Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM)

is an independently operated OSINT platform dedicated to informing the public about Philippine defense development. (since April 20, 2026)

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM is an independent, student-powered open-source intelligence (OSINT) project dedicated to providing timely, factual, and unbiased information on defense and security developments in the Philippines, inspired by the work of @TaiwanMonitor.

Directed by @Drethegrater

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: The first hull of the two additional Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) is now gradually taking shape after years of delay.

The Philippine Navy is eagerly awaiting its delivery to help address the current shortage of operational sealift assets.

[Ridzwan Rahmat @ridzwan_rahmat]

The Philippine Navy's third LPD will be launched this 30 June following earlier delays and revised contractual milestones. The matter was confirmed by PT PAL's CEO during my visit to the shipbuilder. https://t.co/og7UC4kFA2

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: Views during the event confirm the Army VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 armored personnel carrier is now in service with the 5th Cavalry Company (S) of the Armor Division. The unit are known to handle capital and presidential security operations.

PDM will discuss further.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

To celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines showcased key weapons:
- Sabrah Light Tank
-ATMOS 2000 artillery
- TPS-4ME Mobile Radar; and
- SPYDER-MR Air Defense System.

Photo by PDM field contributor: @kennethex0031.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

To celebrate the 128th Philippine Independence Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines showcased key weapons:
- Sabrah Light Tank
-ATMOS 2000 artillery
- TPS-4ME Mobile Radar; and
- SPYDER-MR Air Defense System.

Photo by PDM field contributor: @kennethex0031.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: The Philippine Navy has officially commissioned BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) into service, joining her sister ship BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20).

PS-21 is expected to immediately participate in upcoming activities over the next few weeks.

[Philippine News Agency @pnagovph]

CHRISTENING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commissions the Philippine Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) on Tuesday (June 9, 2026).

BRP Rajah Lakandula is the sister ship of the first OPV, BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), which was placed in active service on Feb. 24 this year.

BRP Rajah Lakandula and the BRP Rajah Sulayman are part of the six OPV contract with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries worth PHP30 billion. | Darryl John Esguerra

#IntegratedStateMedia
#ISM
#PhilippineNewsAgency

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM: Rajah Lakandula (21) is spotted on Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila Bay. The ship is expected to be commissioned in the upcoming days.

[Keen Sentinel @Keen_Sentinel]

The future BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) is at Headquarters Philippine Navy for its upcoming commissioning ceremony next week.

This also marks the first time that one of the navy’s newest large warships was able to moor at the base, following recent dredging in the area.

[防衛省 海上自衛隊 @JMSDF_PAO]

🇯🇵⚓🇵🇭
6月1日、令和８年度インド太平洋面派遣（#IPD26）従事中の護衛艦 #いかづち は、フィリピン海軍(@Philippine_Navy) 哨戒艦アルテミオ・リカルテと共同訓練を実施しました。
本訓練を通じ、海上自衛隊の戦術技量の向上及びフィリピン海軍との相互運用性の向上を図ることができました。

[Aaron-Matthew Lariosa @AaronMatthew_L]

My first feature article with The Diplomat covers how the U.S.-Philippine alliance showcased its plans to defend Manila’s northern territories in the event of a Taiwan contingency spillover at Balikatan 2026.

https://t.co/b3UviNOvyU

[Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 @Frances_Mng]

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told Naval News over the weekend that the military had recently monitored a suspected “small structure” measuring about 6 by 6 square meters inside the shoal.

“We’re still investigating whether it’s floating or fixed,” he said.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

One of the planned developments to enhance navy infrastructure is to acquire and redevelop the existing civilian wharf in Subic, the Nabasan Wharf, by extending it. The development also demonstrates promising potential that the Navy can pursue.

Graph visualizer below.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

One of the planned developments to enhance navy infrastructure is to acquire and redevelop the existing civilian wharf in Subic, the Nabasan Wharf, by extending it. The development also demonstrates promising potential that the Navy can pursue.

Graph visualizer below.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

@Drethegrater: In an archipelagic state such as the Philippines, infrastructure is essential to support productive operational output. The constraints faced by the AFP in terms of infrastructure shows a serious challenge to military. Read more on:

https://t.co/gRwjlMLwxa

[Adrei Aldovino 🇵🇭 @Drethegrater]

The concept of having six frigates, thirteen offshore patrol vessels, and potentially five destroyer escorts by 2029 looks good on paper, but my question remains: what’s the actual operational plan for this size of fleet?

1/2

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

More read on: https://t.co/k0PKrU2Scl

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: In an interview with Nikkei, Sec. Gilbert Teodoro stated the plans to acquire up to five Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, following recent Japan-Philippines exchanges. Teodoro aims to integrate them into service within 1-2 years after the class's retirement.

[7th Fleet @US7thFleet]

"The strength of our partnerships is forged at sea."

The U.S. Coast Guard sailed side by side with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during a Maritime Cooperative Activity inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.

Read more: https://t.co/lYZhcvO1Fw

#US7thFleet

[ABS-CBN News @ABSCBNNews]

UPDATE: Two Philippine Army trainees have passed away during the conduct of military training, the Training Command confirmed in a statement.

[Philippine News Agency @pnagovph]

The Philippine Navy on Friday said Japan's commitment to expedite the transfer of its retired Abukuma-class destroyer escorts reflects the "growing strategic partnership" between the two nations. PN PAO chief Capt. Marie Angelica DC Sisican made the pronouncement when asked what the transfer of defense equipment like the Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, TC-90 aircraft, radar systems, aside from sharing classified information, meant to the two nations.

https://t.co/xxhikFt3xS

[Philippine Navy @Philippine_Navy]

SA BALITA | Amphibious Assault at Littoral Live Fire Exercise, Isinagawa Bilang Finale ng Marine Exercise (MAREX26)

PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

#ProtectingtheSeasSecuringOurFuture
#ModernMultiDomainSelfReliantCrediblePartner
#PN128AlwaysMissionReady
#OneAFPOnePhilippines
#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines
#MatatagNaSandigan
#AFP90

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

More read on: https://t.co/h3WyvlLkIm

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: On May 25, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) and Indonesia’s KRI Selar (879) conducted coordinated exercises along the PHI-IDN maritime boundary under CORPAT PHILINDO-40-2026 for maritime security cooperation. A Philippine Air Force C-208B aircraft also participated.

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

More read on: https://t.co/XiNcdCp3Cd

[Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) @PhilippMonitor]

PDM Report: On May 28, the Western Naval Command conducted a shipboard tour aboard BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-201) in Puerto Princesa City as part of the Philippine Navy’s 128th anniversary activities, giving 66 residents an opportunity to learn about the vessel’s operation.