AFP modernization gets P40B in 2026 national budget

The BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) sails through the open sea as an Indian naval helicopter performs aerial surveillance overhead, showcasing seamless air-sea integration during a joint patrol between the Philippine Navy and Indian Navy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The two navies held their first bilateral maritime cooperative activity on Aug. 3 to 4, 2025. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed on Thursday, Aug. 14, the allocation of P40 billion for its revised modernization program under the proposed 2026 national budget.

In a statement, the AFP said the allocation was a “clear statement of our nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty amid escalating geopolitical tensions,” particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Building on the strong support provided in recent years, this funding will accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), enabling the AFP to strengthen capabilities on land, sea, air, and cyberspace,” the AFP said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) presented the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) amounting to P6.793 trillion to President Marcos Jr. last Tuesday. It was then turned over to Congress the day after for deliberation.

Under the 2026 national budget, the defense sector will receive P430.87 billion, which reflects a P51.98 billion (13.72 percent) increase from the 2025 budget of P378.89 billion.

The DBM said the increased budget aims to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, mostly for land (P116.31 billion), air (P54.10 billion), and naval (P53.73 billion) forces’ defense programs of the AFP.

The budget includes a provision of P40 billion for the revised AFP modernization program, marking a P5 billion increase in guaranteed funds compared to the guaranteed P35-billion fund allocated in 2025.

The Department of National Defense (DND) adopted CADC, a strategic military framework for defending the country’s territory, especially its maritime and archipelagic domains, by integrating capabilities across land, sea, air, and cyberspace.

Among the planned acquisitions include additional FA-50PH or S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, corvettes and offshore patrol vessels, and armored vehicles.

The AFP modernization program has faced persistent delays in the past due to budget constraints, but the larger allocation for 2026 suggests the national government is accelerating military upgrades to strengthen the country’s defense amid rising tensions in the WPS.

“We deeply appreciate this continued support, and every peso will be spent with transparency and purpose to ensure our forces are mission-ready to safeguard our maritime domains, defend our territories, and uphold peace and stability,” the AFP said. — Martin Sadongdong

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