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China’s Wang Yi Accuses Japan of Military Threat Amid Radar Incident, Drawing Double Standard Claims BEIJING – Chinese F...
10/12/2025

China’s Wang Yi Accuses Japan of Military Threat Amid Radar Incident, Drawing Double Standard Claims

BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has accused Japan of “completely unacceptable” military threats against China, telling his German counterpart that Tokyo’s actions pose a risk to regional stability. The remarks come in response to Japan’s denunciation of an encounter where it claims Chinese fighter jets aimed their fire-control radar at Japanese military aircraft east of the Miyako Strait.

Japan has described the incident as a dangerous and provocative act that could have triggered accidental conflict. Tokyo’s defense ministry stated that its aircraft were conducting routine surveillance when two Chinese fighter jets locked their radar on them—a move that military experts say is a critical step before possible engagement. The encounter has raised tensions between the two neighbors, who have long-standing disputes over territorial claims in the East China Sea.

China, however, has rejected Japan’s account and placed blame on Tokyo for the confrontation. Wang Yi emphasized that the Chinese navy was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training in the area, and accused Japanese aircraft of repeatedly approaching and disrupting the exercises. He argued that Japan’s actions were a deliberate provocation that violated international law and threatened China’s legitimate security interests.

The exchange has sparked claims that Wang Yi’s call for sympathy and criticism of Japan reflects a deep double standard. Analysts point out that while China accuses Japan of military provocation, it has expanded its own military activities in the region—including regular naval and air patrols near disputed waters. They note that the radar-locking incident, if confirmed, is a significant escalation that contradicts China’s public calls for peaceful coexistence and respect for other countries’ sovereignty.

For ASEAN, the tensions between China and Japan raise concerns about broader regional stability. The bloc has long emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding actions that could escalate conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. While ASEAN has not taken a direct stance on the latest incident, its members have repeatedly called for all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and adhere to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The incident underscores the fragility of security in the East China Sea and the need for clearer communication between regional powers. As both China and Japan stand by their claims, the international community—including Germany and other European nations—has urged restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for Indo-Pacific security, as well as for ASEAN’s efforts to promote a rules-based order in the region. - ASEAN/News

📷©️EPA



|Wang Yi calls Japan’s actions an "unacceptable" threat over radar incident; Japan labels it dangerous, China blames disruption – double standard claims follow.

Bangladesh’s Eurofighter Deal Signals Shift, As Leonardo Vies for Philippines’ Big MRFA Contract MANILA – The Bangladesh...
10/12/2025

Bangladesh’s Eurofighter Deal Signals Shift, As Leonardo Vies for Philippines’ Big MRFA Contract

MANILA – The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A to procure Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft, marking a landmark step in its modernization drive and a strategic pivot away from traditional defense partners. The deal, sealed in Dhaka on December 9, 2025, comes amid years of rumors linking Bangladesh to China’s J-10C fighter jets, highlighting a growing trend of South and Southeast Asian nations diversifying their military hardware sources. Concurrently, Leonardo representatives are in the Philippines working to secure a separate, high-stakes contract for the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to acquire at least 40 jets to bolster the country’s archipelagic defense.

For Bangladesh, the Eurofighter LOI represents a significant break from decades of reliance on Russian and Chinese aircraft, including its aging fleet of Chengdu F-7s and Mig-29s. Local media and defense analysts had previously reported intense interest in China’s J-10C, with a 2024 report suggesting plans to buy 16 units in a $2.2 billion deal. However, geopolitical considerations—including tensions with neighboring India, which operates Dassault Rafales—and concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities amid Western sanctions on Russia appear to have tipped the scales. The Eurofighter, a 4.5-generation twin-engine jet with advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, aligns with Bangladesh’s “Forces Goal 2030” plan to build a modern, network-centric air force capable of patrolling the Bay of Bengal and deterring regional threats.

