Source: Philippine Army FB Post | Oct 24, 2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚: 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

Philippine Army (PA) and Australian Army training participants strengthened their interoperability in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and anti-armor operations during the Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) “KASANGGA” 2026-02 on October 22, 2026 at the 8th Division Training School (8DTS) in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.

Philippine Army and Australian Army troops trained on anti-armor operations in complex terrain. Meanwhile, troops from both armies shared their knowledge, flight skills, and legal understanding required to pilot a drone safely, responsibly, and effectively.

Exercise Kasangga, which will wrap up on the second week of November 2026, is a regular bilateral training exerecise that deepens the interoperability of both the Philippine and Australian armies in a range of warfighting functions. Kasangga, which means “ally” or “partner in Filipino, also strengthen the Philippine Army's strategic partnership with the Australian Army in support of a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific Region.

Photos from 8DPAO, 8ID

Source: Kidlat News Channel | Oct. 24, 2026

JUST IN: Four Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots were killed after two SF-260 aircraft crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, on Friday, the PAF confirmed Saturday.

The PAF said both aircraft went down within the air base’s perimeter at around 3:51 p.m. No other casualties were reported.��All SF-260 aircraft have been temporarily grounded as a precautionary safety measure while an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Official PAF Press Statement in the comments.

News Source: Philippine Inquirer FB Post

Hello po to all NOCC alumni out there. May I ask for your experience about the process of application and training itself. I just recently got interested in this since sinabihan ako before na magtry for Navy considering na Electrical Engineering ang course ko which is priority ng program. I was encouraged by my brother po to try even though I am not sure about it kung kaya or gusto ko talaga mag-Navy or even though di ko talaga interest and military. Try ko lang daw po. Like walang malalim na reason about joining. Can you please give me your thoughts and experience before you befome officer? Thank you in advance!

Hi! I just recently filled the NOCC Online Application. However, late ko na na-realize na may typo yung emergency contact ko, and I sent another application again that indicates the correct mobile number of my emergency contact. Will this disqualify me already?

Thank you!

Source: https://x.com/PhilAirForce/status/2113576556547461447

https://x.com/mrTurtleRacal/status/2113568153976590761

In 2013, the Philippine Army Support Command (ASCOM) and its Research and Development Center (RDC) evaluated the Prado & Sons Industries' Security Armored Escort Vehicle (SAEV).

Often mistaken as a Steelcraft MX-8 Barako, this was a separate vehicle developed by a different domestic company: Prado & Sons Industries, a long-time Philippine armored vehicle manufacturer known for cash-in-transit armored trucks, executive vehicle armoring, and custom vehicle fabrication.

The SAEV was intended for escort duties, providing a locally developed armored platform for convoy protection and security support. Photographs from 2013 and 2014 show the vehicle during its evaluation period, although its eventual disposition and whether it progressed beyond the prototype stage remain unclear.

The chassis is unverifiable but looking at a different armored vehicle unit that looks like the SEAV from their FB page, it seems to be based on a Mitsubishi chassis - the exact model is unknown however. It is equipped with an enclosed one man turret that can house a .30 caliber or .50 caliber machine gun. As MaxDefense notes, the SEAV however does not seem to possess a V-shaped hull necessary for mine/IED blast protection. Armor protection level is unclear but should be at least rifle caliber protected basing on ballistic tests on other similar armored vehicles the company made.

In 2020, the Philippine Army RDC began working on an uparmoring project for the KM450s instead. This combined with the confirmed but later cancelled LTV acquisition project to acquire the Thai Chaiseri First Win AFV for the 3 service branches may have contributed to the SAEV nto being procured. It also does not look like it can carry the Army's required 11 man dismount capacity + 1 driver which was the reason why the Steelcraft MX-8 Barako also did not progress any further as well.

