Defense dep’t backs US push for industrial defense cooperation
THE PHILIPPINE Defense department at the weekend said it wants to work with like-minded nations to boost defense supply chains across the region.
The Department of National Defense (DND) issued the statement in support of a new Indo-Pacific cooperation seeking the integration of defense industries in the region.
The Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration, endorsed by the United States at the 2024 Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, will “ensure a shared defense resilience that is vital to regional security, economic security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific,” the agency said.
It said there should be a continuous dialogue with its partner countries to boost exchanges of expertise and best practices, and enhance upskilling and reskilling efforts “to meet the continuing demands of sustaining and upgrading our defense weapon systems.”
The Philippines seeks to confront “multiple security challenges” including from “unconventional actors who employ a full spectrum of tactics” by acquiring and sustaining defense assets, it said.
The Philippines seeks to develop its defense capability through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program “wherein co-production, co-development and licensed production opportunities will be possible for components in larger systems that will involve local industries in defense infrastructure and production and manufacturing of advanced weapon systems.”
“Likewise, co-sustainment shall be pursued through regional maintenance, repair and overhaul and upgrade activities,” it added.
It said it’s also banking on research and development to develop critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum biotechnology and semiconductors, which are critical in producing defense assets. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza