The Armed Forces of the Philippines is preparing to establish a space center that could later develop into a Space Command or Space Force, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
The initiative is part of the military’s modernization program and is aimed at improving AFP surveillance, communications, and defense capabilities through space-based systems.
Preparations are being made ahead of the planned acquisition of military satellites.
“If we wait for that time when we actually acquire our satellites, it will be too late. If that’s the only time that we create a unit, it will be too late. So as early as now, ginagawa na natin yung unit,” Brawner said.
The AFP will begin with a center before expanding the structure later into a larger military space organization.
“We’re going to start small muna and then later on we’re going to expand into a Space Command or a Space Force kasi kailangan natin. Two very important uses of space: number one is ISR, yung eye in the sky para makita natin yung nangyayari sa lupa at sa ating karagatan; and second is to connect all our systems,” Brawner said.
The planned satellites would support military monitoring of land and maritime areas, improve communications among AFP units, and strengthen the military’s use of command-and-control systems, missile systems, drone systems, and other modern defense platforms.
The project is expected to be developed with the Philippine Space Agency, the central government agency handling national space science and technology applications.
The satellite program was presented during the AFP midyear command conference. The AFP hopes to acquire its first military satellites by 2028, with funding approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Hopefully by 2028 magkaroon na tayo. May funding na inapprove si President for that,” Brawner said.
The AFP has not yet disclosed the procurement terms, satellite specifications, or launch timeline for the planned military satellite program.
