This isn’t just about a bunch of rocky islands in the middle of the sea. This is about power, pressure, and the possibility of war.” Welcome to the South China Sea — where ancient empires, global trade, and modern-day militaries all collide. It’s one of the busiest waterways on Earth, carrying over one-third of global…
Philippines Weighs Acquisition of U.S Made Typhon Missile System Amid Rising Regional Tensions MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is actively considering the acquisition of the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system, a highly advanced, mobile, land-based platform capable of launching intermediate-range precision-guided missiles—including the long-range Tomahawk cruise missile—as part of its ongoing defense modernization efforts. According…
As the Indo-Pacific edges deeper into strategic turbulence, one partnership is proving to be a bulwark against uncertainty: the U.S.-Philippine alliance. In a region where China’s maritime assertiveness is reshaping the balance of power, old allies are finding new resolve. On May 30, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine Secretary of National…
Without U.S. who will stand against china? In a region where every missile launch makes headlines and alliances define stability, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. The United States is considering a partial military withdrawal of around 4,500 troops from South Korea—out of the 28,500 currently stationed there. At first glance, it seems like…
Pagasa Island—aptly named “hope” in Filipino—is a mere 37 hectares in size, yet it carries immense symbolic and strategic weight for the Philippines. Situated in the disputed South China Sea, it hosts a tiny civilian community of around 300 residents who live in modest wooden homes, fish the greenish blue waters, and grow vegetables in…
On May 25, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) marked a significant leap in its maritime defense capabilities with the official arrival of its first ATR 72-600MPA maritime patrol aircraft , delivered from Italy via Phuket, Thailand. This advanced platform, equipped with cutting-edge surveillance systems including radar, electro-optical sensors, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) gear, is…
The Philippines’ Modernization Imperative: From Internal Security to Archipelagic Defense The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has historically focused on internal security challenges such as insurgencies and terrorism, with limited investment in external defense capabilities. This internal orientation, coupled with outdated equipment, left the country vulnerable to external threats. However, recent developments in…
Imagine a place of stunning beauty — islands surrounded by bright turquoise waters, home to colorful coral reefs and peaceful beaches. Now picture that same place at the center of a dangerous global conflict. That’s what’s happening in the South China Sea, where geography meets geopolitics in a very tense way. This sea is one…
The Philippine Air Force’s Interest in the F-16 Viper For decades, the Philippine Air Force has defended its skies with legacy aircraft—outdated platforms in a region rapidly modernizing its aerial arsenals. But now, a game-changer is on the horizon. The F-16 Viper—America’s legendary multirole fighter jet—is being offered to the Philippines. Is this the long-awaited…
As the Philippines ‘Bristles’ with Missiles, Is It a Deterrent or a Dangerous Escalation? Once heavily reliant on the United States for its defense, the Philippines is now entering a new era of military capability—armed with a growing missile arsenal sourced from key allies like the U.S., Israel, South Korea, France, and India. This transformation,…