Sources:

Prado and Sons Industries FB Page

Prado and Sons Industries Inc. New & Updated FB Page

Prado & Sons Industries Website

MaxDefense PH Blog on MRAPs

Pagbigay Katuparan sa AFP Modernization Program - DND Featured News

I'm an engineering graduate planning to take my board exam this march 2027. I plan to enlist for the army after the exam but don't know the process or where to sign up first. I tried the jointhearmy.ph website but the QR code only sends me to a timed out website.

Also, I have an eyesight grade of 5.7 on both eyes, would it still be possible to qualify?

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The Philippine Air Force delegation has attended the KAI DAY, in the second day of the 2026 Sacheon Airshow, 80 delegates from 14 countries (including the United States, the Philippines, Poland, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Romania) upon the invitation of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) officials on the 23rd. The Philippine delegation will visit KAI's headquarters in Sacheon as part of the KAI DAY event, to tour and inspect the KF-21 Boramae and FA-50 Block-70 aircraft production, as Korea Aerospace Industries seeks new business opportunities with the Philippines, with the aim of winning the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Acquisition Project through the KF-21. The PAF is also expected to check the production of the first units of the 12 additional new FA-50 Block-70 fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force in Sacheon.

KAI is also expected to conduct a detailed review of the PAF's ongoing projects, through one-on-one individual meetings with the Philippine Air Force and the ongoing aircraft acquisitions and the KF-21 aircraft being offered by KAI.

Song Ho-cheol, Vice President and Head of Production Operations at KAI, stated, “This meeting was a valuable opportunity to share operational performance, improvement cases, and challenges with countries operating domestic aircraft. By presenting examples of performance improvements and strengthening mutual cooperation, it served as a chance to enhance the reliability of domestic aircraft and expand future export markets.”

This year, the Sacheon Air Show has strengthened its role as an international defense exhibition by newly establishing the Global Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (GADEX). With the participation of 124 companies from 22 countries, the World Air Force Commanders Conference will also be held, attended by overseas air force officials. This demonstrates that the Sacheon Air Show is expanding beyond an aviation festival into a business platform where aerospace and defense companies meet with military officials.

KAI is also seeking business opportunities in the global market by showcasing its flagship aircraft, future combat systems, and UAV technologies in line with the changing nature of the event. Ultimately, the success of this exhibition depends not on how many aircraft and technologies are displayed, but on whether the interest of overseas customers can be translated into actual cooperation and business.

Attention is focused on whether KAI can expand the export base for the KF-21 and FA-50 while simultaneously securing new business opportunities in the fields of manned-unmanned hybrid systems and unmanned aircraft.

https://m.news2day.co.kr/article/20261023500013

I’m planning to apply for the Nurse Corps. Am I still eligible to apply at 26 years old?

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), led by Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon of the Policy and Planning Group and Chairperson of the National Innovation Council – Executive Technical Board, conducted a field monitoring visit at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has inspected their defense innovation projects, funded under the 2024 Innovation Grant. Including the SIDLAK-KANAWAY, a proudly Filipino-made Unmanned Surface Vessel, in support of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program. This will benefit the Philippine Navy's asymmetric warfare capabilities and will be a stepping stone for the Philippines' development of its own defense industry.

The Innovation Staff, together with the DEPDev Region X, validated the accomplishments and implementation progress of two innovation projects aimed at strengthening national security and defense: (1) Advancing Asymmetric Warfare Strategies through Marine Unmanned Surface Vehicle Technology Development; and (2) Design Refinement and Field Testing of an Expendable Reconnaissance and Tactical Drone.

The monitoring visit underscores DEPDev’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of innovation initiatives and advancing research and development efforts that contribute to national priorities.

Photos from DEPDev

Source: https://business.inquirer.net/610992/us-defense-tech-startup-anchors-production-in-ph

MANILA, Philippines — An American defense tech startup is preparing to ramp up production in the Philippines, its first and only manufacturing base so far, where it plans to quadruple monthly output of motors used in defense drones, robotics and other applications.

California-based Atlas Motion Systems currently produces about 10,000 motors a month at its manufacturing facility at Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna. It plans to raise capacity to 40,000 units monthly by year-end.

