AFP needs to modernize radar and surveillance systems first, Brawner says

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should update first its radar systems and surveillance systems under the Horizon 3 phase of the modernization program, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said Tuesday.

“Dito naman sa Horizon 3, ngayon po dahil doon sa...Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, kailangan talaga na i-project natin iyong defenses natin,” he said in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon’s pre-SONA special.

(Under Horizon 3, because of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, we really need to project our defenses.)

“So, unang-una ang kailangan nating i-modernize ay iyong mga radar systems natin, mga surveillance systems, pati na rin po iyong mga sensors natin,” he added.

(So, the first thing we need to modernize are our radar systems, surveillance systems, as well as our sensors.)

The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) aims to boost the Philippines' capability in protecting and securing the country's territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ)

According to Brawner, there are still some items and programs that have yet to be completed under Horizon 1 and 2. The procurement, training, and arrangement of facilities are ongoing, he said.

In May, the National Security Council (NSC) appealed to the Senate and the House of Representatives to support programs fast-tracking the modernization of the Philippine military.

An OCTA survey found that 73% of Filipinos wanted the government to prioritize military action against threats to territory and sovereign rights.

In January, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had approved revisions to Horizon 3.

The array of capabilities approved for the phase includes domain awareness, connectivity, intelligence capabilities of C4ISTAR communication, command and control, and deterrence capabilities in maritime and aerial domains. — BM, GMA Integrated News