What Happened
Armed Forces Upgrade Land, Sea, And Air Capabilities
The Department of National Defense (DND) in the Philippines has reported progress in various military modernization projects, including the acquisition of mortars, air defense systems, and howitzers. The projects are in different stages of procurement, with some having reached milestones such as the issuance of notices of award. The modernization efforts aim to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with a focus on land-based firepower, naval weapons, air defense, aviation support, and military infrastructure. According to the DND’s Procurement Monitoring Report for the first semester of 2026, several high-value projects have advanced, with the report stating that the Technical Working Group is coordinating with the AFP Special Management Office and the Office of Legal Affairs to amend the funds and technical specifications. This development was first reported by The Manila Times.