French suppliers ready to support AFP modernization: envoy

<p><strong>DEFENSE MODERNIZATION</strong>. French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel during an interview with reporters at her residence in Makati City on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2025). She said the Philippine government has requested French industry players for information about Re-Horizon 3 capabilities to bolster the country’s armed forces. <em>(Photo by Joyce Rocamora)</em></p> — **DEFENSE MODERNIZATION**. French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel during an interview with reporters at her residence in Makati City on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2025). She said the Philippine government has requested French industry players for information about Re-Horizon 3 capabilities to bolster the country’s armed forces. *(Photo by Joyce Rocamora)*

MANILA – The French defense industry is ready to hold talks with the Philippines over the government’s plan to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Re-Horizon 3 program, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said.

The Re-Horizon 3 of the AFP modernization is focused on improving the military’s archipelagic defense capabilities by acquiring more ships, aircraft, and radar systems, among others.

“That’s a signal that the Philippines wish to acquire new equipment in different kind of forces. Be it the Navy or the Air Force, or the Armed Forces on the ground, we will be ready for any kind of request that we will receive from Philippine authorities,” she said.

French suppliers, the envoy said, are ready to engage with the government should it officially decides to acquire military capabilities from France.

“We have a full-pledged defense industry – combat-proven and very sovereignty-oriented – so we have assets,” she said. — Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)

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