Marcos approved AFP modernization's 'Horizon 3' —Teodoro

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved revisions for "Horizon 3" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization program, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“Next, we are embarking into a what we call the ‘Rehorizoned 3’ capability enhancement and modernization program where the President recently approved an array of capabilities,” he said in a press conference with Manila Overseas Press Club Tuesday night.

He said these will range from domain awareness, connectivity, intelligence capabilities of C4ISTAR communication, command and control, and deterrence capabilities on maritime and aerial domains.

Meanwhile, Teodro added that the Philippines is also starting a new defense concept called the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

“The Armed Forces will transition initially to enable itself to guarantee, as much as possible, Philippine corporations and those authorized by the Philippine environment the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within our exclusive economic zone and other areas where we have jurisdiction,” he added.

In September 2023, Teodoro earlier said he instructed the AFP to review and revise the target assets that will be acquired as they may no longer be relevant at the present time.

There were also some delays in the acquisition of some assets in the modernization program due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“However, it gives us a greenfield opportunity to re-vision and re-horizon our modernization. So I think we'd rather have, if we can fund it, contingent on new modernization requirements, then I think it would make better value for every peso spent,” Teodoro had said. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News