The Philippines is preparing to establish a dedicated military space centre by 2028, a strategic initiative designed to enhance surveillance, communications, and command capabilities across its archipelago and in contested waters of the South China Sea.
The move signals Manila’s intent to reduce reliance on foreign intelligence assets and gain direct control over real-time monitoring of its territorial claims.
This development follows a broader restructuring of the Philippine armed forces, which are shifting their primary mission from internal counter-insurgency to maritime defence.
The establishment of a space centre represents a significant escalation in the country’s military modernization efforts, aimed at countering growing assertiveness from regional rivals.
The timing of the announcement coincides with heightened tensions in the region.
A mainland Chinese research vessel recently conducted an oceanographic survey in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan, prompting warnings from US military experts about potential preparations for submarine warfare.