The Philippines is looking to acquire more Israeli weapons as part of its ongoing military modernisation, especially in light of growing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI), one of the country’s leading defence companies, is in discussions with Philippine officials to supply coastal and aerial defence systems. This move is part of the Philippines’ larger plan to enhance its defence capabilities.
Maxim Zemer, IAI’s Senior Vice President for Marketing for Asia and Africa, shared that the company sees significant opportunities in the Philippines, as well as in other countries like Vietnam and Thailand. Speaking at the Asian Defence and Security Exhibition in Manila, Zemer emphasised that IAI is working in line with the Philippines’ defence requirements, especially as the country looks to address growing regional security threats.
The military modernisation plan, approved by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., allocates 2 trillion pesos ($36 billion) over the next decade to improve naval, aerial, and surveillance capabilities. The upgrade comes amid heightened tensions with China over the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
While Zemer noted that the region is aware of increasing global threats and aims to be prepared, he acknowledged that budget constraints and changing governments could pose challenges to securing contracts. He also addressed concerns about whether Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas would impact arms sales in Asia, assuring that Israel Aerospace Industries is committed to meeting the needs of both the Israel Defence Forces and international clients without disruption.
