Manila: The head of the state arms procurement agency held talks with the Philippine defense chief and other officials in Manila this week to discuss expanding arms industry cooperation, officials said Tuesday. Seok Jong-gun, minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), met Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Monday, according to DAPA.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Philippines has introduced various South Korean-made weapons systems over the years, including FA-50 light attack aircraft, frigates, and corvettes. Seok also held talks with Maj. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez, vice commander of the Philippine Air Force. DAPA noted that the Philippine Air Force is reviewing the possibility of introducing more FA-50s.
Seok further engaged with the Philippines' Navy chief, Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Quiatchon Ezpeleta. The discussions included hopes for bilateral cooperation to expand to maintenance, repair, and overhaul projects of naval ships, according to DAPA.