In the Philippines, Leonardo’s push for the MRFA program puts it in direct competition with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which is offering its KF-21 Boramae fighter. The Italian firm formally presented its proposal in September 2025, offering 32 Eurofighter Tranche 5 jets—the first twin-engine aircraft in the competition, a key advantage for long-range maritime missions over the South China Sea. KAI, meanwhile, has proposed a phased delivery of KF-21 Block I jets, with plans to address current limitations in air-to-ground capabilities with Block II upgrades by 2028. Other contenders include the U.S. F-16 Viper, Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen, and Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, but the race has narrowed to a tight contest between Leonardo and KAI as the PAF prioritizes cost, technology transfer, and strategic alignment.

The parallel developments in Bangladesh and the Philippines reflect broader shifts in ASEAN and South Asian military modernization, driven by rising regional tensions—particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Bay of Bengal. Singapore has already upgraded its F-16 fleet with AESA radar and advanced munitions, while Indonesia is a partner in the KF-21 program. These investments underscore a growing focus on air superiority and maritime domain awareness, as nations seek to counterbalance the military capabilities of larger powers. Bangladesh’s move to acquire Eurofighters, in particular, could reshape the balance of airpower in the Bay of Bengal, where India has long dominated, and set a precedent for other nations looking to diversify their defense partnerships beyond traditional allies.

Economic factors also play a critical role in both deals. The Eurofighter is estimated to cost between $100 million and $120 million per unit, making it more expensive than the KF-21 (valued at $65–$70 million). However, Leonardo has emphasized potential industrial cooperation, including local assembly and maintenance facilities, which could create jobs and reduce long-term costs for the Philippines. For Bangladesh, the LOI does not yet include a final price tag, but officials have indicated the deal will be funded through a combination of government allocations and international financing. The PAF, meanwhile, is exploring flexible funding schemes, including syndicated loans and foreign military financing, to support its $1 billion MRFA budget.

As both nations move toward finalizing their decisions, the outcomes will have far-reaching implications for regional security and defense cooperation. Bangladesh is expected to sign a formal contract for the Eurofighters in 2026, following its upcoming elections, while the Philippines has targeted a decision on the MRFA program by the end of next year. For Leonardo, success in both markets would solidify its position as a major player in the Indo-Pacific defense sector, while a KF-21 win in the Philippines could boost South Korea’s growing arms export industry. Ultimately, these deals highlight the complex calculus of military modernization in the region—where strategic interests, technological needs, and economic realities converge to shape the future of airpower in the Indo-Pacific. - ASEAN/News

📷©️ LEONARDO



|Bangladesh signed a letter of intent for Italy's Eurofighter Typhoons (ditching Chinese jet rumors), while Italy's Leonardo competes with South Korea for the Philippines' 40-jet fighter acquisition program.

Taiwan Welcomes Japan-Australia Reaffirmation of Taiwan Strait’s Critical Role in Indo-Pacific Security TAIPEI – Taiwan ...
09/12/2025

Taiwan Welcomes Japan-Australia Reaffirmation of Taiwan Strait’s Critical Role in Indo-Pacific Security

TAIPEI – Taiwan has welcomed the reaffirmation by Japan and Australia’s defense ministers of the Taiwan Strait’s importance to international security, framing the move as a key step in countering rising coercion from Beijing. The statement from the two Indo-Pacific democracies comes amid growing concerns over tensions in the strait, which connects the East China Sea to the South China Sea and is a vital global shipping lane.

In a joint meeting last week, Japan’s and Australia’s defense chiefs emphasized that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are “indispensable to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and the world.” The remarks mark a significant escalation in the two countries’ public stance on the issue, reflecting broader concerns among democratic allies about Beijing’s military activities near Taiwan.

Analysts note that the reaffirmation comes as coercion from Beijing has intensified in recent months. Chinese military aircraft and ships have increased their presence in the strait, conducting regular exercises that Taiwan and its partners view as provocative. These actions have raised fears of accidental conflict and disrupted global shipping routes that carry trillions of dollars in trade annually.

