The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is pursuing a drone development program aimed at strengthening the military’s capabilities, newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said.
Nafarrete disclosed the initiative during his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments, in response to questions from Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson regarding the military’s plans to develop unmanned systems for defense and possible external aggression.
According to Nafarrete, the AFP is already conducting research and development for the production of drones and has established partnerships to support the program.
“Our modernization, really, we need to upgrade our capabilities, especially on our unmanned systems, our communications, our joint command and control for us to tend and improve our maritime domain awareness,” Nafarrete said.
He said the drone development initiative will initially be undertaken at the AFP General Headquarters before eventually being expanded to the military’s different Major Service Commands.
Lacson expressed interest in the program, particularly in the use of relatively low-cost drones for military operations, citing Ukraine’s experience in integrating unmanned systems into modern warfare.
The senator noted that developing locally produced drones could provide the Philippines with an additional defense capability amid concerns over external aggression, particularly given the country’s limited resources for acquiring expensive long-range missile systems.
Lacson also signaled his willingness to support the AFP in seeking funding for the program once the military formally presents its requirements.
The initiative forms part of the AFP’s broader modernization efforts, with Nafarrete emphasizing the need to improve unmanned systems, communications, joint command and control, and maritime domain awareness.
The drone program is expected to begin at AFP General Headquarters before being extended to the Army, Navy, and Air Force as the military develops its research, production, and operational capabilities.
