Philippines to bolster defence with subs and BrahMos missiles. Can it sustain this arsenal?
The Philippines plans to acquire submarines and additional missiles to counter China's increasing military presence in the South China Sea. This move, announced by General Romeo Brawner Jnr, aims to address what the Philippines sees as China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities" in the West Philippine Sea, which is Manila's term for its exclusive economic zone within the South China Sea.
Analysts view this acquisition as a strategically important and overdue step, particularly after the Philippines discovered China's use of drones to map the seabed in the disputed waters. The purchase of submarines signifies Manila's recognition of the importance of underwater deterrence, complementing the country's existing BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles acquired last year from India in a US$375 million deal. As an archipelago, the Philippines believes submarines are crucial for effectively defending its waters.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The Philippines plans to acquire submarines and additional missiles to counter China's increasing military presence in the South China Sea. This move, announced by General Romeo Brawner Jnr, aims to address what the Philippines sees as China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities" in the West Philippine Sea, which is Manila's term for its exclusive economic zone within the South China Sea.
Analysts view this acquisition as a strategically important and overdue step, particularly after the Philippines discovered China's use of drones to map the seabed in the disputed waters. The purchase of submarines signifies Manila's recognition of the importance of underwater deterrence, complementing the country's existing BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles acquired last year from India in a US$375 million deal. As an archipelago, the Philippines believes submarines are crucial for effectively defending its waters.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