In response, Taiwan has pledged to strengthen its own defense capabilities while deepening partnerships with like-minded democracies. A spokesperson for Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the government is investing in new naval and air assets, as well as enhancing its reserve forces and asymmetric warfare capabilities to deter potential aggression. “We are committed to defending our sovereignty and ensuring peace in the strait,” the spokesperson added.

The development also carries implications for ASEAN, which has long maintained a policy of neutrality on the Taiwan issue while emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. Several ASEAN members, including the Philippines and Vietnam, have expressed concern about tensions in the strait, as disruptions there could directly impact their own trade and security interests. The bloc has repeatedly called for all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

📷©️Kyodo



|Taiwan hails Japan-Australia’s Taiwan Strait security nod amid Beijing coercion – boosts defense, partners with democracies. - ASEAN/News

Renewed Fighting Along Thailand-Cambodia Border Unravels Six-Week-Old Peace Deal BANGKOK – Fighting has surged once agai...
09/12/2025

Renewed Fighting Along Thailand-Cambodia Border Unravels Six-Week-Old Peace Deal

BANGKOK – Fighting has surged once again along the long-contested border between Thailand and Cambodia, laying bare the fragility of recent peace efforts that had raised hopes for stability in the region. The clashes, which erupted earlier this week, have forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes and sparked fears of a broader escalation between the two ASEAN neighbors.

Analysts warn that determining who triggered the renewed hostilities remains a challenge, as both governments have issued conflicting claims amid swirling speculation and limited transparency. Bangkok has accused Cambodian forces of crossing into Thai territory to occupy a disputed border post, while Phnom Penh has denied the allegations and blamed Thai troops for initiating the violence. Independent monitors have reported difficulty accessing the area to verify details.

What is clear, however, is that the return to violence signals the unravelling of a peace framework signed just six weeks ago. The agreement, brokered by ASEAN mediators, had established a ceasefire, created a joint border monitoring team, and set a timeline for resolving longstanding territorial disputes over land and religious sites in the region. The latest clashes have rendered those commitments effectively meaningless.

The human cost of the fighting is already mounting. Local authorities in both countries report that at least a dozen civilians have been injured, and more than 500 families have been evacuated to temporary shelters away from the border. Schools and markets in the affected area have been closed, disrupting daily life and raising concerns about food shortages and access to healthcare for those left behind.

ASEAN officials have expressed deep concern over the situation, calling on both sides to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table. The regional bloc, which has made peace and stability a core priority, has offered to send additional mediators to help de-escalate tensions. However, some analysts question whether either government is willing to back down, as nationalistic pressures at home may make compromise politically difficult.

The central question now is how long the fighting will last—and whether it can be contained before it spirals into a full-scale conflict. While both countries have emphasized their commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue in the past, the collapse of the recent peace deal has eroded trust. As ASEAN works to intervene, the region waits to see if the two neighbors can set aside their differences or if the contested border will remain a flashpoint for violence in the months to come.

📷©️Athit Perawongmetha



|Renewed Thailand-Cambodia border fighting unravels 6-week peace deal – question remains how long it will last. - ASEAN/News

U.S. Ramps Up Southeast Asian Deterrence Efforts Amid South China Sea TensionsHanoi– The United States is moving to stre...
09/12/2025

U.S. Ramps Up Southeast Asian Deterrence Efforts Amid South China Sea Tensions

Hanoi– The United States is moving to strengthen the deterrence capabilities of Southeast Asian nations, deepening security partnerships with key players in the region including treaty ally the Philippines, rising partner Vietnam, and even Cambodia—despite its longstanding close ties to China. The push comes as tensions persist in the contested South China Sea, where Beijing’s territorial claims overlap with those of several ASEAN states.

The Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally since 1951, has emerged as a central focus of this effort. In November, the two countries announced plans to establish a first-of-its-kind joint task force aimed at deterring Beijing’s coercion in the South China Sea. The initiative is designed to enable faster responses by U.S. and Philippine forces when Chinese ships enter contested waters around the Philippines, addressing a critical gap in real-time coordination.