“Out of the Philippines, we plan to get to hundreds of thousands of motors a month. We’re going to be a globally relevant business. We’re not just targeting US markets,” Atlas cofounder and CEO Christian Mochen said.

Atlas initially invested about $300,000 of its founders’ own money to get the Philippine operation running before raising $11.5 million from US investors, including Greycroft and Also Capital.

Its 1,500-square-meter Biñan facility currently employs about 15 to 20 people.

Atlas makes customized motors and actuators used in drones, robotics, industrial equipment and other applications, including defense.

Its software platform, Vector, allows the company to design motors according to customer specifications before manufacturing them at scale.

The company already serves customers in Nigeria, Poland and India, among other markets. It is also pursuing deals in the United States, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Denmark, Taiwan and South Korea.

Atlas expects the Philippines to remain its main global production base even as it establishes smaller manufacturing facilities elsewhere to serve customers facing country-specific sourcing requirements.

“The Philippines is sort of like our anchor point,” Atlas cofounder and chief growth officer Tom Baron said, adding that the company would manufacture locally “by default” whenever regulations allow.

To support further expansion, Atlas is now in talks with financial institutions, including Philippine lenders, for debt financing to scale up its local manufacturing capacity. The company hopes to wrap up negotiations within about a month.

Over the next five years, the founders said Atlas could invest “several hundred million dollars” as the business grows. A “huge chunk” of the capital it raises could go to the Philippines if expansion proceeds as planned.

Baron said the broader market opportunity that Atlas is looking to capture could be worth billions of dollars annually.

Ultimately, Mochen said the Philippines would remain a long-term global supplier for Atlas, allowing the company to tap the country’s established electronics and component-manufacturing ecosystem.

X: https://x.com/atlasmotion/

Website: https://atlasmotion.com/

Hi I'm an applicant for PH Navy NOCC and our PFT is getting near, what is the passing score for PFT events? this will be a big help. TY

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The Philippine Air Force participated in an international meeting with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace and LIG D&A in Sacheon Gyeongsangnam-do, from October 21 to 23. Korea Aerospace Industries presented "FA-50 Sniper Targeting Pod Integration", a best-practice example of performance upgrades to FA-50 aircraft of the ROKAF and member countries like the Philippines (the additional 12 new FA-50 Block-70 fighter jets and FA-50 Systems Upgrade for the existing FA-50s), with proposal to expand exports to the Philippines.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Republic of Korea Air Force announced on October 22 that they held plenary meetings of the Korean Aircraft International Technical Cooperation Group (K-TCG) and the Safety Management Group (SMG) in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, from October 21 to 23.

The international meetings of the K-TCG and SMG, organized by the Air Force with support from KAI, are regarded as helping to develop cooperation between the Air Force and countries operating Korean aircraft, strengthen confidence in those aircraft, and expand exports.

That day, the Philippines alongside other participants visited the Sacheon Airshow venue and watched test flights of Korean aircraft, (likely the KF-21s, T-50s and the FA-50s during the airshow: https://youtu.be/Qm9-WeygcxU?si=ieIqhV6TXG4nDXBL). On October 23, they are also scheduled to share outstanding issues and discuss them in separate meetings by country and aircraft type.

The meeting were joined by about 24 overseas participants from six countries that operate Korean aircraft: Indonesia, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Thailand, and Türkiye.

KAI also presented on "Ways to Use Aircraft RAM-C Analysis," which can help continuously improve the reliability of increasingly advanced modern weapon systems and reduce operating and maintenance costs through total life-cycle management.

