Philippines, Feb. 26 -- The French defense industry is ready to hold talks with the Philippines over the government's plan to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Re-Horizon 3 program, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said.

The Re-Horizon 3 of the AFP modernization is focused on improving the military's archipelagic defense capabilities by acquiring more ships, aircraft, and radar systems, among others.

"That's a signal that the Philippines wish to acquire new equipment in different kind of forces. Be it the Navy or the Air Force, or the Armed Forces on the ground, we will be ready for any kind of request that we will receive from Philippine authorities," she said.

French suppliers, the envoy said, are ready to...