Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Philippines aims to recruit coders, engineers, and cybersecurity specialists into its military to address modern warfare shaped by software and AI. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to expand a program allowing civilian professionals to join as commissioned officers.

The Philippine coastal defense project in Palawan aims to establish Coastal Defence Regiment assets and logistical facilities, which analysts suggest could complicate Chinese operations near the Spratly Islands but may also make a key naval hub a more prominent target during a crisis. The Puerto Princesa City Council approved the Department of National Defence proposal.

The Philippines plans to establish a military space centre by 2028 to enhance surveillance, communications, and command in the South China Sea. Analysts caution that technical, financial, and manpower challenges may limit the initiative's effectiveness. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr announced the project.

The Army launched a new Indo-Pacific multi-domain command combining traditional formations with cyber, space, and unmanned systems capabilities. The 7th Infantry Division was redesignated as the 7th Infantry Division (Multi-Domain Command-Pacific), integrating Stryker formations with long-range sensing and precision fires. The command includes a Cross Domain Contact Layer framework linking intelligence, electronic warfare, and AI across multiple domains.

The Philippines has pledged to block any structures at Scarborough Shoal following the appearance of a floating Chinese platform there, which has raised concerns about Beijing's potential expansion. The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed they will not allow construction at the disputed site, citing recent satellite imagery showing the platform.