DND adopts weapons system developed by DOST
The Department of National Defense (DND) has adopted a locally developed weapons system that officials expect will strengthen the Army’s firepower and advance the Marcos administration’s push for a self-reliant defense industry.
The Controller Operated Battle-Ready Armament (Cobra), developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its Metals Industry Research and Development Center, was turned over to the DND on Thursday at the Army Armor Division headquarters in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in remarks delivered by Defense Technology Research Undersecretary Rene Diaz during the ceremony, described the system as an important step in advancing the Self-Reliant Defense Posture program, which seeks to expand the country’s capacity for the research and manufacture of its own defense equipment.
“The strategy is clear: we start by strengthening the foundations—the research, the production capabilities and institutional support—then build upwards, layer by layer, until we have an industry that can stand strong and succeed on its own,” Teodoro said.
‘Protected positions’
The weapons system—being remote-controlled like most such modern equipment—allows soldiers to engage targets from protected positions, reducing exposure to enemy fire and improving survivability, the DND said.
The system was developed over two years with a combined budget of P29 million, including P24 million from DOST and P5 million from DND, and is designed to integrate a .50-caliber remote-controlled weapon station onto armored vehicles.
The Philippine Army described Cobra as more than just a weapons system.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said it symbolizes “our collective pursuit of a self-reliant posture through science, technology and innovation,” and is part of the military’s broader modernization and capability upgrade efforts.
Teodoro also noted that the system increases soldiers’ chances of survival.
“[Cobra] will enhance the Philippine Army’s firepower while improving troop safety by allowing engagement from protected positions,” he said.
“Project Cobra will also enhance the survivability of our soldiers, allowing them to engage from a position of relative safety, thereby reducing their exposure to enemy fire,” Teodoro said.
The project reflects the government’s broader effort to harness domestic science and technology for Armed Forces modernization, Teodoro said.
“Looking ahead, I am hopeful that we will continue to leverage the best that our country can offer on defense, science and technology, to secure the safety and well-being of the Filipino people,” he said.
