Max Montero
@maxmontero.bsky.social
Naval Projects Associate Consultant.
Defense Writer focused on Philippines & Indo-Pacific.
Editor, MaxDefense Philippines
Lead Partner, Philippine Defense Resource
Former Philippine Navy officer.
Defense Writer focused on Philippines & Indo-Pacific.
Editor, MaxDefense Philippines
Lead Partner, Philippine Defense Resource
Former Philippine Navy officer.
Photo of 1st HDP-2200 OPV for the🇵🇭Philippine Navy, launched recently by 🇰🇷HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Formal Launching Ceremony expected to be announced soon by DND and PN.
Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense Philippines.
Formal Launching Ceremony expected to be announced soon by DND and PN.
Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense Philippines.
May 17, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Photo of 1st HDP-2200 OPV for the🇵🇭Philippine Navy, launched recently by 🇰🇷HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Formal Launching Ceremony expected to be announced soon by DND and PN.
Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense Philippines.
Formal Launching Ceremony expected to be announced soon by DND and PN.
Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense Philippines.
🇯🇵Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is in Manila for a 2-day official visit, meeting 🇵🇭Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both agreed to start negotiations for a new defense agreement called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ASCA) and defense intelligence sharing.
📷Reuters
📷Reuters
April 29, 2025 at 10:35 PM
🇯🇵Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is in Manila for a 2-day official visit, meeting 🇵🇭Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both agreed to start negotiations for a new defense agreement called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ASCA) and defense intelligence sharing.
📷Reuters
📷Reuters
🇵🇭Philippine Navy's Acero-class fast indiction craft BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) conducted Missile Exercise on 28 April 2025, firing 2 rounds of 🇮🇱Spike NLOS missile to a target 24km away. Swarm Exercise also conducted with BRP Tomas Campo (PG-908).
📽 Philippine Navy
📽 Philippine Navy
April 26, 2025 at 11:10 PM
🇵🇭Philippine Navy's Acero-class fast indiction craft BRP Albert Majini (PG-909) conducted Missile Exercise on 28 April 2025, firing 2 rounds of 🇮🇱Spike NLOS missile to a target 24km away. Swarm Exercise also conducted with BRP Tomas Campo (PG-908).
📽 Philippine Navy
📽 Philippine Navy
🇺🇲Lockheed Martin released a new graphic illustration of their F-16C Blk70 Viper in 🇵🇭Philippine Air Force colors, while also rmade statements on F-16 strengths vs other options. Strong emphasis was made on seamless integration with PAF's 🇰🇷KAI FA-50 which LM co-developed.
📷LM
📷LM
April 25, 2025 at 1:04 PM
🇺🇲Lockheed Martin released a new graphic illustration of their F-16C Blk70 Viper in 🇵🇭Philippine Air Force colors, while also rmade statements on F-16 strengths vs other options. Strong emphasis was made on seamless integration with PAF's 🇰🇷KAI FA-50 which LM co-developed.
📷LM
📷LM
Despite a Limited Source Tender still ongoing, the state-owned Philippine News Agency reported that 🇫🇷French shipbuilder OCEA was given the Notice of Award to supply 40 fast patrol boats to the 🇵🇭Philippine Coast Guard worth ~Php25b. Project is financed by French ODA loans.
📷OCEA
1/4
📷OCEA
1/4
April 25, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Despite a Limited Source Tender still ongoing, the state-owned Philippine News Agency reported that 🇫🇷French shipbuilder OCEA was given the Notice of Award to supply 40 fast patrol boats to the 🇵🇭Philippine Coast Guard worth ~Php25b. Project is financed by French ODA loans.
📷OCEA
1/4
📷OCEA
1/4
The 🇵🇭Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that the Philippine Navy's retired patrol vessel ex-BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) will be used as naval target for the Maritime Strike Exercises as part Exercise BALIKATAN 40-2025.
April 25, 2025 at 1:51 AM
The 🇵🇭Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that the Philippine Navy's retired patrol vessel ex-BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) will be used as naval target for the Maritime Strike Exercises as part Exercise BALIKATAN 40-2025.
