General Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), affirmed the necessity for local troops to train on advanced missile systems. His remarks came after the recent firing of U.S. and Japanese missile systems during military exercises.
Brawner defended the actions taken during the Balikatan drills, which featured Japan’s Type 88 surface-to-ship missile and the U.S. Typhon Mid-Range missile. He stated that familiarity with modern weaponry is essential for enhancing the Philippines' defense capabilities.
During the closing ceremony of the Balikatan exercise, Brawner explained that the AFP aims to equip its personnel with all available modern weapons to bolster national defense. He emphasized the importance of developing self-reliance in defense.
Despite growing partnerships with various defense allies, Brawner highlighted the need for the Philippines to prioritize its own defense mechanisms. He mentioned plans for acquiring more missile systems in the future.
"That is the future direction of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as we modernize our capabilities," Brawner stated, reinforcing the commitment to advancing the country’s military readiness.