During the Cold War, the United States and its NATO allies significantly upgraded air bases in West Germany, such as Ramstein Air Base, to counter the Soviet Union’s military presence in Eastern Europe. These bases were modernized with enhanced runways, expanded facilities, and increased capacity to host various aircraft, enabling rapid deployment and sustained military operations in case of conflict. This historical strategy mirrors the current efforts to modernize the Philippines’ Basa Air Base, which, with U.S. funding, aims to strengthen deterrence against China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
The Philippines is increasing its military capabilities with the planned upgrade of Basa Air Base, a key facility located approximately 100 kilometers from Manila. This development is seen by Western analysts as an important step in enhancing the readiness of both Philippine and U.S. forces to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The modernization project will feature a 58,000-square-meter parking apron capable of accommodating up to 20 aircraft, signaling a significant enhancement of the base’s operational capacity.
Last month, the Pentagon awarded a contract valued at over $32 million to Acciona CMS Philippines LLC for the construction of the parking apron, along with additional shoulders and taxiway. This project is scheduled for completion by July 2026. The funding for this upgrade comes from the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a Pentagon program specifically designed to counter China’s growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Basa Air Base, already a strategic site due to its proximity to the contested South China Sea, is expected to play a pivotal role in regional defense efforts. Bradley Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, emphasized that the modernization of infrastructure at bases like Basa is essential for effectively deterring aggression from China. He stated that China’s actions often disregard the sovereignty and rights of its neighbors, making the upgrade a necessary measure.
The Chinese government, however, has expressed its concerns over the enhanced military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., reiterated China’s stance that the Philippines and the U.S. should not target any third party in their military endeavors. Liu argued that the U.S. has no right to interfere in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, particularly in the South China Sea.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated recently, with the Philippines condemning what it described as “dangerous provocative actions” by Chinese aircraft. These incidents occurred around the Scarborough Shoal, a hotly contested area within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, located approximately 300 kilometers from Basa Air Base. Despite China’s defense of its actions as lawful, the confrontation highlights the ongoing volatility in the region.
Basa Air Base currently hosts the Philippines’ fleet of FA-50PH combat aircraft, which, according to military experts, are insufficient to meet the country’s defense needs. Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner Jr. recently confirmed that the government has approved the acquisition of additional multi-role fighter jets to strengthen the country’s air defense. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute, noted that an upgraded Basa Air Base could support and sustain joint operations in the South China Sea, including surveillance missions.
The base’s strategic importance is further highlighted by its location facing the South China Sea, directly opposite China’s Hainan Island. The ongoing upgrades at Basa are part of the broader Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed between the U.S. and the Philippines in 2014. This agreement allows the U.S. to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases, facilitating the rotation of American forces through the country without establishing permanent U.S. bases.
The U.S. has allocated significant resources to the development of Basa Air Base under the EDCA, with $66.57 million out of $82 million earmarked for infrastructure investments at five designated EDCA sites. The base’s modernization aligns with a series of strategic advances in the U.S.-Philippines alliance, as highlighted by Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington. He pointed out that collaboration on additional defense sites announced last year will further enhance the alliance’s capabilities.
In response to China’s concerns over U.S. military activities in the region, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo recently assured his Chinese counterpart that the U.S. missile system temporarily deployed to the Philippines is not intended to destabilize the region. Manalo emphasized that the missile system was part of joint combat exercises and would likely be removed from the country soon.
The modernization of Basa Air Base includes the construction of a 625,000-square-foot transient parking apron, which will be situated away from the Philippine Air Force’s existing facilities. This new infrastructure will provide parking for 20 aircraft, including 18 small and two large planes, and will feature advanced drainage and fire-control systems. These improvements are part of the Pentagon’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which aims to enhance regional security through strategic investments.
Basa Air Base, with its historical significance dating back to World War II, remains a critical asset for the Philippines. The base currently hosts the country’s only fighter squadron of FA-50PH Fighting Eagles, which play a central role in the nation’s air defense. These aircraft regularly train with U.S. counterparts, and recent joint exercises included the participation of U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, marking a significant milestone in the U.S.-Philippines military partnership.
As the Philippines progresses with its military modernization efforts, the Philippine Air Force is expected to finalize the selection of a jet for its Multi-Role Fighter program. The Swedish JAS-39 Grippen and the American F-16 Fighting Falcon are the leading contenders. Once acquired, these fighters are likely to be stationed at Basa Air Base and other EDCA sites across the country.
The EDCA has been instrumental in advancing the U.S.-Philippines defense relationship, with Basa Air Base receiving the largest share of PDI funds to date. The U.S. has committed to increasing its investment in EDCA sites, with plans to surpass $100 million in future projects. Last year, the Philippines expanded the number of bases accessible to the U.S. under EDCA from five to nine, further solidifying the bilateral defense partnership.
The recent completion of a runway renovation at Basa Air Base is the largest EDCA project to date, enhancing the base’s capability to support larger logistical aircraft. This upgrade, which cost approximately $24 million, included the resurfacing of the runway and improvements to runway overruns. These enhancements are vital for supporting both Philippine and U.S. aircraft in defense operations.
Lieutenant General Scott Pleus, commander of the Seventh Air Force of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, highlighted the importance of the runway as a foundational component of power projection. He noted that the improvements are crucial for the safe and effective operation of the Philippine Air Force’s existing and future aircraft.
Basa Air Base also houses several other EDCA-funded facilities, including a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response warehouse, fuel storage tanks, and a command and control fusion center. These installations are designed to support a wide range of military and humanitarian operations, reinforcing the base’s strategic importance.
The EDCA is a key element of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the U.S. and the Philippines, which commits both nations to mutual defense in the event of an external attack. U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ewing emphasized that while the MDT outlines the “why” of the alliance, EDCA provides the “how,” enabling both countries to effectively respond to regional threats.
As tensions in the South China Sea continue to simmer, the modernization of Basa Air Base is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability. The upgrades will enhance the Philippines’ ability to defend its national interests and uphold international law, while also strengthening its alliance with the United States.
