Army bares plans to buy short-range missiles
PHILIPPINE Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Monday said they already have the appropriations to acquire short-range air defense missile systems. "It is already in our appropriations, meaning in the budget of the PA, which was listed last year, that the army will acquire short-range air defense systems. And this is now in operation, meaning the mechanism to acquire it is being undertaken," he said in an interview. This project is different from the Philippine Navy which is also acquiring similar weapons systems to protect its newly acquired BrahMos cruise missile platforms. Short-range air defense missile systems are needed to protect PA installations and other sensitive equipment and platforms against enemy air attacks. Galido said investing in missile systems is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' ongoing capability build-up to allow it to defend its territory. The PA chief did not identify or give specifics on what short-range air defense missiles they are planning to procure. He said the army would identify platforms that would to project its force within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country in coordination with the Philippine Air Force and Navy. "As to the brand, we haven't identified a specific brand, but we go for the platform and its capability." Last week, Reuters reported that India is poised to secure a $200-million defense contract with the AFP for the sale of the Indian-developed Akash short-range surface-to-air missile system that has a range of 25 kilometers. "All of these are still under review and being tested. The template, I would say, would be based on the outcome of the first project the Navy has ventured into, the BrahMos. So we will take it from there because all of these are still a work in progress," he said. In recent months, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also expressed interest in buying the midrange Typhon missile system developed by the United States. China has denounced the plan, saying the Typhon missiles would destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Galido said they are set to test the fighting and defense capability of their troops in extensive training exercises called Combine Armed Training Exercise Katihan or "Catex" scheduled for March 3 to 12, 2025. Galido said the large-scale exercise appraise and hone the army's responsiveness, combat readiness, and adaptability. "This exercise will test our combat readiness and demonstrate our adaptability and ability to execute complex, high-stakes operations with precision. We are confident that the outcomes of this exercise will strengthen our command-and-control capabilities, further enhancing our preparedness to respond to any challenge that may threaten our national security," Galido said. "Command-and-control is important in external defense. It is also important in our interoperability with the Navy and the Air Force," Galido said. The army chief added that this year's iteration of Catex Katihan will involve around 6,000 troops and will test fire platforms such as tanks and artillery.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
PHILIPPINE Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Monday said they already have the appropriations to acquire short-range air defense missile systems.
"It is already in our appropriations, meaning in the budget of the PA, which was listed last year, that the army will acquire short-range air defense systems. And this is now in operation, meaning the mechanism to acquire it is being undertaken," he said in an interview.
This project is different from the Philippine Navy which is also acquiring similar weapons systems to protect its newly acquired BrahMos cruise missile platforms.
Short-range air defense missile systems are needed to protect PA installations and other sensitive equipment and platforms against enemy air attacks.
Galido said investing in missile systems is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' ongoing capability build-up to allow it to defend its territory.
The PA chief did not identify or give specifics on what short-range air defense missiles they are planning to procure.
He said the army would identify platforms that would to project its force within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country in coordination with the Philippine Air Force and Navy.
"As to the brand, we haven't identified a specific brand, but we go for the platform and its capability."
Last week, Reuters reported that India is poised to secure a $200-million defense contract with the AFP for the sale of the Indian-developed Akash short-range surface-to-air missile system that has a range of 25 kilometers.
"All of these are still under review and being tested. The template, I would say, would be based on the outcome of the first project the Navy has ventured into, the BrahMos. So we will take it from there because all of these are still a work in progress," he said.
In recent months, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also expressed interest in buying the midrange Typhon missile system developed by the United States.
China has denounced the plan, saying the Typhon missiles would destabilize the region.
Meanwhile, Galido said they are set to test the fighting and defense capability of their troops in extensive training exercises called Combine Armed Training Exercise Katihan or "Catex" scheduled for March 3 to 12, 2025.
Galido said the large-scale exercise appraise and hone the army's responsiveness, combat readiness, and adaptability.
"This exercise will test our combat readiness and demonstrate our adaptability and ability to execute complex, high-stakes operations with precision. We are confident that the outcomes of this exercise will strengthen our command-and-control capabilities, further enhancing our preparedness to respond to any challenge that may threaten our national security," Galido said.
"Command-and-control is important in external defense. It is also important in our interoperability with the Navy and the Air Force," Galido said.
The army chief added that this year's iteration of Catex Katihan will involve around 6,000 troops and will test fire platforms such as tanks and artillery.
