u/Eyorio

🇵🇱🇵🇭 | Polish President Karol Nawrocki and the First Lady have arrived in Manila. The first-ever State Visit by a Polish President in the Philippines, which will take place from October 5 to 8, 2026. He will meet President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to discuss defense industry cooperation.

The Philippine Air Force is now the largest operator of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in the world, acquired from Poland's PZL Mielec. And few months ago, the Philippine delegation and PZL Mielec discussed the possibility of co-production of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.

Hopefully this will also be discussed, since recently Poland is considering to sell their 20 HIMARS rocket system, in favor of buying and producing more HOMAR-K / Polish version of Chunmoo MLRS. Hopefully, they will sell the HIMARS to the Philippines, of course it would most likely need the US' approval.

"Theoretically, one might have expected that in the event of a Russian invasion, the Polish Army could utilize the U.S.-held stockpiles of all HIMARS-compatible rocket and missile types—specifically ATACMS and PrSM. However, these stocks have been depleted following intense combat operations in the Middle East. As Defense Express reported, While U.S. does not allow production of rockets for HIMARS, Poland to produce ammunition for its analogue - K239 HOMAR-K.

Against this backdrop, the idea emerged that the Polish Army’s HIMARS units were essentially "white elephants" that would be better off sold. Currently, all HIMARS MLRS units are consolidated within the 1st Missile Brigade, which reports directly to the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces."

It was also reported last month, that Poland is seeking new defence partnerships with the Philippines, a senior foreign ministry official said, after completing the delivery of S-70i Black Hawk ‌helicopters to the Philippine Air Force.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, who was in Manila for annual political consultations with the Philippines, said Poland is investing nearly $50 billion for its defence industry and could sell military hardware ⁠abroad, including to the Philippines.

Bartoszewski said Poland could sell both reconnaissance and fighting drones, radar equipment, anti-aircraft missiles and armored personnel carriers. A Philippine military delegation recently visited Poland to look into equipment that Manila can buy, he said.

Photo from PL in the Philippines

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Last July 2026, just a few months ago, officials from the U.S. Congress has visited the facilities of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, where they inspected the 2,400-ton Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), most likely the OPV3 / BRP Rajah Humabon PS-22, to be delivered to the Philippine Navy, soon.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has successfully delivered the first two Sulayman-class OPVs, the BRP Rajah Sulayman PS-20 and BRP Rajah Lakandula PS-21 early this year, ahead of schedule. HD HHI is also expected to deliver the 3rd OPV, the future BRP Rajah Humabon PS-22 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) in the next few months. The 4th OPV, the future BRP Sultan Kudarat PS-23 is now taking shape.

That is why my friend from the Navy told me, that they're now preparing for the upcoming deliveries of the 3rd up to 5th OPV starting next year, and to be completed with the 6th OPV by 2028.

Last year, the Department of Migrant Workers has visited the 70 Filipino overseas workers at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, as one of the workers involved in the construction of the Navy's 2,400-ton Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). Built by Filipino hands, for the Philippine Navy.

Photo of the BRP Rajah Lakandula PS-21, OPV2.

https://economist.co.kr/article/view/ecn202609280025

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | LIG D&A (formerly known as LIG Nex1) directly offered various guided missile systems, including the Hyunmoo cruise missile system to the Philippine government and military officials, alongside the Cheongung-II KM-SAM. LIG D&A supplied the SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles, K745 Blue Shark torpedoes, and the AT-1K Raybolt Medium Multi-purpose Assault Weapon (MMAW) to the Philippines.

The Philippine Navy will purchase more SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles, and more K745 Blue Shark torpedoes from LIG D&A, for the Navy's Jose Rizal-class and Miguel Malvar-class Frigates, as part of the Navy's 2027 Procurement Plan.

https://m.thebigdata.co.kr/view.php?ud=202609132249504613570d99e4c8\_23

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The Philippine Navy will purchase more SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles, worth ₱1,716,193,362.00 to be funded under NEP/GAA. The end of procurement is set by December 2026, and it is part of the Navy's 2027 Procurement Plan. The Jose Rizal-class Frigates and Miguel Malvar-class Frigates are equipped with C-Star anti-ship missiles. The Miguel Malvar-class Frigates are expected to be armed with eight (8) SSM-710K C-Star missiles, while the Jose Rizal-class Frigates will have four (4).