🇨🇳Chinese carrier Shandong (17) and a Type 0815A electronic surviellance ship were seen INSIDE 🇵🇭Philippine territorial waters off Babuyan Islands, photograohed by AFP ISR assets.
China cannot use Innocent Passage since they can freely use international waters in their movement.
📷AFP
China cannot use Innocent Passage since they can freely use international waters in their movement.
📷AFP
April 25, 2025 at 1:44 AM
🇨🇳Chinese carrier Shandong (17) and a Type 0815A electronic surviellance ship were seen INSIDE 🇵🇭Philippine territorial waters off Babuyan Islands, photograohed by AFP ISR assets.
China cannot use Innocent Passage since they can freely use international waters in their movement.
📷AFP
China cannot use Innocent Passage since they can freely use international waters in their movement.
📷AFP
The 🇵🇭Philippine Coast Guard received its 5th BN-2 Islander aircraft w/ t/n 829, this one donated by Fliteline Airways.
Important addition as China consistently breach PH territorial & EEZ waters.
So far PCG has 4 other Islanders w/ t/n 251, 684, 2169 & 829.
📷planespotter_excelsior @ IG
Important addition as China consistently breach PH territorial & EEZ waters.
So far PCG has 4 other Islanders w/ t/n 251, 684, 2169 & 829.
📷planespotter_excelsior @ IG
April 25, 2025 at 1:07 AM
The 🇵🇭Philippine Coast Guard received its 5th BN-2 Islander aircraft w/ t/n 829, this one donated by Fliteline Airways.
Important addition as China consistently breach PH territorial & EEZ waters.
So far PCG has 4 other Islanders w/ t/n 251, 684, 2169 & 829.
📷planespotter_excelsior @ IG
Important addition as China consistently breach PH territorial & EEZ waters.
So far PCG has 4 other Islanders w/ t/n 251, 684, 2169 & 829.
📷planespotter_excelsior @ IG
🇵🇭Philippine Air Force inducts a new Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft on 24 April 2025. While this is the 4th of such type in PAF service, this was purchased by PAF & not from US Military Assistance and has no ISR equipment, but will serve in transport/utility role.
📷PAF
📷PAF
April 25, 2025 at 12:43 AM
🇵🇭Philippine Air Force inducts a new Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft on 24 April 2025. While this is the 4th of such type in PAF service, this was purchased by PAF & not from US Military Assistance and has no ISR equipment, but will serve in transport/utility role.
📷PAF
📷PAF
Indian press reports that 🇮🇳Brahmos Aerospace already shipped the 2nd Brahmos Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Battery for the 🇵🇭Philippine Marine Corps. No further details on date and specifics probably for OPSEC reasons.
📷Indian MOD
📷Indian MOD
April 20, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Indian press reports that 🇮🇳Brahmos Aerospace already shipped the 2nd Brahmos Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Battery for the 🇵🇭Philippine Marine Corps. No further details on date and specifics probably for OPSEC reasons.
📷Indian MOD
📷Indian MOD
Evidence that the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy also has the 🇺🇲MANTAC Devil Ray T24 unmanned surface vessel (USV) aside from the smaller T12 that was previously confirmed. Photos taken during Philippine Fleet 87th Anniversary earlier this week.
📷MaxDefense PH
📷MaxDefense PH
April 17, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Evidence that the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy also has the 🇺🇲MANTAC Devil Ray T24 unmanned surface vessel (USV) aside from the smaller T12 that was previously confirmed. Photos taken during Philippine Fleet 87th Anniversary earlier this week.
📷MaxDefense PH
📷MaxDefense PH
🇮🇹Fincantieri announced that it is leading a team with 🇩🇪Germany's TKMS to offer the U212 NFS submarine to the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy, with 2 subs + submarine basing infra + guaranteed support from Italian Navy on training, doctrines & logistics.
www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2025/04/finc...
www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2025/04/finc...
