Marcos invites Czech firms to supply PH defense requirements

PRAGUE - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on defense companies from the Czech Republic to submit proposals in connection with the Philippines' defense capability requirements.

Marcos sees the Czech Republic as a key partner in defense interoperability.

“The Czech Republic has always been active as a source of equipment for the Philippines. And so, we come again to the Czech Republic and offer the partnership with the Czech Republic and the Philippines,” Marcos said during the bilateral meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

“We invite the Czech defense companies and defense industry to submit proposals and to once again participate [in supplying] the Philippines' future defense capability requirements,” he added.

Marcos made the statement as he welcomed the efforts of the Czech Republic to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The president said that part of the AFP modernization program is the procurement schedule under Re-Horizon Phase 3 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP) and the training of the military force.

Under Re-Horizon 3 of the RAFPMP, the Philippine government plans to acquire more ships, aircraft, and radar systems to focus on improving the military’s archipelagic defense capabilities.

Marcos said that the Czech Republic’s participation in the AFP’s modernization program will not only enhance its capacity and capability but will also serve as an important part of strengthening relations between the two countries. — VBL, GMA Integrated News