The upcoming 3rd and 4th MMCF, and the anticipated 5th and 6th MMCF are also expected to be armed with the same C-Star missiles.

The SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles from LIG D&A (formerly known as LIG Nex1) has an operational range of 150km, though the industry and the military estimates it can reach up to 180 to 200km. The C-Star anti-ship missiles has been tested already during the Balikatan exercises, launched by the Jose Rizal-class Frigates.

Screengrab from the PN Website.

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps Commander Ju Il-seok and Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro focused their discussions on support training for the operation and maintenance of the Philippine Marine Corps' Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAV), expanding KAMANDAG joint exercise with Korea and the Philippines, and strengthening defense industry cooperation between the two countries' marine corps.

This move aims to elevate the interoperability of combined operations between the two marine corps to the next level, following the Philippines' introduction of eight South Korean-made KAAVs in 2016 and the continued cooperation between the two countries' marine corps in training and equipment operation.

The Marine Corps announced on the 29th, "Commander Ju is visiting the capital, Manila, from the 27th to the 30th at the invitation of the Philippine Marine Corps Command." During his visit, Commander Ju met separately with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Acting Commander of the Philippine Marine Corps Bayani V. Curaming to discuss ways to expand military exchanges and defense cooperation.

During a meeting with Minister Teodoro on the 28th, Commander Ju introduced the concept of future three-dimensional high-speed amphibious operations being pursued by the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the current status of securing core capabilities. Based on this, both sides discussed ways to expand military exchanges and link cooperation in equipment operation and training with defense industry cooperation.

The core pillar of cooperation between the two countries' marine corps is the KAAV. The Philippine Marine Corps introduced eight Korean-made amphibious assault vehicles in 2016, and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps has been conducting commissioned training for Philippine KAAV operation and maintenance personnel since 2022. At the site of joint exercises, customized operational training and maintenance support for KAAV personnel are also being provided.

During a meeting on the 29th, Commander Ju and Acting Commander Kuraming discussed ways to revitalize cooperation networks across various fields, including joint exercises, military education, and personnel exchanges, as well as expanding training support for KAAV operation and maintenance personnel. Given that the operational readiness and proficiency of armored vehicle forces in amphibious operations are directly linked to operational sustainability, the intention is to strengthen a cooperation structure that combines follow-up logistics support and personnel training, going beyond simple equipment exports.

The Marine Corps of both countries continued their cooperation this year through joint exercises and exchanges of marksmanship and specialized skills. The South Korean and Philippine Marine Corps participated in the 5th Marine Corps Commander's Cup Sniper Contest held at the Suseong Firing Range in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province from June 5 to 12, and enhanced their joint operational capabilities and mutual understanding through the 2026 Kamandag Exercise held in Manila, Philippines from June 15 to July 1.

Kamandag is a multinational Marine Corps exercise conducted in the Philippines that serves as an opportunity to assess the tactical, communications, and command system linkage capabilities among participating nations. Through these consultations, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps is expected to focus on enhancing interoperability in amphibious operations, equipment operation, and military education by expanding the scope and frequency of joint exercises, including Kamandag.

Acting Chief Kuraming stated, "Based on the experience accumulated through joint training, we will strengthen military exchanges to enable Korean and Philippine Marine Corps personnel to develop each other's combat skills and operational capabilities."

During this visit, Commander Ju visited the Korean War Memorial with Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Director General of the Philippine Department of Veterans Affairs, to lay a wreath and pay respects. This was to honor the sacrifice and dedication of Filipino veterans who fought for the freedom and peace of Korea during the Korean War, and to express his gratitude.

Commander Ju stated, "The trust built by the two countries' Marine Corps through joint exercises and military exchanges serves as a foundation for strengthening joint operational capabilities and expanding exchanges," adding, "I hope we can continue cooperation for the mutual development and expansion of the roles of both Marine Corps by sharing experiences in education, training, and equipment operation."

The latest Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle of Republic of Korea, the new KAAV-II is also being marketed to the Philippine Marine Corps. The maximum water speed of the KAAV-II has increased to around 20 km/h, compared to the 13 km/h of the existing assault armored vehicle KAAV, and its firepower has also been strengthened, particularly by being equipped with a 40 mm CTA gun. The CTA gun has advantages such as the ability to carry more ammunition than conventional ammunition because it uses internal warhead ammunition.

