ADAS highlights Philippines’ military modernisation

OPENING today was the 5th Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 exhibition in Manila’s World Trade Centre from Sept 25-27. Gracing the ceremony with his presence to kick off the show was Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. alongside top brass.

Now marking its 10th anniversary, the biennial event organised by APAC Expo is supported by the Department of National Defense (DND), National Security Council and the Office of the President under its Bagong Pilipinasadvocacy.

With a theme of “Building on a Decade of Defense Capability”, ADAS 2024 is leveraging its advantage to be Philippine’s flagship tri-service event, providing a complete overview of next phase of modernization programmes across all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Over 15,000 senior government officials, industry heavyweights, VIP delegations and academia are expected to converge on Manila over the next three days to explore capabilities in asymmetric warfare, information security, cyber defense and cyber security that can effectively adapt to the rapidly evolving defence landscape.

More than 250 exhibitors hailing from some 35 countries packed the 14,500 sqm halls, marking a 35% rise in country pavilion participation. Among the national pavilions are the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Slovakia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Major players in the industry presented their latest products and services, including MKU, Saab, Lockheed Martin, LIG Nex1, Aselsan, STM, Aselsan, MBDA, Airbus, Navantia, Nurol Makina, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and more.

ADAS showrunner APAC Expo’s Managing Director, Andrew Marriott said, “aside from gaining insights into best practices, ADAS also assists in future procurement selection and planning. Networking with global industry counterparts provides a unique insight into future developments and gives manufacturers visibility into creating more efficient products for the challenges faced by the Philippines.

He added,” Defence shows bring people together. It creates unique networking opportunities whilst forging better understanding of challenges, solutions and cooperation between local and international government agencies as well the private sector. As organisers, we hope all attendees enjoy their attendance and find their time spent at ADAS 2024 a fruitful experience.”

“As the Philippines, through the DND intensifies its efforts to establish credible deterrence against any form of aggression or threat, we are pursuing the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept by modernising the physical assets and hardening the infrastructure of the AFP,” said DND Spokesperson, Defense Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong. “In building up our defense systems, equipment, and skill sets, we look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders through various engagements and activities, including events such as ADAS 2024.”

A key event during the show is the ADAS Symposium, centering around two main themes, namely the “Evolving Asymmetric Warfare in the South China Sea: Regional Perspectives on Security and Strategy” and “Strengthening Cyber Defence Capabilities amid Emerging Threats”. For two days, each theme collectively delves into a spectrum of specialized topics including mosaic/asymmetric warfare, cybersecurity threats, cyber warfare and defense as well as session on building local capacity.

As part of the commemoration of Philippines National Cyber-Security month in September, local and international delegates can all look forward to networking and sharing their unique challenges and experiences with their industry counterparts from the region which encourages greater understanding and collaboration on future initiatives.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:ADAS)