US defense contractors seek more deals in PH
Twenty-six leading defense and aerospace companies visited the Philippines from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15 to hold high-level talks with leaders of the Philippine defense and security sectors, the US-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council (USABC) said Saturday.
USABC senior vice president and regional managing director Ted Osius said the council sent its largest-ever delegation to Manila for the 2025 Aerospace, Defense, and Security (ADS) Mission to the Philippines.
The defense and security firms were looking at opportunities in coproduction, joint development and technology transfers in the Philippines to build on the momentum as the two countries seek to further deepen defense relations.
During their engagements, the mission highlighted opportunities for “co-production, joint development, technology transfers, and workforce development across defense systems, dual-use technologies, and cyber capabilities.”
“The US private sector is firmly committed to supporting the Philippines’ long-term security and economic goals. This mission reflects our enduring strategic partnership and shared vision for regional stability,” Osius said in a press release.
The delegation met with more than 120 leaders in the Philippine defense and security sectors, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
The companies that joined the mission include Boeing, GE Aerospace, IMSG, Citi, Lockheed Martin, Atmo, Bell and RTX, AEVEX Aerospace, Alliance Global Group, Anglicotech Philippines Inc., BAE Systems, Bardex Corporation, COLT, Domo Tactical Communications, Echodyne Corporation, Forward Edge-AI, HavocAI, HawkEye 360, Leonardo DRS, Naval Systems, Inc., Neros Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Planet Labs, Silvus Technologies and Universal Synaptics.
Vital phase
The mission was coled by Osius and Boeing Southeast Asia vice president and ADS committee chair Dale McDowall.
McDowall said Boeing is honored to collaborate with the USABC and the Philippine government to help advance the latter’s capabilities.
“Missions like this are vital to advancing the next phase of military modernization in the Philippines,” he said.
“This work strengthens the nation’s readiness and elevates its strategic posture in a rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific region.”
Two Filipino companies, First Philippine Industrial Park and Armscor Global Defense, Inc., offered insights into the local business landscape and highlighted opportunities for industrial collaboration and local defense manufacturing.
Armscor, present in over 65 countries, affirmed its support for the program seeking to develop a domestic defense industry.