Fincantieri confirms offer of U212 NFS submarines to the Philippines
A U212 submarine of the Italian Navy. Photo c/o Fincantieri. Fincantieri press release dated 16 April 2025: Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp M...
www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com
April 16, 2025 at 10:38 PM
🇮🇹Fincantieri announced that it is leading a team with 🇩🇪Germany's TKMS to offer the U212 NFS submarine to the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy, with 2 subs + submarine basing infra + guaranteed support from Italian Navy on training, doctrines & logistics.
www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2025/04/finc...
www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2025/04/finc...
The 🇺🇲US DSCA announced the potential FMS of TH-72A Thrasher training helicopters for the 🇵🇭Philippines, with expected worth of US$120m. No quantity provided but we estimate between 18-20 units plus ILS as listed in DSCA announcement.
📷USN, DSCA
📷USN, DSCA
April 16, 2025 at 1:46 AM
The 🇺🇲US DSCA announced the potential FMS of TH-72A Thrasher training helicopters for the 🇵🇭Philippines, with expected worth of US$120m. No quantity provided but we estimate between 18-20 units plus ILS as listed in DSCA announcement.
📷USN, DSCA
📷USN, DSCA
The 🇵🇭Philippine Navy will be procuring new flight simulators foe the Naval Air Wing, with Manila Aerospace Inc selected to supply probably 🇺🇲Redbird flight simulator systens.
More here:
www.phdefresource.com/2025/03/ac-p...
More here:
www.phdefresource.com/2025/03/ac-p...
AC-PNBAC1-2024-24 Flight and Tactical Simulators for Naval Air Wing Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy
www.phdefresource.com
April 15, 2025 at 4:36 AM
The 🇵🇭Philippine Navy will be procuring new flight simulators foe the Naval Air Wing, with Manila Aerospace Inc selected to supply probably 🇺🇲Redbird flight simulator systens.
More here:
www.phdefresource.com/2025/03/ac-p...
More here:
www.phdefresource.com/2025/03/ac-p...
🇵🇭Philippine Army and Air Force simulate sling loading of artillery piece using S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. This is a new capability due to lack of powerful helicopters in the past. Late as it may be, at least its now something that can be done.
📽9th FAB, PA AAR
📽9th FAB, PA AAR
April 14, 2025 at 11:38 PM
🇵🇭Philippine Army and Air Force simulate sling loading of artillery piece using S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. This is a new capability due to lack of powerful helicopters in the past. Late as it may be, at least its now something that can be done.
📽9th FAB, PA AAR
📽9th FAB, PA AAR
Out of the US$5.58 billion package offered by the US to the Philippines for F-16 Blk 70/72 Viper fighters, we estimate that $500 million or more will just be for the 114 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM and 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, based on recent sales of such missiles.
📷USAF
📷USAF
April 2, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Out of the US$5.58 billion package offered by the US to the Philippines for F-16 Blk 70/72 Viper fighters, we estimate that $500 million or more will just be for the 114 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM and 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, based on recent sales of such missiles.
📷USAF
📷USAF
We summarized the difference between the 🇺🇲US FMS package for F-16 Viper fighter aircraft to the 🇵🇭Philippines that was made in June 2021 and the new one from April 2025. This is based on DSCA's published statement. This may justify the somehow hgh average cost per aircraft.
April 2, 2025 at 1:16 AM
We summarized the difference between the 🇺🇲US FMS package for F-16 Viper fighter aircraft to the 🇵🇭Philippines that was made in June 2021 and the new one from April 2025. This is based on DSCA's published statement. This may justify the somehow hgh average cost per aircraft.
🇺🇲US DSCA announces proposed sale to the 🇵🇭Philippines of 20 F-16C/D Blk 70/72 Viper fighter aircraft, large munition, spares, & support package for US$5.58 billion.
This is 1/2 of the planned nunber of new fighters the Philippines is planning in the next few years.
📷TWZ
1/x
This is 1/2 of the planned nunber of new fighters the Philippines is planning in the next few years.
