Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities in modernization push, defense chief says

The Philippines plans to expand its unmanned capabilities, including drone development and acquisition, as part of military modernization. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced the plan during a budget hearing, citing rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. The proposed 2027 defense budget includes a 6.3% increase, with 50 billion pesos allocated for modernization. Teodoro declined to identify specific systems due to classification, but noted cooperation with the US and Ukraine on drone technology.

The Philippines plans to expand its unmanned capabilities, including drone development and acquisition, as part of a broader military modernization push. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced the plan during a budget hearing in the lower house of Congress on Tuesday, citing rising tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea as the driver for shifting the military's focus from internal to external security. The proposed 2027 defense budget is 305.5 billion pesos ($4.95 billion), a 6.3% increase from the current year. Of that, 50 billion pesos ($810.4 million) is allocated for modernization, 25% higher than the current budget. Teodoro emphasized the need for integration, connectivity, and secure communications to use drones effectively, but declined to identify specific systems, citing classified and highly sensitive details. He noted close contact with several countries with drone expertise. The US has already provided four solar-powered sea drones to the Philippines for maritime surveillance, and Ukraine's ambassador confirmed discussions on drone technology cooperation.