Philippines no longer military 'weakling' but buildup has far to go

Philippine fast attack interdiction ships drill in the South China Sea in November 2024: The navy is only about a third of the way toward its fleet growth targets. © AP

Enhanced navy and air force would still need help to repel Chinese attack

QUEZON CITY, Philippines -- Deep inside the sprawling headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) outside Manila, a small group of officials gathered for a low-key ceremony in mid-February to mark Japan's handover of five coastal radar systems.