In a world where security threats are constantly evolving and geopolitical landscapes are shifting, the importance of strategic alliances cannot be overstated. One such alliance that stands out is the enduring partnership between Israel and the Philippines. This alliance, which has its roots dating back to 1957, has grown into a robust collaboration that is reshaping the defense landscape of the region. Israel, with its advanced military technologies, comprehensive training programs, and intelligence sharing initiatives, has become an indispensable ally for the Philippines. This partnership has significantly enhanced the Philippines’ defense capabilities, enabling it to effectively safeguard its sovereignty and combat terrorism.
In this video, we’ll investigate the intricate tapestry of this alliance, exploring the multifaceted cooperation between Israel and the Philippines. We’ll uncover how this partnership, forged over decades, is not only shaping the future of regional defense but also setting a precedent for international cooperation in an increasingly complex world.
Historic Overview:
The diplomatic ties between Israel and the Philippines have a storied past that stretches back to the middle of the 20th century. The Philippines stood among the 33 nations that endorsed the creation of Israel, and it was the sole Asian country to vote in favor of the resolution. The formalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries was marked by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship on February 26, 1958, and embassies were subsequently established in Tel-Aviv and Manila in 1962.
In the late 1930s, the Philippines, under the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon, extended a helping hand to Jewish refugees seeking to escape Nazi Germany. This act of compassion led to over 1,300 Jews from Germany and Austria, known as Manilaners, finding refuge in the Philippines through Quezon’s “open doors” policy. In 1947, during President Manuel Roxas’s administration, the Philippines played a decisive role at the UN by casting the tie-breaking vote to partition Israel from Palestine. These pivotal decisions have laid a solid foundation for the enduring relationship between the two nations that persists to this day.
Building on this rich historical foundation, the relationship between Israel and the Philippines has evolved to encompass various facets of cooperation, including defense. The two nations have recognized the importance of a strong defense partnership in addressing shared security challenges and fostering regional stability. This has led to a series of collaborations in defense technology, military training, and cybersecurity.
Cutting-Edge Military Technologies and Defense Systems
Israel’s steadfast dedication to the modernization of the Philippine armed forces is manifested through the provision of advanced defense products. A significant aspect of this commitment is the fortification of the Philippines’ air defense and surveillance capabilities, achieved through Israel’s EL/M-2032 AC combat radar and EL/M-2288 AD-STAR air search radar systems. These systems, capable of real-time detection and tracking of airborne threats, have significantly enhanced the country’s ability to monitor its airspace and respond swiftly to potential incursions.
The firepower and operational effectiveness of the Philippine Army have been substantially augmented by Israel’s provision of artillery systems, including the M-68/M-71 155mm towed guns. These advanced artillery systems, offering long-range fire support and precision targeting capabilities, have empowered the Philippine Army in various combat scenarios, thereby enhancing its overall combat readiness.
A shining testament to this collaboration is the recent integration of the Spyder air defense system into the Philippine Air Force. Facilitated by Israel’s Rafael under the ground-based air defense system acquisition project, this move complements other acquisitions such as the Spanish C-295 MW medium-lift helicopter. It signals Israel’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts. The focus on operator training using Spyder simulators further underscores the importance placed on developing key capabilities in radar detection, command and control, and missile deployment.
Moreover, the inclusion of the Spyder system in the annual Balikatan military exercises with the United States marks a significant leap in the Philippines’ air defense capabilities. This strategic initiative not only bolsters national security readiness but also fosters deeper military collaboration within the Asia-Pacific region. Through joint exercises and the acquisition of advanced defense systems, the Israel-Philippines partnership underscores a shared dedication to tackling security challenges and fostering regional stability. This enduring and mutually beneficial defense alliance continues to thrive, as evidenced by the recent defense chiefs meeting in Hawaii.
Another contribution is the provision of the Blue Horizon Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which are specifically engineered for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These UAVs have endowed the Philippine armed forces with enhanced situational awareness and intelligence gathering capabilities, facilitating effective monitoring of key areas and potential threats.
In terms of anti-armor capabilities, Israel’s supply of Spike-ER anti-tank missiles and Spike-NLOS SSM/ASM has significantly bolstered the Philippine military’s arsenal. These sophisticated guided missiles deliver precision-strike capabilities against armored and maritime targets, equipping the Philippine armed forces with a versatile and effective toolset to counter potential threats and reinforce national security.
Adding to this, the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) acquisition project is a significant part of the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts. As of February 2024, the Philippine Navy has already received six Acero-class vessels, with the two additional missile boats, PG-906 and PG-907, scheduled to be commissioned in March 2024. These vessels were delivered to the country on November 18, 2023.
