DND Eyeing Over 500 Fighting Vehicles for PH Ground Forces

25 Juli 2026

Over 500 fighting vehicle will be acquired for Philippine Army (photo: AFP)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said there are plans to acquire "500 plus fighting vehicles" for the military as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the mobility and protection for its troops.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas late Wednesday, Teodoro, in a mix of Filipino and English, said ground troops “need to react fast and they must be fully protected, along with their vehicles.”

”Kaya nag-e-embark tayo na bumili ng 500 plus fighting vehicles para protektado ang ating mga sundalo (and that is why we are embarking on acquiring 500 plus fighting vehicles to ensure that troops will be protected)," he said.

The "fighting vehicles" the DND chief was referring to are also known as the "infantry fighting vehicles”, a type of armored fighting vehicle designed to transport infantry into combat and provide direct fire support.

Teodoro did not give specifics for security reasons but noted that once these platforms are acquired, the ground forces no longer need to walk or march as much as possible.

He added that these "fighting vehicles" will have a deterrent effect as they allow troops to respond immediately to any threats.

(PNA)