Philippines, South Korea enhancing defense cooperation

Felix Kim

The Philippines and South Korea are enhancing defense ties in the midst of growing shared security concerns, bolstering their already strong relationship, and signaling the importance of joint efforts to safeguard regional stability and peace. The move comes as both nations, treaty allies of the United States, align their interests in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and escalating threats in the Indo-Pacific.

“Defense industry cooperation goes deeper. It should be based on long-held trust. We are confident that there will be a stronger collaboration,” Lee Sang-hwa, South Korea’s ambassador to the Philippines, said during his October 2023 meeting with Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), at the AFP’s headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

South Korea is a key player in the AFP’s modernization, supplying essential military equipment and support, the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

Notably, the Philippine Air Force has integrated 12 South Korean-made FA-50 multirole jet fighters into its air defense capabilities, the PNA added. In addition, South Korean shipyards have furnished the Philippine Navy with its first two missile frigates, strengthening Manila’s maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea. The partnership is set to continue with the expected delivery of two more corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels in the coming years.

A prominent factor in the nations’ expanding relationship is the threat posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly its unlawful territorial claims and a possible invasion of self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing threatens to annex.

Manila has prioritized bolstering the AFP’s capabilities given such concerns, Dr. Bruce Bennett, a Rand Corp. expert on Northeast Asian military issues, told FORUM. South Korea’s advanced defense industry offers a practical solution that aligns with the Philippines’ requirements.

South Korea also can offer valuable insights into defense doctrine and combat skills, he added, as both nations face Beijing’s assertive behavior, whether in the East China Sea or South China Sea.

“When Chinese ships come out and accost Philippine ships, the Philippines would like to be able to have quick reaction aircraft that can quickly respond, probably before Chinese aircraft can be there,” Bennett said.

The growing defense partnership extends to joint military exercises, including with Japan and the U.S. Such exercises help the allies align their operational concepts, tactics and procedures in various security scenarios.

Japan is among the nations that have said they are prepared to assist Taiwan in the event of an invasion. “And so, from a Japanese perspective, having other players, like the Philippines, more capable of also helping, that’s a positive outcome,” Bennett said.

This concept of teamwork among U.S. allies is also clear to the Philippines, according to Renato Cruz De Castro, an international studies professor at Manila’s De La Salle University. “Of course, being a U.S. ally means that we are closer not only to the United States, but to Japan, South Korea, Australia and, even possibly, Taiwan,” he said.

Felix Kim is a FORUM correspondent based in Seoul, South Korea.