📷TWZ
1/x
April 2, 2025 at 1:15 AM
🇺🇲US DSCA announces proposed sale to the 🇵🇭Philippines of 20 F-16C/D Blk 70/72 Viper fighter aircraft, large munition, spares, & support package for US$5.58 billion.
This is 1/2 of the planned nunber of new fighters the Philippines is planning in the next few years.
📷TWZ
1/x
This is 1/2 of the planned nunber of new fighters the Philippines is planning in the next few years.
📷TWZ
1/x
The frigate Miguel Malvar (06) left HD HHI's shipyard in 🇰🇷Ulsan, South Korea and has set sail for its delivery trip to the 🇵🇭Philippines earlier today 31 March 2025. Arrival ceremonies are scheduled on 08 April 2025.
📷GunBung Lee
📷GunBung Lee
March 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The frigate Miguel Malvar (06) left HD HHI's shipyard in 🇰🇷Ulsan, South Korea and has set sail for its delivery trip to the 🇵🇭Philippines earlier today 31 March 2025. Arrival ceremonies are scheduled on 08 April 2025.
📷GunBung Lee
📷GunBung Lee
As part of its discussions with the 🇵🇭Philippines, 🇺🇲US Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth confirmed that the US will deploy the Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and Unmanned Usrface Vessels to the Philippines, as part of efforts to increass deterence.
March 29, 2025 at 10:33 PM
As part of its discussions with the 🇵🇭Philippines, 🇺🇲US Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth confirmed that the US will deploy the Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and Unmanned Usrface Vessels to the Philippines, as part of efforts to increass deterence.
🇵🇭Philippine Navy, 🇺🇲US Navy and 🇯🇵Japan Maritime Self Defense Force conducted Maritime Cooperative Activty in the 🇵🇭West Philippine Sea on 28 March 2025.
🇨🇳Chinese PLAN ship lurking but was sent away after radio challenge from BRP Jose Rizal.
📷Philippine Navy
🇨🇳Chinese PLAN ship lurking but was sent away after radio challenge from BRP Jose Rizal.
📷Philippine Navy
March 29, 2025 at 9:41 PM
🇵🇭Philippine Navy, 🇺🇲US Navy and 🇯🇵Japan Maritime Self Defense Force conducted Maritime Cooperative Activty in the 🇵🇭West Philippine Sea on 28 March 2025.
🇨🇳Chinese PLAN ship lurking but was sent away after radio challenge from BRP Jose Rizal.
📷Philippine Navy
🇨🇳Chinese PLAN ship lurking but was sent away after radio challenge from BRP Jose Rizal.
📷Philippine Navy
More photos from the launch of second Miguel Malvar-class frigate future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) earlier today 27 March 2025 in Ulsan, South Korea.
📷Newswatch Plus PH
📷Newswatch Plus PH
March 27, 2025 at 7:35 AM
More photos from the launch of second Miguel Malvar-class frigate future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) earlier today 27 March 2025 in Ulsan, South Korea.
📷Newswatch Plus PH
📷Newswatch Plus PH
The Miguel Malvar-class frigate bound for the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy, the future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) is ready for its Launching Ceremony in 🇰🇷 HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' naval yard in Ulsan, South Korea.
📷Gun-bung Lee
📷Gun-bung Lee
March 27, 2025 at 5:28 AM
The Miguel Malvar-class frigate bound for the 🇵🇭Philippine Navy, the future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) is ready for its Launching Ceremony in 🇰🇷 HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' naval yard in Ulsan, South Korea.
📷Gun-bung Lee
📷Gun-bung Lee
The 🇵🇭Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command just receive several CS/LR13 .50cal anti-materiel rifles. These are 🇨🇳Chinese made by NORINCO. Sources said they were not purchases by AFP, and most likely were donated. So who donated Chinese rifles to the AFP?
📷CTTO
📷CTTO
March 27, 2025 at 4:56 AM
The 🇵🇭Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command just receive several CS/LR13 .50cal anti-materiel rifles. These are 🇨🇳Chinese made by NORINCO. Sources said they were not purchases by AFP, and most likely were donated. So who donated Chinese rifles to the AFP?
📷CTTO
📷CTTO