It is said that it is equipped with rubber tracks, has a maximum ground speed of over 70 km, and is also equipped with anti-drone equipment such as jammers.

https://m.newspim.com/news/view/20260929001134

https://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b\_bbs\_id=10185&branch=&pn=1&num=313

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | According to a Korean shipspotter (Mipo's Daily Life), the latest 2,400-ton Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Philippine Navy is still drying in the dock, it is now in the final stage of construction in Ulsan. He didn't specify if its the OPV3 (BRP Rajah Humabon PS-22) or OPV4 (BRP Sultan Kudarat PS-23), but he said its one of the latest 2,400-ton OPVs of the Philippine Navy. Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro said in an interview that another Philippine Navy vessel is expected to be launched in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in October 2026.

The Philippine Navy purchased six 2,400-ton 94-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, as part of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The rest of the six ordered OPVs will be delivered in 2028, most likely before the end of the term of President Bongbong Marcos.

The OPVs will be equipped with Towed Array Sonar Systems (TASS) and later on with SIMBAD-RC missile launchers for Mistral-3 surface-to-air missiles.

Photo of the 2nd Sulayman-class OPV, BRP Rajah Lakandula PS-21.

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The first mass-produced unit of the Korea-made fighter KF-21 "Boramae," developed with our technology, was delivered to the Air Force on the 22nd. It comes 25 years and 6 months after the government revealed a plan to develop a homegrown fighter in 2001. The Air Force plans to declare the KF-21 combat-ready in the second half of next year and deploy it to actual operations.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the day, the first mass-production KF-21, "aircraft 001," was delivered to the Air Force at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on the day. Capt. Han Jae-seok, the KF-21's initial operational pilot, signed the acceptance and delivery documents, transferring ownership of the airframe to the Air Force.

Aircraft 001, piloted by Capt. Han, circled over Sacheon and then headed to Yecheon Air Base in North Gyeongsang, its first operating base. During the flight, one each of the Korean-made FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 joined to form a formation. After landing at Yecheon, aircraft 001 began full preparations for Air Force operation.

The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fighters and to respond to future battlefield environments.

The first formalization of a homegrown fighter development concept came in March 2001. System development began in December 2015, and the first prototype was unveiled in April 2021. In July 2022, it succeeded in its first test flight.

Since then, about 1,600 flight tests have been conducted using prototypes. More than 13,000 test conditions were verified, and tests such as aerial refueling and air-to-air weapons firing were also carried out. The KF-21 received a “combat suitability” determination in May this year, followed by completion of system development in June.

Mass production proceeded in parallel with system development. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration began initial mass production in June 2024, and the first mass-production unit rolled out in March this year. After the military's acceptance process, it was delivered to the Air Force on the day, 2 years and 3 months after mass production began.

The Air Force is also establishing an operating system in steps with the KF-21's introduction. The first operating unit is the 156th Fighter Squadron under the 16th Fighter Wing. The unit was established in 1988 and operated the F-4E Phantom before being disbanded in 2012, but it was reestablished in June after 14 years to operate the KF-21.

The initial operational pilots learned the KF-21's type characteristics and flight procedures and earned flight instructor qualifications. They will oversee type conversion training for newly assigned pilots. Maintenance personnel also completed specialized training by field and will handle KF-21 maintenance and operations.

Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seok-rak said, "If until yesterday was the time of the policy makers, developers, and producers of the 'Boramae project,' from today it is the Air Force's time," adding, "Join forces so that the KF-21 can quickly take its place as the highest power protecting Korea."

Starting with aircraft 001, the Air Force plans to introduce more than 100 KF-21s sequentially through the early 2030s. In the early phase of introduction, it will build the operating system by conducting pilot type conversion and training maintenance personnel. After declaring combat readiness in the second half of next year, it plans to deploy the jets to actual missions.

Now that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has successfully delivered the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), KAI's KF-21 can now comply with the Philippine procurement laws, and is likely that it will be selected by the Philippine Air Force for the Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project. With the final decision expected to be finalized by the end of the year, or the first quarter or second quarter of 2027.

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-policy/2026/09/22/FLJQU5OKJZE5NIJAQRXPC762RY/?outputType=amp

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The first mass-produced unit of the Korea-made fighter KF-21 "Boramae," developed with our technology, was delivered to the Air Force on the 22nd. It comes 25 years and 6 months after the government revealed a plan to develop a homegrown fighter in 2001. The Air Force plans to declare the KF-21 combat-ready in the second half of next year and deploy it to actual operations.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the day, the first mass-production KF-21, "aircraft 001," was delivered to the Air Force at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on the day. Capt. Han Jae-seok, the KF-21's initial operational pilot, signed the acceptance and delivery documents, transferring ownership of the airframe to the Air Force.

