by studying lessons from recent international conflicts, specifically the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Dema-ala stated that the Army is moving beyond basic infantry defense by acquiring modern systems and improving soldier proficiency in neutralizing armored vehicles.
“Lessons from recent conflicts, including Ukraine, are being observed to inform training and doctrine,” Dema-ala said.
He noted that the military is focusing on “enhancing and modernizing” existing capabilities rather than starting from scratch, ensuring that ground forces are equipped to handle modern tanks and armored threats.
The dual-service upgrades mark a significant milestone in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program, aimed at creating a more credible defense posture amid evolving regional security challenges.