Philippines eyes drones and ‘system of systems’ to boost asymmetric defence

AI Summary

The Philippines is enhancing its defense strategy by expanding its drone fleet and integrating a 'system of systems' capability to counter China's significant naval presence. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the drone expansion to improve asymmetric defense tactics.

Facing a far larger Chinese military presence at sea, the Philippines is looking to drones not as a substitute for warships and aircraft but as a relatively low-cost way to make its forces harder to find, suppress and outmanoeuvre, analysts have said. The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has focused on expanding the military’s drone fleet as part of its external defence strategy. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr told lawmakers on Tuesday that Manila also needed to secure...