Aircraft 001, piloted by Capt. Han, circled over Sacheon and then headed to Yecheon Air Base in North Gyeongsang, its first operating base. During the flight, one each of the Korean-made FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 joined to form a formation. After landing at Yecheon, aircraft 001 began full preparations for Air Force operation.

The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fighters and to respond to future battlefield environments.

The first formalization of a homegrown fighter development concept came in March 2001. System development began in December 2015, and the first prototype was unveiled in April 2021. In July 2022, it succeeded in its first test flight.

Since then, about 1,600 flight tests have been conducted using prototypes. More than 13,000 test conditions were verified, and tests such as aerial refueling and air-to-air weapons firing were also carried out. The KF-21 received a “combat suitability” determination in May this year, followed by completion of system development in June.

Mass production proceeded in parallel with system development. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration began initial mass production in June 2024, and the first mass-production unit rolled out in March this year. After the military's acceptance process, it was delivered to the Air Force on the day, 2 years and 3 months after mass production began.

The Air Force is also establishing an operating system in steps with the KF-21's introduction. The first operating unit is the 156th Fighter Squadron under the 16th Fighter Wing. The unit was established in 1988 and operated the F-4E Phantom before being disbanded in 2012, but it was reestablished in June after 14 years to operate the KF-21.

The initial operational pilots learned the KF-21's type characteristics and flight procedures and earned flight instructor qualifications. They will oversee type conversion training for newly assigned pilots. Maintenance personnel also completed specialized training by field and will handle KF-21 maintenance and operations.

Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seok-rak said, "If until yesterday was the time of the policy makers, developers, and producers of the 'Boramae project,' from today it is the Air Force's time," adding, "Join forces so that the KF-21 can quickly take its place as the highest power protecting Korea."

Starting with aircraft 001, the Air Force plans to introduce more than 100 KF-21s sequentially through the early 2030s. In the early phase of introduction, it will build the operating system by conducting pilot type conversion and training maintenance personnel. After declaring combat readiness in the second half of next year, it plans to deploy the jets to actual missions.

Now that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has successfully delivered the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), KAI's KF-21 can now comply with the Philippine procurement laws, and is likely that it will be selected by the Philippine Air Force for the Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project. With the final decision expected to be finalized by the end of the year, or the first quarter or second quarter of 2027.

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-policy/2026/09/22/FLJQU5OKJZE5NIJAQRXPC762RY/?outputType=amp

🇰🇷🇵🇭🇯🇵 | There are unconfirmed reports from Korea that the upcoming Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts (DE) of the Philippine Navy is expected to be re-armed with Korean weapon systems such as the SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles. The Philippine Navy will receive five (5) Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts from Japan. The Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts will be retired starting next year, 2027.

There are also discussions of plans to introduce Korean data links from Korea's Hanwha affiliates to the Philippine Navy's Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts. However, this was still under discussion, not a formalized and official plan of the Philippine Navy, and of the Philippine government. As of the moment, there are no official announcement of introducing Korean-made weapon systems to the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, tho the possibility is expected.

Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are both strategic defense partners of the Philippines, in building the country's credible deterrence posture.

https://m.cafe.daum.net/hanryulove/IwYk/726833?q=%ED%95%84%EB%A6%AC%ED%95%80+%ED%95%B4%EA%B5%B0&

🇰🇷🇵🇭🇯🇵 | There are unconfirmed reports from Korea that the upcoming Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts (DE) of the Philippine Navy is expected to be re-armed with Korean weapon systems such as the SSM-710K C-Star anti-ship missiles. The Philippine Navy will receive five (5) Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts from Japan. The Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts will be retired starting next year, 2027.

There are also discussions of plans to introduce Korean data links from Korea's Hanwha affiliates to the Philippine Navy's Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts. However, this was still under discussion, not a formalized and official plan of the Philippine Navy, and of the Philippine government. As of the moment, there are no official announcement of introducing Korean-made weapon systems to the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, tho the possibility is expected.

Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are both strategic defense partners of the Philippines, in building the country's credible deterrence posture.

https://m.cafe.daum.net/hanryulove/IwYk/726833?q=%ED%95%84%EB%A6%AC%ED%95%80+%ED%95%B4%EA%B5%B0&

🇮🇱🇵🇭 | Here's a photo of the Philippine Army's Sabrah Light Tank, with the 105mm turret being installed to the ASCOD II armored vehicle in the Armor Maintenance Facility. It appears like a new Sabrah Light Tank. I'm not sure if its a newly delivered Sabrah Light Tank, becoz the 105mm turret is not yet installed in the ASCOD II vehicle. It was reported months ago that the Philippine Army expects the new batch of 18 Sabrah Light Tanks to be delivered this year.

Photo from Armor Pambato Division

🇯🇵🇵🇭 The Philippine Air Force has formally accepted the second batch of the eight (8) new Subaru Bell 412EPX combat utility helicopters from Japan on 15th. This is an added boost to the growing, and increasing number of helicopters of the Philippine Air Force, helpful for HADR missions and military operations. This will complement the existing 47 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters of the PAF.

Photo from Philippine Air Force

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Korean press reported that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Chairman Chung Ki-sun has brought up to Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. the request to expand cooperation by securing the follow-up Frigate project (5th and 6th Miguel Malvar-class Frigates) for the Philippine Navy. The contract is expected to be signed before the end of 2026.

Once signed, the Philippine Navy will have a total of six (6) Miguel Malvar-class Frigates, and 14 Korean-built warships for the Philippines from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Korea and the Philippines are discussing the possibility of joint production of warships, as highlighted by Sec. Teodoro during his visit to HD HHI.

The Philippines is set to receive more 2,400-ton Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and additional 3,200-ton Frigates from HD HHI in 2028-2029.

News from Korean press, Seoul Economic TV

https://youtu.be/agJDkv3GTBE?si=SQkbFYE0-E50lLj6

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Korean press reported that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries prepares to win the follow-up Frigate contract (5th and 6th HDF-3200) of the Philippine Navy, with emphasis on local construction. Positive results are expected after the successful meeting of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and Chairman Chung Ki-sun and ROK Defense Minister Ahn Gyuback, with the deal expected by year-end. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is leveraging its Subic production base, for the additional Frigate contract. HD HHI is planning to include local construction in the follow-up Frigate project of the Philippine Navy.

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun also lent his support to the order. On the 7th, Chairman Chung met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Seoul to discuss ways to expand cooperation between the shipbuilding and defense industries. Secretary Teodoro reportedly assessed that cooperation with HD Hyundai is strategically important for the modernization of the Philippine Navy and the fostering of the domestic shipbuilding industry.

The export of naval vessels to the Philippines is proceeding along the same pattern. Since securing the Philippine Navy's first frigate contract in 2016, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has won orders for 12 vessels and delivered six to date. The 2,600-ton Jose Rizal-class Frigates, 3,200-ton Miguel Malvar-class Frigates, and 2,400-ton Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) followed in succession, and at the end of last year, the company secured an additional order worth 844.7 billion won for additional two next-generation guided missile frigates with specifications identical to the Miguel Malvar-class Frigates. Compatibility with the command and control and operational systems currently used by the Philippine Navy served as the basis for this decision.

Once the follow-up Frigate order got signed, HD Hyundai will supply a total of six Miguel Malvar-class Frigates, with possibilities of building the 5th and 6th Miguel Malvar-class Frigates locally, if the negotiations for joint production proceeds.

https://news.mtn.co.kr/news-detail/2026090910524369125

The Philippine Air Force 🇵🇭's new ATR 62-700MP Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) was spotted somewhere in the Philippines. The two PAF LRPAs are equipped with an "advanced and comprehensive mission suite", such as mission management system, electro-optics, radar, SIGINT, and communication, and others.

The $114-million contract was signed in 2023, to supply the Philippine Air Force with two new Long Range Patrol Aircraft.

The PAF’s acquisition of LRPAs was among the top priorities in the early stages of the military’s modernization program dating back to 2013, but it faced delays in the bidding processes. It was only signed under the Marcos Jr. administration.

Photo from @breadchilling @ X.

