SEOUL – In a significant development in defense relations, the vice defense chiefs of South Korea and the Philippines have agreed to enhance cooperation in the defense industry. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho and his Philippine counterpart, Angelito M. De Leo, in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yonhap News Agency, the meeting focused on collaboration in the third phase of the Philippine military's modernization project. This project includes potential acquisitions of advanced military equipment, possibly even submarines. South Korea, known for its diesel-electric submarines manufactured by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, has a history of military hardware exports to the Philippines.
The two countries are working towards elevating their bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership" by next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The defense ministry highlighted the agreement as a step towards deeper defense cooperation, building on previous deals like Manila's purchase of FA-50 light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd in 2014.