Philippine military modernization program takes centerstage in ADAS 2024

This is a press release from the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition (ADAS) 2024, and supported by the Department of National Defense, the National Security Council, and the Office of the President.

ADAS 2024 opened on September 25, 2024, with the Philippines’s ongoing modernization program taking center stage. Marking its 10th Anniversary in the Philippines, ADAS 2024 was held from September 25-27, 2024, at the World Trade Center and was poised to be the largest event in the series. Organized by APAC Expo, the biennial event was supported by the Department of National Defense, the National Security Council, and the Office of the President under its Bagong Pilipinas advocacy.

Themed “Building on a Decade of Defense Capability,” this established event was positioned as the Philippines’s flagship tri-service event, providing a complete overview of the next phase of modernization programs across the tri-services. More than 15,000 senior government officials, industry leaders, regional VIP delegations, and academia converged at the event over the three days to explore capabilities in asymmetric warfare, information security, cyber defense, and cybersecurity that could effectively adapt to the rapidly evolving defense landscape.

“As the Philippines, through the Department of National Defense (DND), intensifies its efforts to establish credible deterrence against any form of aggression or threat, we are pursuing the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept by modernizing the physical assets and hardening the infrastructure of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” 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.”

ADAS symposium

The ADAS Symposium centers around two main themes, namely: “Evolving Asymmetric Warfare in the South China Sea: Regional Perspectives on Security and Strategy” and “Strengthening Cyber Defense Capabilities amid Emerging Threats”. Spanning across 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.

The Symposium hosted prominent government officials, industry leaders, and academia at this two-day conference.

ADAS trade exhibition and other activities

Now in its 5th edition, ADAS’s presence had expanded and showcased the latest innovations within the tri-service sector. ADAS’s trade exhibition showcased the latest developments and key upgrades in capability for the Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Spanning 14,500 sqm, the exhibition attracted the participation of over 250 exhibitors from around 35 countries.

Participating global companies included MKU, Saab, and Lockheed Martin for tri-services; Lignex-1 for ammunition and tri-services; Aselsan for the Army; Navantia and HD Hyundai for the Navy; as well as Airbus, Turkish Aerospace, and Korea Aerospace Industries for Air Forces, to name a few.

This year’s trade exhibition saw a 35% increase in country pavilion participation from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Slovakia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

ADAS’s Managing Director, Andrew Marriott, said, “Aside from gaining insights into best practices, ADAS also assisted in future procurement selection and planning. Networking with global industry counterparts provided a unique insight into future developments and gave manufacturers visibility into creating more efficient products for the challenges faced by the Philippines.”

He added, “Defence shows brought people together. They created unique networking opportunities while forging a better understanding of challenges, solutions, and cooperation between local and international government agencies as well as the private sector. As organizers, we hoped all attendees enjoyed their attendance and found their time spent at ADAS 2024 a fruitful experience.”

Associated events ran from September 25 to 27, 2024. In addition, all visitors experienced an expanded static display including Gripen, Himars, etc., business matching activities, and an increase in VIP delegations for business networking efforts across the region.

For more information on ADAS 2024, visit https://adas.ph/ – Rappler.com