As part of the discussions of Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gibo Teodoro and ROK Defense Minister Ahn Gyuback, South Korea aims to expand defense exports to the Philippine Army, by offering Korean-made Army weapon systems. This is interpreted as a move to expand cooperation centered on the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force, to the entire Philippine military modernization projects, to include Army equipment for the Philippine Army. However, the Ministry of National Defense press release did not specify what concrete Army weapon systems, the names of new projects, the scale of the contract, or the quantities to be acquired for the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army has an ongoing project with LIG D&A, for the supply of AT-1K Raybolt MMAW, with initial deliveries started to arrive, and with more to be delivered in 2027. Korean press also reported recently that Korea is offering the K9 Mobile Howitzers to the Philippines, as well as the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System. The Department of National Defense (DND) also has an ongoing project with Korea to acquire One (1) Lot of 105mm Towed Howitzer System, with the current development in the approval of the amendment no. 2 of Implementing Arrangement with South Korea, the project will be procured through G2G arrangement. Korea also plans to secure a contract with the Philippines for the Cheongung-II KM-SAM medium-range air defense systems.

https://m.newspim.com/news/view/20260907001190

The Armor (Pambato) Division, Philippine Army conducted a send-off ceremony for the Sabrah Light Tanks to be deployed in Mindanao, to effectively secure the BARMM elections. This is the first mission task for the Sabrah Light Tanks. The Philippine Army expects 18 more Sabrah Light Tanks to be delivered to the country this year.

Aside from Sabrah Light Tanks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines also deployed the ATMOS 2000 Wheeled 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers, S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, and T-129 ATAK helicopters, which is tasked to help secure the first BARMM elections.

Photo from Armor Pambato Division

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is expected to launch another new warship in October 2026 for the Philippine Navy, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. in his interview with The Korean Herald. Most likely one of the six (6) 2,400-ton Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

Sec.. Gibo Teodoro emphasized that almost all of our Frigates and Corvettes were Korean-made, but he stressed that the relationship should move beyond procurement toward co-production.

“We are also talking about joint shipbuilding capabilities in the Philippines, where Korea has a foothold,” he said.

Teodoro said a logistical supply ship for the Philippine Navy was among the first projects being discussed for co-production.

He described co-production as the next stage of defense cooperation, alongside military exchanges in training, confidence-building and exercises.

He held separate talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on bilateral defense cooperation and regional security on Monday.

The visit was partly aimed at laying the foundations for “sustainable, mutually advantageous defense industry cooperation” and greater supply chain resilience, according to Teodoro.

Korean industry sources are paying attention on the likelihood of a 3rd batch of MIguel Malvar-class Frigates for the Philippine Navy by year end. This is seperate from the additional Frigates purchased by the Philippine Navy last December 2025, with the two ships expected to be delivered by the 2nd semester of 2029. A total of 12 warships was purchased by the Philippine Navy from South Korea's HD Hyundai.

https://m.koreaherald.com/article/10867764

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. was asked in Seoul, South Korea for the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) by Korean journalists, regarding the acquisition of the KF-21 Boramae, if there's a possibility that he will select the KF-21 Boramae for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project. Sec. Teodoro said that he cannot reveal it for now, since the DND is currently in the stage of establishing the financing and funding plans for the MRF. But he said he will announce soon, that the DND can select an appropriate platform once this stage is resolved.

The Korean reporter replied that he hopes for good news soon for the KF-21 contract signing, and Sec. Teodoro hinted humorously that if Korea can give the Philippines 10% discount for the KF-21, he will consider to award the deal to KAI for the KF-21 Boramae.

I'm not sure if he's pertaining to the overall contract cost, or the 10% initial payment for the KF-21 Boramae purchase, instead of 15%.

The KF-21 Boramae fighter jet is being considered as the strongest candidate for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project.

https://www.koreadaily.com/article/20260908233206169

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. was asked in Seoul, South Korea for the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) by Korean journalists, regarding the acquisition of the KF-21 Boramae, if there's a possibility that he will select the KF-21 Boramae for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project. Sec. Teodoro said that he cannot reveal it for now, since the DND is currently in the stage of establishing the financing and funding plans for the MRF. But he said he will announce soon, that the DND can select an appropriate platform once this stage is resolved.

The Korean reporter replied that he hopes for good news soon for the KF-21 contract signing, and Sec. Teodoro hinted humorously that if Korea can give the Philippines 10% discount for the KF-21, he will consider to award the deal to KAI for the KF-21 Boramae.

I'm not sure if he's pertaining to the overall contract cost, or the 10% initial payment for the KF-21 Boramae purchase, instead of 15%.

The KF-21 Boramae fighter jet is being considered as the strongest candidate for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project.

https://www.koreadaily.com/article/20260908233206169