22-07-2025
PH eyes local ammunition production as part of stronger defense strategy with US
The Philippines is considering the establishment of an ammunition production facility in partnership with the United States.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel 'Babe' Romualdez said the government is open to hosting such a facility, describing it as a strategic move that aligns both with national security goals and economic development.
'Obviously, we're open to that one, because it's a good way of being able to help a combination of both defense and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States,' Romualdez told members of the Philippine media delegation.
'So, setting up a production facility in the Philippines, would obviously be beneficial for us economically also because it will create a job, and it will obviously be a good hub for them to be able to produce what it requires for our defense,' he added.
He added that several Filipino companies are already showing interest in joining a potential consortium should the plan move forward.
The idea gained traction after the US House Committee on Appropriations, in a June 16 report, tasked the US Department of Defense to assess the viability of setting up a joint ammunition manufacturing and storage facility in Subic Bay.
The facility would allow for forward deployment of munitions and critical materials like nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin.
