According to Apac, the developing political scenario in the South China Sea has brought the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the fore and as a result the Armed Forces are now focused on how they can be best modernized and strengthened in order to fulfill their primary role of maintaining the territorial integrity of the Philippines. As a result of recent developments, the Armed Forces have urgently reviewed their modernisation and procurement plans and have now been given the necessary budgets to develop their capability into a meaningful defence force in the region.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act is a 15-year programme that will run through to the end of 2027. The objective is to restore the operational capabilities of the AFP, so that the Philippines has a modern and effective armed forces at its disposal.

The much anticipated Programme will allow the AFP to deal with some of the core security concerns of the Philippines. The most important of these concerns are territorial integrity and maritime security.  As a result it is imperative that the Philippine Navy significantly benefits from the AFP Modernization Programme. The Philippine Navy also has a key role to play in another security concern of the Philippines, that of disaster relief.

It is expected that ADAS 2014 will attract international exhibitors from around the world to Manila.   The organisers are working closely with the AFP, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Office of Civil Defence (OCD) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to encourage exhibitors participating in the show to set up meetings with relevant Senior Personnel in order to fully evaluate requirements regarding their upgrade and modernisation plans.

ADAS 2014 will also focus on the needs and requirements of the Asia Pacific Armed Forces, the Internal State Security Organisations and Crisis & Disaster Management Agencies.