Philippines to bolster defence with subs and BrahMos missiles. Can it sustain this arsenal?

Manila’s plan to acquire submarines and BrahMos missiles aims to counter Beijing’s South China Sea activities, but faces challenges in funding and readiness

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General Romeo Brawner Jnr ( 2nd from right), Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, listens to an underwater drone explanation of an exhibitor at the 5th Asian Defence and Security Exhibition in Manila last year. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem

Published: 7:29pm, 13 Feb 2025

Manila’s plan to acquire submarines and additional missiles to counter Beijing’s military might in the South China Sea has been praised by observers as a strategic long-term measure, despite the high costs and questions about the country’s readiness to maintain such technology.

One analyst said the move was long overdue, since the Philippines discovered last year that its rival had used drones in mapping out the seabed in the disputed waters.

On Wednesday, citing an “increase in China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities” General Romeo Brawner Jnr, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, announced the country’s desire to procure two submarines and additional BrahMos missiles in response to China’s military build-up in the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s name for the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone.

Last year, Manila acquired its first and only batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles under a US$375 million deal with India.

“It is a dream for us to get at least two submarines,” Brawner said at the Management Association of the Philippines in Taguig City, adding that as an archipelago nation, they need this capability to effectively defend our waters.

Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, said the submarine acquisition highlighted Manila’s recognition of underwater deterrence.