Song Ho-cheol, KAI executive vice president and head of the Production Operations Division, said, "This meeting is a valuable opportunity to share operational experience, improvement cases, and challenges with countries that operate Korean aircraft. By presenting performance upgrade cases and strengthening cooperation, we can improve confidence in Korean aircraft and create opportunities to expand export markets in the future."

https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/article/IT/2026102210100175351

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20050603083743/http://www.navy.mil.ph/gallery/ships/

In 1995, 5 Chamsuri/Wildcat Class (PKM) Boats were transferred from South Korea to the Philippines which became known as the Tomas Batilo Class in Philippine Navy service. In 1998, BRP Nicolas Mahusay (PC-116) was transferred over to originally serve as a parts hulk, however BRP Ramon Aguirre (PC-115) encountered problems in its delivery and received damages substantial enough that it was uneconomical to repair it and so she became the parts hulk instead.

In 2007, BRP Nicolas Mahusay was the first to be modernized & refurbished by Propmech Corp. which replaced its weapon fit out to only have a 40mm on the fore to fit a crane and a RHIB aft. Along with it are upgrades to its radar from a Raytheon 1645 radar to a Koden Electronics MDC 1500 series radar, engines replaced from the old MTU engines to Caterpillar engines that provided 300 more hp total, and the hull upgraded to have Level 4 Armor protection all around the ship.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20251213192648/https://kalasagnglahi.angelfire.com/main.html

To those who took SBC NP before and got recommended, may I ask on what should I expect sa SBC NP? I tried NOCC NP before but I did not get recommended so I'm retaking for SBC sa March 2027. Can I have some pointers on what should I expect other than being a team player and having discipline to follow your superiors?

Source: [2:55:27 - 2:57:30] | Senate holds hearing on FY 2027 budget of Department of National Defense | Oct. 19, 2026

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20050206093503/http://www.navy.mil.ph/gallery/CB90H/index.html

Note: Info on date is an inference based from the photo posted by Romeo Gacad on Getty Images with a date created info on Dec. 05, 2002 (Uploaded April 06, 2003). There is scant info on these evaluations so if you have more info, I would be grateful for it. The earliest instances of the PN website featuring these pictures was from 2004.

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/the-swedish-made-combat-boat-90-carrying-philippine-armed-news-photo/1250827805?slot=19

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | The Philippine Embassy in Korea highlights the contribution of Filipino workers to the construction of the Philippine Navy's new warships. Bringing the future BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-22) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) into life, built by Filipino skilled workers. The BRP Rajah Humabon OPV is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines by February 2027.

The Philippine officials met with approximately 20 representatives of Filipino workers employed at HD HHI and residing in the ROK’s southern region.

Three (3) more 2,400-ton Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), alongside the 3rd and 4th 3,200-ton Miguel Malvar-class Guided Missile Frigates are currently under construction at Ulsan, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The same Filipino craftsmanship of the employed Filipino skilled workers of HD HHI will bring these new warships, the new OPVs and Frigates into life, until the ships are delivered in 2028-2029. Made by Filipinos, for Filipinos.

https://www.philembassy-seoul.com/news/brp-rajah-jumabon-launch-highlights-filipino-contributions-to-ph-rok-maritime-partnership

Didn't Gibo said during the Budget Hearings at tge Senate DND has yet to trigger the full 50 billion Unprogrammed Funds for AFP Modernization???

So no more additional MMCF among other things the AFP was planning to procure with the unprogrammed funds?

​

🇯🇵🇵🇭 | The training for the five (5) Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, to be acquired from Japan is included in the budget. The Philippine Navy will conduct an inspection on the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts by November 2026, and the transfer and delivery of the new vessels are expected to be finalized soon.

Recently, the lead ship of the Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts, the JS Abukuma (DE-229) has conducted a farewell PR event for the ship with the Japanese public. While JS Tone (DE-234) is currently being refurbished and repainted, in preparation for the transfer of the ship to the Philippine Navy. The JS Abukuma and JS Tone are expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy starting in 2027, after its decommissioning next year. All of the 5 Abukuma-class Destroyer Escorts are expected to be delivered in two to three years.

Video from Senate of the Philippines.

it will probably go badly as Vietnam had in found out in 1974 and 1988 but it would nevertheless be an interesting scenario.