FRESH VIEWPOINTS: A NEW PERSPECTIVE
By Brian James Lu
Recently, the Philippines has actively pursued the modernization of its external defense capabilities, particularly in response to regional maritime security concerns. As part of this effort, the country has acquired several missile systems from various international partners.
One of the key acquisitions is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which the Philippines is purchasing from India. This missile is known for its high speed and precision, and it will significantly enhance the Philippine Navy’s and Army’s anti-ship and coastal defense capabilities. Additionally, the Philippines has procured SPIKE-ER missiles from Israel, a versatile system suitable for both land- and sea-based platforms, further bolstering the country’s defense posture. The country has also received Javelin anti-tank missiles and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles from the United States, strengthening its ground and aerial combat readiness. These acquisitions form part of the broader Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), and they reflect the Philippines’ efforts to build credible deterrence and safeguard its territorial integrity amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippines has also significantly expanded its military exercises with various international partners, marking a strategic shift toward bolstering regional security and enhancing its defense posture amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. These joint drills not only strengthen the readiness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but also highlight the vital role of multilateral cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
One of the most prominent of these is the Balikatan, the annual joint military exercise primarily conducted between the Philippines and the United States. On April 21, approximately 9,000 US and 5,000 Filipino troops launched Balikatan 2025, marking it as one of the largest iterations to date. The drills included complex scenarios, such as missile strikes on hostile vessels, island defense operations, and the deployment of advanced weaponry like the US Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in the Luzon Strait. Notably, Japan participated as a full-fledged member for the first time while Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada contributed troops or observers – demonstrating an increasingly multilateral approach to regional defense.
Beyond Balikatan, the Philippines has also engaged in other high-level military collaborations. Last year, the Sama-Sama naval exercises brought together the naval forces of the Philippines, the US, Japan, Canada, and Australia to conduct anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare drills in the South China Sea. These exercises aim to improve interoperability and operational readiness among allied navies, ensuring a coordinated response to potential maritime threats.
In October 2024, the Philippines and Japan conducted the Doshin Bayanihan exercises in Cebu, focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. These drills included aerial drop operations and rescue missions, reinforcing the preparedness of both forces for natural disasters that frequently impact the region.
Additionally, the Philippines has deepened its defense cooperation with Indonesia through joint maritime patrols in the Sulawesi Sea and Sulu Archipelago. Launched in July 2024, these patrols aim to combat piracy and terrorism, underscoring a shared commitment to securing maritime borders and promoting regional stability.
The active participation of multiple countries in these military exercises underscores the Philippines’ strategic pivot toward a more collaborative and integrated defense approach. Through these partnerships, the country enhances its own military capabilities and contributes meaningfully to a broader effort to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
It is increasingly evident that these military preparations are closely tied to ongoing developments in the WPS, particularly in response to China’s perceived assertiveness and aggressive actions in the region. The steady buildup of defense capabilities and the deepening of alliances with various countries reflect a strategic response aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability.
However, while these preparations are necessary, there remains a collective hope that they will serve only as a deterrent rather than a prelude to actual conflict. The timeless adage, “Readiness in war averts war,” resonates now more than ever – underscoring the belief that a strong defense can prevent the very violence it prepares for.
For Filipinos, the specter of war is not abstract; it is a grim chapter etched into national memory, particularly during World War II, when the country witnessed firsthand the devastation and suffering brought by armed conflict. With this painful history in mind, the Filipino people yearn not for confrontation, but for peace – anchored in preparedness, diplomacy, and cooperation among nations.
Modern warfare is far more devastating than the wars of the past, fueled by rapid advancements in military technology and the global reach of information. Unlike in previous decades, today’s conflicts are witnessed in real time through social media, where the world can see, almost instantly, the horrifying consequences of modern weapons. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are stark examples – images and videos show entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble within moments, flattened by high-precision missiles and drone strikes designed not just to defeat opposing forces but to incapacitate entire nations.
These weapons, engineered by some of the most brilliant scientific minds, are often wielded not for defense alone, but to inflict maximum damage on infrastructure, displace populations, and devastate civilian life. The scale and speed of destruction are unprecedented. No longer are battles confined to distant frontlines; modern warfare reaches deep into the heart of cities, homes, and hospitals. The psychological toll, the refugee crises, and the lasting trauma on survivors underscore the harsh reality that in today’s world, a war once begun is difficult to contain. For a country like the Philippines, which has already suffered the horrors of war in its history, these lessons are chilling reminders of what must be avoided at all costs.
