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Modern equipment to boost Army's territorial defense power

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
January 9, 2025, 12:44 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) is looking to acquire more modern armored vehicles, and long-range artillery with rocket and missile systems to beef up its territorial defense capabilities.

This was said by PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala when asked Thursday by the Philippine News Agency what kind of equipment the Army is looking to further enhance its capacity.

"Long-range artillery, armored vehicles, infantry equipment (that will boost our) capabilities," he said.

Dema-ala also added that the PA is also proposing to acquire "multiple launch rocket systems" (MLRS), which are rocket weapons with long range and "chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear' (CBRN) protection equipment to allow Army troops to respond to such threats.

"Air defense systems" to protect the PA units from threats coming from the air are also being eyed.

During the PA-wide Command Conference held at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on Jan. 7, Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido issued a "comprehensive command guidance" calling for sustained modernization and transformation of the service as the military shifts from internal security to territorial defense operations.

The meeting also reviewed and evaluated the role of the PA in light of the pivot from internal security to territorial defense operations.

Last year, the Department of National Defense announced the shift towards the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) that seeks to defend the country's territories including its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

"As we move from internal security to territorial defense and fulfill our mission of completely eliminating all security threats, we will continue to transform the Army. With our support for the AFP Campaign Plan 'Tatag Kapuluan', we intend to set forth every effort to modernize the Army's capabilities and equipment while making sure that our personnel (are) prepared and (have) improved skills to ensure our ability to secure the country," Galido said. (PNA)