The Philippines plans to expand its unmanned military capabilities through the development and acquisition of drones as part of broader efforts to modernise its armed forces, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Tuesday (25th August).
Speaking at a budget hearing in the lower house of Congress, Teodoro said the plans also include acquiring additional guided missile corvettes and other major defence assets to strengthen the country’s external defence capabilities. The US is a key defence ally of the Philippines.
The Philippines has shifted its security focus from internal threats to external security as tensions with Beijing rise in the South China Sea. Confrontations between the two sides over disputed features within Manila’s exclusive economic zone have increased in frequency in recent years.
The armed forces currently operate a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles that provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, Teodoro said. “As we mature on the cycle, then we can acquire more,” he told lawmakers while proposing a 6.3% increase in the defence ministry’s budget for 2027. The proposed budget would rise from the 305.5 billion pesos (US$4.95 billion) spending plan approved for this year.
Drone expansion forms part of a proposed 50 billion pesos (US$810.4 million) allocation for the Philippines’ modernisation programme next year, 25% higher than the current programme budget.
Teodoro stressed that the priority extends beyond acquiring hardware. The Philippines also needs to develop the systems, connectivity, and operational know-how required to use drones effectively.
“More than the personnel, it is the integration into the operation, what do you do with them and how do you use them,” Teodoro said.
Developing secure communications and network capabilities was crucial, Teodoro added.
Teodoro declined to identify specific systems under consideration, saying the details were classified and highly sensitive.
“They are very, very sensitive to compromise, particularly with AI,” Teodoro said.
He added that the Philippines was in close contact with several countries that have expertise in drone technology.
Yuliia Fediv, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Philippines, told Reuters in June that Kyiv had been in discussions with Manila over cooperation on drone technology.
In the same month, the US said it had provided the Philippine military with four solar-powered sea drones to strengthen maritime surveillance.
The discussions with Ukraine and the recent transfer of US systems provide existing avenues for international cooperation as Manila expands its unmanned capabilities. Such partnerships could support intelligence gathering and maritime domain awareness while helping the Philippines build expertise in drone technology.
The expansion of unmanned systems is part of Manila’s broader effort to strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to challenges in surrounding waters. The South China Sea remains a critical area of focus as the Philippines seeks to protect its rights within its exclusive economic zone amid ongoing disputes.
Teodoro’s presentation highlighted the need for sustained investment as the armed forces adapt to new operational demands. The proposed budget increase and modernisation funding are intended to support military readiness, including the integration of advanced unmanned systems with existing communications networks and operational structures.
Lawmakers are considering the proposed figures as part of the overall national spending plan for 2027. The emphasis on both new platforms and supporting systems reflects the defence ministry’s focus on ensuring that additional military assets deliver practical operational value.
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