The Philippines wants to purchase more defense systems from Israel as it seeks to bolster its military readiness amid increasing tensions with China.
The Southeast Asian nation has reportedly submitted a shopping list of weapons to Jerusalem, which includes different types of missiles and sensors.
Israeli defense sources also said Manila wanted to procure advanced command-and-control systems and long-range radars to better monitor its territory.
The Philippines is no stranger to Israeli systems, as it operates 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzers made by Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems.
In 2021, the country also received 20 Sabrah Ascod light tanks and Pandur II armored personnel carriers from Jerusalem for territorial defense.
Tensions With China
Manila’s move comes as it faces increasing pressure from China over the South China Sea.
Beijing claims almost all of the waterway, including portions ruled by the international arbitral tribunal as belonging to the Philippines.
Tensions between the two countries have been exacerbated by a string of maritime clashes between Chinese vessels and Philippine boats.
In October 2023, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel carried out “dangerous” blocking maneuvers against a Philippine resupply boat, causing the two ships to collide.
Last month, another Chinese vessel used a powerful water cannon against Philippine boats, resulting in “heavy damages.”