Details released by the U.S. Pacific Fleet show the joint task force will be staffed by 60 dedicated personnel and led by a one-star general or flag officer. Crucially, officials emphasized the task force will not involve new combat forces, offensive operations, or permanent military basing—framing it as a defensive, collaborative tool rather than an escalation of U.S. military presence in the region.

Vietnam has also become an increasingly important partner in this strategy. In 2023, the U.S. was elevated to Hanoi’s “comprehensive strategic partner” status, a significant step that has opened the door to expanded security cooperation. While Vietnam has historically maintained a policy of non-alignment, the deeper ties reflect shared concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Even Cambodia, which has long maintained close economic and political links to China, has seen growth in security cooperation with the U.S. In recent years, the two countries have conducted joint military exercises focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, signaling that Phnom Penh is willing to engage with multiple partners to enhance its own defense capabilities and contribute to regional security.

While the U.S. joint task force with the Philippines is intended to reinforce Washington’s commitment to its ally, Manila is also preparing for scenarios where external assistance may be delayed. In late 2024, the Armed Forces of the Philippines unveiled a new “unilateral defense plan,” acknowledging that allied support could take a month or longer to arrive. The shift underscores that while ASEAN states value U.S. partnership, they are also prioritizing self-reliance in their defense strategies.

The broader push to bolster Southeast Asian deterrence reflects a delicate balancing act for both the U.S. and regional nations. While the U.S. seeks to uphold the rules-based international order in the South China Sea, ASEAN states are navigating competing interests—aiming to protect their territorial claims without triggering conflict or alienating key economic partners like China. As these partnerships evolve, the region’s ability to manage tensions will depend on both external support and internal coordination among ASEAN members.

📷©️U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech



|U.S. bolsters Southeast Asian deterrence (with PH, Vietnam, Cambodia) via a new joint task force, as Manila also prioritizes self-reliance amid South China Sea tensions. - ASEAN/News

Philippines-Vietnam Boost Defense Ties Amid Regional Tensions at 7th Strategic Dialogue HANOI, Vietnam – The Department ...
06/12/2025

Philippines-Vietnam Boost Defense Ties Amid Regional Tensions at 7th Strategic Dialogue

HANOI, Vietnam – The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines and the Ministry of National Defence of Viet Nam convened the 7th Philippines–Viet Nam Vice Ministers' Defense Strategic Dialogue (VMDSD) on November 26, 2025, in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Co-chaired by Philippine Senior Undersecretary of National Defense Irineo C. Espino and Vietnamese Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence, the meeting marked the latest milestone in a decade-long partnership focused on strengthening security cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The dialogue reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to the 2010 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Defense Cooperation and the 2015 Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. The 2010 MOA established a framework for military delegation exchanges, counterterrorism information sharing, training, and search-and-rescue collaboration, while the 2015 declaration elevated ties to prioritize maritime security, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law—including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Since these pacts were signed, the two nations have expanded coast guard hotlines, conducted joint naval port visits, and coordinated on humanitarian assistance efforts.

During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on evolving regional security challenges, with a clear focus on rising tensions in the South China Sea. Both the Philippines and Vietnam share overlapping territorial claims with China in the resource-rich waterway, where recent incidents—including dangerous maneuvers by Chinese aircraft and vessels near disputed shoals—have raised concerns about stability. The delegates also highlighted transnational threats such as piracy, cybercrime, and climate-related disasters, emphasizing the need for coordinated responses to protect shared interests.

Practical progress in defense cooperation was a key highlight of the dialogue. According to Vietnamese state media, the two ministries have seen increased high-level visits, expanded training programs, and collaboration in defense industry and military medicine over the past year. They also noted joint support for each other at multilateral forums like the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, as well as coordinated relief efforts following the October 2025 earthquake in the Philippines. Chien also congratulated the Philippines on its upcoming 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, expressing confidence in Manila’s ability to advance regional unity.

