Philippines boosts defence spending
The Philippine Congress gave the Department of National Defence (DND) a shot in the arm with a 9.2% increase for the 2016 defence budget.
The budget amounts to PHP126.62 billion (US$2.66 billion), which is a record for the Southeast Asian nation. President Benigno Aquino should sign the national budget into law before year’s end.
Under special presidential approval for multi-year purchases, Aquino has approved $933 million for seven DND projects, some of which had stalled, over the next three fiscal years. Money is being allocated for two light frigates, two anti-submarine warfare helicopters, four long-range surveillance aircraft, amphibious assault vehicles,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
