Philippines steps up military upgrade amid territorial disputes

Jan 27, 2012, 7:05 GMT

Manila - The Philippines on Friday launched a defence acquisition system to fast-track the purchase of more than 1 billion dollars of military equipment amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that under the new system, his department aims to approve and sign contracts for 138 procurement projects worth 70 billion pesos (1.6 billion dollars) by the end of July.

Gazmin said among the equipment to be purchased are long-range patrol aircraft and F-16 fighter jets for the air force and multi-role vessels for the navy. He said most contracts would be government-to-government.

The purchase of new hardware for the air force and navy was a priority because they are currently ill-equipped to defend the country's territory, said the military's chief, Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa.

'This is a timely and welcome development as we are now focusing our efforts in addressing regional security concerns with our neighbours,' he said.

Manila has been in dispute with Beijing over China's alleged aggression in Philippine-claimed territories in the South China Sea, a key shipping lane in the region. The area is also thought to be rich in mineral resources.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims over the South China Sea.