The Philippine government plans to acquire additional anti-ship missile systems and at least two submarines to enhance the military’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said on Wednesday.
“It is a dream for us to get at least two submarines,” Brawner stated. “As an archipelago, we need this capability because defending our entire territory without submarines is extremely challenging.”
Speaking before the Management Association of the Philippines in Taguig City, Brawner highlighted the “increase in China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“We have observed a rise in the number of foreign vessels in the WPS on a daily basis. In 2021, there were 190 vessels; now, in 2024, we are seeing an average of 286 vessels daily,” he noted.
Brawner reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to maintaining an “effective presence” in the West Philippine Sea to address territorial defense threats and safeguard Philippine sovereignty.