DND: Locally Designed Weapon System to Boost PH's Self-reliant Defense

16 Desember 2025

Controller Operated Battle-Ready Armament (COBRA) automated gun mount (photos: PA)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Controller Operated Battle-Ready Armament (COBRA) automated gun mount, developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its partners, will greatly enhance the country's Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program.

Teodoro made the comment during the COBRA's turnover ceremonies held at the Armor Division headquarters in Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Thursday, the DND said in a news release on Friday.

The defense chief emphasized that COBRA is a significant step forward in implementing the SRDP Program and aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of building a strong domestic defense industry.

“The strategy is clear: we start by strengthening the foundations – the research, the production capabilities, and institutional support – then build upwards, layer by layer, until we have an industry that can stand strong and succeed on its own,” Teodoro said in his speech, read by DND Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development Rene Diaz.

Teodoro also thanked the DOST, the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines for their work in developing the new defense capability.

He noted that the remote-controlled weapon system would enhance the Philippine Army’s (PA) firepower while improving troop safety by allowing engagement from protected positions.

“Project COBRA will also enhance the survivability of our soldiers, allowing them to engage from a position of relative safety, thereby reducing their exposure to enemy fire," he added.

COBRA is capable of mounting .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

“Looking ahead, I am hopeful that we will continue to leverage the best that our country can offer on defense, science and technology, to secure the safety and well-being of the Filipino people,” Teodoro said.

The COBRA is an output of the Research & Development implemented by the DOST-MIRDC. The PA and the DOST-MIRDC signed an agreement regarding COBRA's development on Nov. 23, 2022. 

(PNA)