South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived on March 3 for a state visit to the Philippines, where he and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed expanded security cooperation and greater shipments of defense equipment. | Photo via Philippine News Agency
MANILA — South Korea is preparing to expand arms exports to the Philippines as both countries accelerate security cooperation amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in the Indo‑Pacific. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed the plan during Lee’s state visit to Manila on March 3, where defense equipment shipments were a central topic.
The visit comes as both governments emphasize the need to uphold a rules‑based international order, particularly in the maritime domain. “Both sides recognize growing uncertainty in geopolitical developments,” Marcos said during their bilateral meeting, stressing the importance of strengthening defense ties.
Lee, for his part, affirmed that South Korea would “help the modernization of the Philippine military,” signaling Seoul’s readiness to expand defense‑industry cooperation and accelerate deliveries of military hardware.
Expanded Defense Cooperation and Equipment Shipments
According to reports from Seoul and Manila, the two leaders discussed greater shipments of defense equipment, marking a significant step in the countries’ growing security partnership. While specific new contracts were not publicly disclosed, the talks align with South Korea’s broader ambition to become one of the world’s top arms exporters.
South Korea is already a major supplier of Philippine defense assets, including FA‑50 light combat aircraft, guided‑missile frigates, and offshore patrol vessels. Recent defense‑industry exhibitions in Busan showcased additional systems tailored to Philippine needs, including proposals for 12 more FA‑50 Block 70 aircraft valued at roughly ₱40 billion (US$800 million).
On the naval side, South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai continues to deliver major platforms to Manila. The second Malvar‑class guided‑missile frigate, ordered for ₱28 billion (US$560 million), is scheduled for delivery in September 2025, while the first of six offshore patrol vessels under a ₱30 billion (US$600 million) deal will be launched this June.
Diplomatic Context and Strategic Significance
Lee’s visit to Manila was part of a broader Southeast Asian tour marking the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The symbolism was not lost on either leader. “The Filipino people hold deep gratitude and affection for the people of the Republic of Korea,” Marcos said, recalling the Philippines’ historic role in the Korean War.
Lee described the Philippines as “an old friend and a key partner nation to Korea,” emphasizing that Manila’s critical minerals, strategic location, and defense modernization goals make it an essential partner in Seoul’s regional strategy.
The two governments also signed or reaffirmed agreements covering defense materials procurement, veterans affairs, digital cooperation, and technology innovation, reinforcing the strategic partnership elevated in 2024. “We have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation,” Marcos said during their joint press conference.
Why South Korea Is Moving Quickly
Both economic and strategic imperatives drive South Korea’s push to expand arms exports. As tensions rise in the South China Sea and across the Indo‑Pacific, Seoul sees Manila as a pivotal partner in maintaining regional stability. The Philippines, meanwhile, is accelerating its military modernization to strengthen maritime defense and diversify its security partnerships.
Lee also highlighted cooperation in infrastructure, nuclear energy, AI, and critical minerals, underscoring that defense ties are part of a wider strategic framework.
Filipino communities in the United States, particularly veterans’ groups and civic organizations, have long followed developments in Philippine defense modernization, given the historic ties between Manila and Seoul forged during the Korean War. The Philippines was the first Asian country to send troops to support South Korea in 1950, a legacy still honored by Fil‑Am veterans’ associations across the U.S. The renewed PH–ROK security cooperation is often viewed within the diaspora as part of that continuing historical arc.
Expected Delivery Timeline
While neither government released specific delivery dates for the next wave of defense equipment, officials indicated that expanded shipments will proceed within the current phase of cooperation initiated during the Marcos–Lee summit. More detailed timelines are expected once procurement documents are finalized.
South Korea most recently delivered the 3,200‑ton Miguel Malvar‑class frigate to the Philippine Navy on April 8, 2025, marking the latest major naval asset transfer under Manila’s Horizon 3 modernization program.
