(Manila, 23rd) Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Romualdez, said that the US Congress has instructed the State Department and the Pentagon to explore ammunition production in the Philippines, and the Philippines maintains an open attitude on this matter.
According to The Philippine Star, Romualdez told the media on Sunday (July 20) that the US Congress pointed out the lack of frontline ammunition production facilities in the Indo-Pacific region and suggested that the State Department and the Pentagon conduct a feasibility study to explore cooperation with Philippine enterprises to establish ammunition production and storage facilities at the former US military base in Subic Bay.
Romualdez said that the US and the Philippines have not yet started formal discussions on this, but the Philippines holds an open attitude towards this possibility, because it could help both countries strengthen defense and economic cooperation. “Establishing production facilities in the Philippines is obviously beneficial to the Philippine economy, as it can create job opportunities. It would also clearly be a good location for them to produce materials needed to protect us.”
“We are currently discussing with the Philippine economic team how to continue advancing this kind of cooperation, especially with the US Department of Defense.”
The Philippines is already studying new provisions in the US National Defense Authorization Act in preparation for this possible plan. Romualdez revealed that several Philippine companies have expressed interest in participating in ammunition production.
However, Romualdez also said that Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro has made it clear that the country's current priority is to strengthen its defense capabilities, especially the procurement of multi-role fighter jets.
To enhance its external defense capability, the Philippines plans to invest up to 2 trillion pesos (about 148.7 billion ringgit) in military modernization over the next ten years, which includes procuring medium-range missile systems, radars, submarines, fighter jets, and warships.
Among these, the Philippine government plans to purchase 20 F-16 fighter jets from the US, which has already been approved by the US State Department and may be delivered as early as next year.
According to The Philippine Star, Romualdez told the media on Sunday (July 20) that the US Congress pointed out the lack of frontline ammunition production facilities in the Indo-Pacific region and suggested that the State Department and the Pentagon conduct a feasibility study to explore cooperation with Philippine enterprises to establish ammunition production and storage facilities at the former US military base in Subic Bay.
Romualdez said that the US and the Philippines have not yet started formal discussions on this, but the Philippines holds an open attitude towards this possibility, because it could help both countries strengthen defense and economic cooperation. “Establishing production facilities in the Philippines is obviously beneficial to the Philippine economy, as it can create job opportunities. It would also clearly be a good location for them to produce materials needed to protect us.”
“We are currently discussing with the Philippine economic team how to continue advancing this kind of cooperation, especially with the US Department of Defense.”
The Philippines is already studying new provisions in the US National Defense Authorization Act in preparation for this possible plan. Romualdez revealed that several Philippine companies have expressed interest in participating in ammunition production.
However, Romualdez also said that Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro has made it clear that the country's current priority is to strengthen its defense capabilities, especially the procurement of multi-role fighter jets.
To enhance its external defense capability, the Philippines plans to invest up to 2 trillion pesos (about 148.7 billion ringgit) in military modernization over the next ten years, which includes procuring medium-range missile systems, radars, submarines, fighter jets, and warships.
Among these, the Philippine government plans to purchase 20 F-16 fighter jets from the US, which has already been approved by the US State Department and may be delivered as early as next year.