By: Rahel-U
Recently, it has become resonant to public that the Philippines is soon to import war crafts from Korea, however President Benigno Aquino III has made clear to his neighbors on Thursday that the efforts to modernize the military equipment were not meant for them, but rather for tightening the national military defense capabilities and at rescue operations in time of disasters.
Recently, it has become resonant to public that the Philippines is soon to import war crafts from Korea, however President Benigno Aquino III has made clear to his neighbors on Thursday that the efforts to modernize the military equipment were not meant for them, but rather for tightening the national military defense capabilities and at rescue operations in time of disasters.
Aquino has allotted 75 billion pesos ($1.72 billion) for buying frigates, jet fighter –trainers and anti-submarine helicopters as a part of the maritime upgrade for security operations and humanitarian response.
The Philippines is currently locked in a dispute with China over the Spratly Islands and as well as with the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The ships from the two nations have been involved in a long series of cat-and-mouse conflicts. Neighbors like Brunei, Taiwan, Vietname and Malaysia are also competing for the claims over the Spratley Island, which is rich marine resources and in oil and gas deposits.
The Philippines has one of the weakest military defense system amongst the south east Asian countries as it long dedicated fighting with twin rebellions Muslim separatists. It is said it only operates a navy of World War Two-vintage ships and Vietnam War-era war crafts.
Since 2010, Aquino has allocated more than 40 billion acquiring two U.S. cutters, refurbished UH-1H helicopters and 50,000 M4 assault rifles only to improve military capabilities. He has promised to acquire more military equipment such as a squadron of FA 50 fighter-trainers, eight combat utility helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, two frigates, three missile craft, two anti-submarine helicopters and to raise the consciousness of of dominance matters, he is still planning to install Israeli-made radar and U.S. made surveillance system.
The Philippines spends around 1 percent of its gross local product on defense but still trusts on its oldest supporter and former colonial master, the United States, for its outside defense position. The two countries signed an agreement in April allowing broader access or U.S. forces at local military to enhance maritime security operations and humanitarian assistance and rescue disaster operation.
