Weekly Digest
PHILIPPINE OUTLOOK
March 11, 2025 Philippine Outlook
The Air Force lifts administrative grounding of FA-50 aircrafts. Philippines hosts top army meeting of CORE 4 nations. Latest BRP Sierra Madre resupply mission a success.
REGIONAL UPDATE
The United Kingdom begins South China Sea patrol
In a statement, the British Ministry of Defense said the Royal Navy’s carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has reached Singapore and will soon proceed to the South China Sea en route to Japan.
Japan plans to transfer old vessels to the Philippines
The Philippines has announced it is in talks with Japan to transfer six old destroyer escorts it planned to mothball in 2027.
Editor’s Picks
REGIONAL TOP STORY
The US decides to fund the continued production of the F-15EX Eagle II fighters
A senior defense official said the funding for the F-15EX Eagle II was included in the proposed defense budget for fiscal Year 2026, affirming the Pentagon’s sustained commitment to modernizing the US Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet.
PHILIPPINES TOP STORY
Filipinos want accountability amidst economic issues—SWS survey
Accountability aside, the latest survey from SWS, in partnership with Stratbase Group, has found that Filipinos expect from current and incoming political leaders to also focus on jobs, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and food security.
Opinion
Japan’s destroyer export to Philippine Navy will show how far it’s ready to flex muscles in region
Japan and the Philippines are reportedly in talks to export six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, a deal that could define the future of Japan’s military resurgence and its impact on regional security.
There is no such thing as a free lunch
Why is Japan transferring these warships to the Philippines? Is there a quid pro quo? How much will it cost the Philippines?
Trump tries to mold US military to his image
When Pres. Donald Trump’s ordered on June 21 a flight of B-2 bombers to drop 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs on Fordow and at least two other underground nuclear facilities, it was his most significant military decision since green-lighting the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani during his first term in 2020.
Latest Stories
Philippine Navy monitors Chinese carrier within maritime zone
The Philippine Navy has been monitoring a Chinese aircraft carrier passing through the northern part of the country, towards the West Philippine Sea.
Philippines does not aspire to match China’s military capability
The head of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura said the Philippines does not aspire to be at par with China’s air power as tensions rise in the disputed area in the region.
Philippines, US test joint counterlanding operations
Hundreds of Philippine and American troops sprang into action to repulse a “hostile force” attempting to land on the country’s shores, part of the 19-day annual joint “Balikatan” drills in northern Luzon.
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