Manila, Dec. 26 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting a more robust modernization in 2026.

"The AFP is expecting a critical year ahead for our modernization program. We are entering a phase where several long-lead projects will begin to bear fruit, especially those aligned with archipelagic defense, cybersecurity and maritime domain awareness," Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a recent interview.

For 2026, Padilla said the AFP is anticipating the continued delivery of platforms and systems that strengthen its ability to protect territorial integrity, improve interoperability with allies and partners, and ensure that the country can monitor and respond across all domains -- land,...