Philippines Plans $35 Billion Defense Upgrade in Sea Claims Push
- Modernization to boost defense amid South China Sea tensions
- Military has said it’s eyeing more ships, aircraft and radars
The Philippine Army Mechanised Division during a parade in Manila.
Photographer: Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images
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The Philippines plans to spend up to 2 trillion pesos ($35 billion) over the next decade to upgrade its military capabilities as the country boosts its campaign to safeguard its claims in the South China Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the modernization plan aimed at bolstering the military’s naval, aerial, surveillance and other assets, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in a mobile-phone message on Thursday.