AFP drone systems under testing, integration eyed

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has moved portions of its drone development program into the testing stage, with plans to eventually integrate unmanned systems being developed across the military services.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete disclosed the progress Thursday during the Commission on Appointments’ deliberation on his ad interim appointment, as lawmakers explored how the military could strengthen its capabilities for modern warfare.

“Meron po, sir. Meron. But this is being tested (We have some, sir. But these are being tested),” he told Senator Panfilo Lacson when asked whether the AFP already had practical drone capabilities beyond research and development.

Nafarrete said research and development efforts are being undertaken both at the AFP General Headquarters and by the major services, with the military working toward bringing the separate initiatives under an integrated system.

Lacson raised the growing role of drones in modern conflicts, citing their use in Ukraine and their potential as a less costly means of strengthening the country’s defenses compared with more expensive platforms, such as large warships and long-range missiles.

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He also offered congressional support for funding requirements once the AFP presents concrete specifications for the program during deliberations on the national budget.

Nafarrete said the AFP is also working with partners and studying how unmanned systems are being used elsewhere as it develops its own capabilities, but some operational details remain classified.

The drone initiative forms part of a wider modernization effort aimed at improving the military’s ability to monitor and defend the archipelago.

Earlier in the hearing, Nafarrete identified unmanned systems, communications, and joint command-and-control as among the capabilities the AFP needs to upgrade and improve maritime domain awareness under its Archipelagic Defense Concept.

“Our modernization, really, we need to upgrade our capabilities, especially on our unmanned systems, our communications, our joint command and control for us to tend and improve our maritime domain awareness,” he said.

Nafarrete said the AFP’s defense concept is geared toward protecting the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and people, including through continued presence in Philippine territorial waters. (PNA)

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