Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and the United States are discussing cooperation on drone technology, including potential joint ventures with American companies with experience in Ukraine, as Manila moves to expand its unmanned capabilities and strengthen its external defense.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said several companies have expressed interest in working with the Philippines on drone development and manufacturing.
“Yes, we have a number of companies, as a matter of fact, that’s interested in doing some joint ventures in the Philippines,” Romualdez told NewsWatch Plus’ The Newsmaker.
He said one prospective company has experience developing drones for Ukraine, where unmanned systems have become a major component of the war with Russia.
“There’s one particular company, for instance, that has a lot of experience in Ukraine because they develop drones for Ukraine and they’re on the ground,” Romualdez said.
“This is practical. It’s actually being used already in Ukraine, as we all know, because of the war in that area.”
Romualdez did not identify the companies or disclose the status of the potential joint ventures.
The discussions come as the Philippines seeks to build up its defense industrial base and reduce its dependence on foreign acquisitions for military equipment.
Romualdez said interest is not limited to American companies.
“The defense industrial base that we plan to continue to set up in the Philippines is one aspect where we have a lot of interest coming, not only from U.S. companies, but other countries as well,” he said.
PH eyes more drones
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro earlier said the Philippines plans to expand its unmanned capabilities through the development and acquisition of drones under the military’s modernization program.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines already operates unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
“As we mature on the cycle, then we can acquire more,” Teodoro told lawmakers during deliberations on the proposed 2027 defense budget.
The expansion is part of a proposed ₱50-billion allocation for the AFP modernization program in 2027, up 25% from the current budget.
Teodoro said acquiring drones alone would not be enough, with the military also needing secure communications, connectivity and operational systems that can integrate unmanned platforms into actual missions.
“More than the personnel, it is the integration into the operation, what do you do with them and how do you use them,” he said.
Teodoro declined to identify specific systems being considered because of their classified and sensitive nature, particularly technologies involving artificial intelligence.
“They are very, very sensitive to compromise, particularly with AI,” he said.
The defense chief said Manila has been coordinating with several countries with expertise in drone technology.
Ukraine has also been discussing potential drone technology cooperation with the Philippines, Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv told Reuters in June.
From surveillance to defense
Romualdez said drones are increasingly becoming essential to modern military operations, with applications extending beyond combat.
“Drones is one area that is probably going to be the main equipment to be used for defense purposes,” he said.
“And not only for that, for even intelligence purposes, for disaster purposes. All of these are useful technologies that can be used in drone and AI technology.”
