West Philippine Sea – The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

18 February

Philippine Army Plans Artillery Command With Air Defense Systems

The Philippine Army plans to reorganize its artillery regiment to incorporate air defense capabilities, according to Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

12 February

Asia Pacific

Staff Writer With AFP

Taiwan Leader Warns Countries in Region ‘Next’ in Case of China Attack

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te warned that countries in the region would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island, as he insisted on the need for Taiwan to dramatically shore up its defenses.

Nov- 2025 -

20 November

Air

A U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, launches on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, June 21, 2023. VMU-3 safely and successfully launched its first MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft to meet the Naval Air Systems Command Safety Certification process. The Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification (SFFOC) is the final, crucial milestone in VMU-3’s transition from the RQ-21A to the MQ-9A. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo).

Rojoef Manuel

US Stations MQ-9A Reaper Drone in Philippines to Aid in Maritime Patrols

The US Marine Corps has deployed an MQ-9A Reaper to the Philippines to help the country monitor rising Chinese activity in the West Philippine Sea.

Sep- 2025 -

1 September

Asia Pacific

The Philippine military's Mahatao Forward Operating Base on Batanes

Rojoef Manuel

Philippines Launches New Military Base Near Taiwan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has inaugurated a new installation in the Luzon Strait, a 200-mile-wide body of water separating Taiwan and the Philippines.

Apr- 2025 -

28 April

Asia Pacific

The Philippine Coast Guard holding the country's flag over the disputed Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea.

Staff Writer With AFP

Philippines Denies ‘Irresponsible’ Chinese Report on Disputed Reef

The Philippines on Monday slammed an "irresponsible" Chinese state media report claiming a disputed reef in the South China Sea was under Beijing's control, saying the status quo was unchanged.

15 April

Asia Pacific

The Police Regional Office in Bicol on Thursday (Jan. 2, 2025) releases photos of the underwater drone found by local fisherfolk off the waters of San Pascual, Masbate on Dec. 30, 2024. The local police has turned over the drone to the Philippine Navy. | Connie Calipay | Photos courtesy of PRO 5 chief B/Gen. Andre Dizon

Staff Writer With AFP

Captured Underwater Drone Sent Messages to China: Philippine Military

Five underwater drones found by Philippine fishermen were capable of gathering information that could aid in "underwater warfare," the country's military said Tuesday, noting at least one had relayed a signal to China.

Jan- 2025 -

28 January

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

Philippines Upgrades Warships With ASW Capabilities to Patrol Contested Waters

The Philippine Navy has upgraded a trio of patrol vessels with a submarine detection capability as part of a strategy to deploy groups of warships for maritime defense and deterrence.