The Philippines increases defense budget for new planes

The new cabinet of the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte has proposed a 14% increase for the 2017 defense budget. The new budget will be designated to purchase new aircraft, radar system and ships to strengthen the army in combating the militants as well as to increase maritime security in South China Sea.

About PHP130 billion (USD2.8 billion) or 96% of the defense budget will be used for military needs, including around PHP25 billion for the modernization.

The Department of National Defence said the program will include the acquisition of two surveillance planes and six close-air support planes to fight Abu Sayyaf rebels.  The funds will also provide the Philippines Air Force with 12 new Korean FA-50 jets of which two have arrived in 2015.