Philippines to buy short-range missiles from India

The Philippines is interested in buying the Indian-made Akash short-range missiles and is expected to place an order in the new fiscal year starting in April.

Indian sources told Reuters the deal, worth more than $200 million, would be New Delhi's second major defence deal with Manila, but did not disclose the number of supporting systems such as missiles and radars involved.

The Akash is a surface-to-air missile developed and designed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation with a range of up to 25 km. The missile system is said to be capable of destroying a variety of air targets, such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles and ballistic missiles.

A spokesman for the Philippine Department of National Defense declined to comment on any defense procurement plans, but said the armed forces "need these capabilities."

India only delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles purchased by the Philippines in April last year as part of a $375 million contract signed by the two countries in 2022.

Philippine government to explore foreign financing for military modernization

The Philippines is actively modernizing its military. Armed Forces Chief General Brauner said Wednesday that the Philippines is considering buying more military equipment, including Brahmos missiles and at least two submarines from India, but he did not mention Akash missiles.

In addition, President Donald Trump's policies have raised concerns that U.S. financial and military support around the world will be in flux, and the Philippines is seeking to expand sources of funding to boost its submarine and missile defense capabilities.

Brauner said the government's budget for military upgrades was "not enough" and foreign financing was being explored. President Marcos Jr. may issue a decree allowing foreign businesses to fund the Philippine armed forces' efforts to modernize its military.

The Philippines has been working to strengthen its military, especially in recent years when it has frequently clashed with China in the South China Sea.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Tarella said Thursday that the Chinese Lanhai 101 ocean research vessel, which recently entered waters near Luzon Island, has been maintaining a distance of about 24 to 25 nautical miles from Philippine waters for several days, and "the action seems suspicious."

He said that while foreign ships are allowed to pass through Philippine waters under international law, the Blue Sea 101 had strayed from the "safe lane" by sailing not directly through Philippine waters, but along the Luzon coastline while maintaining a precise distance, seemingly with a purpose other than simply passing by.

"It may be speculation, but as long as it's a Chinese ship, one can't help but ask, why are they doing this?" he said.