The dialogue underscored the alignment of the Philippines and Vietnam with ASEAN’s broader security agenda, particularly the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and accelerating negotiations for a substantive, legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This follows a June 2025 ASEAN Summit announcement that the two nations would elevate their ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” further integrating economic, security, and cultural cooperation into their bilateral framework.

📷©️DND



|Philippine and Vietnamese defense officials held their 7th strategic dialogue in Hanoi on Nov 26, 2025, reaffirming security ties and commitment to a rules-based regional order amid evolving challenges. - ASEAN/News

PCG’s Bold Maneuver Pushes Chinese Vessel Out of Panatag Shoal: A Defiant Stand for Philippine Sovereignty MANILA –The P...
06/12/2025

PCG’s Bold Maneuver Pushes Chinese Vessel Out of Panatag Shoal: A Defiant Stand for Philippine Sovereignty

MANILA –The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday forced a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel out of Philippine waters near Panatag Shoal, delivering a clear message that the country will not back down from unlawful incursions into its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The operation, carried out amid churning seas and persistent Chinese presence, marks one of the most assertive moves by Manila to defend its maritime territory in months of escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The mission began as the 44-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) relieved BRP Cabra, which had been patrolling the contested shoal for over a week. With crew members braving waves of 2 to 3 meters high—conditions that tested both the ship’s capabilities and the team’s grit—the Cape San Agustin moved swiftly to confront the CCG-3303, the primary vessel operating within the shoal’s vicinity. The PCG’s decision to rotate assets and maintain an uninterrupted presence underscores a deliberate strategy to deny China any opportunity to establish unchallenged control over the area.

In dramatic footage released by the PCG, the Cape San Agustin can be seen issuing repeated radio challenges to the CCG-3303, demanding the vessel “cease and desist from conducting illegal maritime patrols within the Philippines’ EEZ.” The warnings were unambiguous: Panatag Shoal—locally known as Bajo de Masinloc—lies 220 kilometers from Luzon, well within the boundaries of the Philippines’ maritime domain as defined by international law. Yet the CCG-3303 was not alone: ships CCG-3305 and 3502 were also spotted loitering nearby, their presence a stark reminder of China’s ongoing pattern of encroachment in the region.

This latest standoff is not an isolated incident. For years, Chinese coast guard and militia vessels have regularly entered Philippine waters around Panatag Shoal, restricting Filipino fishermen’s access to traditional fishing grounds and flouting the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claims. The PCG’s successful pushback on Saturday breaks a cycle of passive resistance, showing that Manila is now willing to take concrete, tactical action to protect its rights—even in the face of a much larger maritime power.

From an ASEAN perspective, the Philippine operation sends a critical signal to Beijing: the bloc will not tolerate the erosion of its members’ sovereignty through coercive maritime tactics. While some ASEAN states have been cautious in confronting China, the PCG’s move highlights the urgency of uniting behind a common stance against unlawful incursions. The West Philippine Sea is not just a Philippine issue—it is a regional security concern that threatens freedom of navigation, economic interests, and the stability that ASEAN has worked for decades to preserve.

As the CCG-3303 was forced to retreat to an area 250 kilometers from the Zambales coast, the PCG maintained its position at Panatag Shoal, ensuring its presence remains unbroken. The message from Manila is clear: the Philippines will defend its EEZ with every tool at its disposal, and China’s attempts to assert dominance in the West Philippine Sea will no longer go unchallenged. For the region, this bold maneuver is a turning point—one that demands China to respect international law, or face the growing resolve of ASEAN nations to protect their shared maritime future.

📷©Philippine Coast Guard



|Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape San Agustin pushed a Chinese vessel out of Panatag Shoal to defend the country’s EEZ, braving rough 2-3 meter waves. - ASEAN/News

Taiwan Expresses Gratitude for Japan PM Takaichi’s Taiwan Strait Remarks Amid Diplomatic Tensions TAIPEI — Taiwanese Pre...
05/12/2025

Taiwan Expresses Gratitude for Japan PM Takaichi’s Taiwan Strait Remarks Amid Diplomatic Tensions

TAIPEI — Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said Friday the government was “very moved” by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on maintaining peace and stability in the face of intense pressure. The remarks come as China and Japan grapple with their worst diplomatic crisis in years.