The FAICs were procured from Israel in 2019 under a contract that includes the delivery of a total of nine platforms for P10 billion. The construction and delivery of the final three platforms are anticipated to be completed in the upcoming two years.
These vessels are equipped with non-line of sight (NLOS) missiles from Israel and will be operated by the Philippine Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force. The acquisition of these FAICs marks the first of its kind in the defense cooperation between the Philippines and Israel. This acquisition further underscores Israel’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts. In recognition of this support, the Philippines, in April 2024, expressed its intention to further strengthen these ties by purchasing additional weapons from Israel. This mutual commitment signals a robust and growing defense partnership between the two nations.
Comprehensive Training Programs
The Philippines and Israel have embarked on a unique journey of scientific exchange, which includes sending Filipino experts to Israel for specialized training. This collaboration extends beyond the exchange of knowledge to include high-level visits, education and training exchanges, and the development of self-reliant defense posture (SRDP) programs. Israel’s commitment to the Philippine military is further demonstrated through its comprehensive training programs. These programs, tailored to the needs of the Philippine military personnel, involve hands-on training sessions and the use of advanced simulators.
In the critical domain of counterterrorism, Israel’s active collaboration with the Philippines is noteworthy. By sharing actionable intelligence and offering specialized training programs, Israel is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the Philippine security forces’ ability to effectively identify and neutralize terrorist threats. Israeli instructors are thus equipping Philippine troops with the necessary skills to operate and maintain sophisticated defense systems effectively. This focus on capacity building ensures that the Philippines’ armed forces remain well-prepared to confront evolving security threats, thereby fostering greater regional security cooperation.
Ongoing Research and Development Initiatives
Israel and the Philippines are actively engaged in research and development initiatives aimed at advancing defense technology. The ongoing negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation underscore this commitment. Once finalized, this agreement will establish a framework for joint innovation projects, enabling both nations to remain at the forefront of military technology and innovation.
In addition, the Filipino agricultural sector is witnessing a transformation through a collaborative effort between Israel and the Philippines. A knowledge sharing event themed “Knowledge Exchange on Transforming and Innovating the Agricultural Research and Development Agenda through the Lens of Israel and the Philippines” was organized on August 30, 2023. This event served as a platform for Israeli and Filipino agricultural experts to exchange knowledge and ideas.
Enhanced Interoperability with Allied Forces
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines has led to the designation of new military sites. These sites have provided a platform for forces to test their strategic effectiveness during the bilateral Balikatan exercise, and to work on improvement projects. This activity not only provides a platform for tactical training, but also reinforces the enduring alliance and mutual trust that have been hallmarks of the defense relationships among the Philippines, the United States, and their allies, including Israel. The Philippines’ defense ties with Israel further enhance this interoperability, contributing to a more robust and effective allied force in the region.
Cybersecurity Collaboration
In the digital age, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical aspect of national defense. Recognizing this, Israel and the Philippines have forged a robust partnership to address evolving cyber threats. A pivotal moment in this collaboration was the inaugural cybersecurity trade mission to the Philippines, orchestrated by the Israel Economic Mission and the Israel Export Institute. This landmark event facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge and ideas between Israeli cyber firms and their Filipino counterparts, fostering potential partnerships and bolstering the collective ability to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.
During the three-day delegation visit, which included representatives from 10 Israeli cyber companies, significant strides were made in engagement with key stakeholders across various sectors in the Philippines. Notably, the visit culminated in the Israel-Philippines Cybersecurity Forum, which convened over 80 cyber experts from both public and private spheres to delve into cybersecurity challenges and innovative solutions¹. Moreover, extending their commitment, Israel offered cybersecurity assistance to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), underscoring the deepening collaboration between the two nations. This concerted effort has the potential to augment the cybersecurity capabilities of both Israel and the Philippines, fortifying their defenses against cyber threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
End Note
To sum up, Israel’s assistance to the Philippines in enhancing its defense capabilities is multifaceted and significant. This collaboration ranges from the provision of advanced defense products, such as the Spyder air defense system and the EL/M-2032 AC combat radar, to comprehensive training programs for the Philippine military personnel. The acquisition of Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAICs) and the integration of non-line of sight (NLOS) missiles into the Philippine Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force are notable milestones in this defense cooperation. Furthermore, the partnership extends to the realm of cybersecurity, with initiatives aimed at bolstering defenses against cyber threats. These collaborative efforts underscore Israel’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts and highlight the enduring and mutually beneficial defense alliance between the two nations. As they continue to tackle shared security challenges and foster regional stability, the defense ties between Israel and the Philippines are set to strengthen even further in the future.