Takaichi stated last month in parliament that a hypothetical Chinese attack on democratically governed Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo. The comment has deepened rifts between Beijing and Tokyo, which had already been strained by territorial and trade disputes.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s government firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty assertions, framing itself as an independent, self-governing state with its own democratic institutions.

During a meeting with Shuzo Sumi, chair of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association that manages unofficial ties, Cho expressed gratitude to Takaichi. The association serves as a bridge between Taipei and Tokyo, which do not have formal diplomatic relations.

“Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks about stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait moved us all very much,” Cho said in Taipei. “They represent justice and peace—and we thank her, the Japanese government and people for upholding this under such strong pressure.”

While Japan, like most nations, officially recognizes only Beijing, its unofficial ties with Taiwan are close. The two sides share historical links—Japan ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945—and maintain robust economic and cultural exchanges.

Beijing has responded with anger, accusing Takaichi of pushing Japan toward militarism. The backlash has included mass cancellations of Chinese flights to Japan and bans on Japanese artists performing in China, escalating tensions across the region.

📷©️Toru Hanai/Bloomberg



|Taiwan thanks Japan PM Takaichi for Taiwan Strait peace remarks (including possible military response to a Chinese attack) amid the two countries’ worst diplomatic crisis in years and Beijing’s angry backlash.
- ASEAN/News

Philippine Army Launches Php450 Million Tender for Precision Missile SystemsMANILA — The Philippine Army has initiated a...
05/12/2025

Philippine Army Launches Php450 Million Tender for Precision Missile Systems

MANILA — The Philippine Army has initiated a public bidding process for the procurement of 20 Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapons (MMPAW) equipped with Precision Guided Munition (PGM), with an approved budget of Php450 million. The project aims to bolster the military’s anti-armor and bunker-busting capabilities amid ongoing modernization efforts.

The tender includes the acquisition of 40 advanced missiles, 20 launchers, and integrated tripod systems. Designed for high mobility and precision strikes, the weapons are intended to enhance the Army’s tactical edge in both urban and rugged terrains. Specifications mandate compatibility with existing platforms and adaptability to diverse combat scenarios.

Notably, the procurement marks a shift from previous direct negotiations, opening the door for global defense firms to compete. While South Korea’s LIG Nex1, supplier of the AT-1K Raybolt missile system ordered by the Army in 2024, remains a strong contender, rivals such as Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Turkey’s Roketsan could challenge if their bids meet technical requirements.

The specifications mirror those of the 2024 tender, potentially favoring LIG Nex1 due to interoperability with earlier systems. However, cost competitiveness will be critical, as the Public Bidding Law prioritizes the lowest compliant bidder. Analysts suggest the Raybolt’s prior integration into Philippine systems may not guarantee victory if competitors undercut pricing.

Funding for the project will be drawn from the Army’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocation for Fiscal Year 2026, reflecting long-term budget planning. This follows a pattern of incremental upgrades under the Revised Armed Forces Modernization Program, which prioritizes asymmetric warfare tools.

Strategic observers highlight the tender’s alignment with regional security trends, as Southeast Asian militaries increasingly invest in precision-strike capabilities. The Philippine Army’s focus on anti-tank systems underscores preparedness for potential territorial defense scenarios, though officials emphasize the procurement is “threat-agnostic.”

Industry responses have been cautiously optimistic, with multiple firms reportedly preparing bids. A decision is expected by late 2025, pending technical evaluations. The outcome will signal the Army’s procurement priorities—leveraging existing partnerships or diversifying its defense supplier base.

📷©Hyeongung / Raybolt







|The Philippine Army has opened a Php450 million public tender to acquire 20 anti-tank/bunker buster missile systems, including launchers and 40 missiles. The competitive bidding allows global suppliers to challenge LIG Nex1’s 2024-procured Raybolt system, with funding sourced from its 2026 budget. - ASEAN/News

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