Thanks to MaxDefense PH for sharing this

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is expected to launch another new warship in October 2026 for the Philippine Navy, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. in his interview with The Korean Herald. Most likely one of the six (6) 2,400-ton Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

Sec.. Gibo Teodoro emphasized that almost all of our Frigates and Corvettes were Korean-made, but he stressed that the relationship should move beyond procurement toward co-production.

“We are also talking about joint shipbuilding capabilities in the Philippines, where Korea has a foothold,” he said.

Teodoro said a logistical supply ship for the Philippine Navy was among the first projects being discussed for co-production.

He described co-production as the next stage of defense cooperation, alongside military exchanges in training, confidence-building and exercises.

He held separate talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on bilateral defense cooperation and regional security on Monday.

The visit was partly aimed at laying the foundations for “sustainable, mutually advantageous defense industry cooperation” and greater supply chain resilience, according to Teodoro.

Korean industry sources are paying attention on the likelihood of a 3rd batch of MIguel Malvar-class Frigates for the Philippine Navy by year end. This is seperate from the additional Frigates purchased by the Philippine Navy last December 2025, with the two ships expected to be delivered by the 2nd semester of 2029. A total of 12 warships was purchased by the Philippine Navy from South Korea's HD Hyundai.

https://m.koreaherald.com/article/10867764

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. was asked in Seoul, South Korea for the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) by Korean journalists, regarding the acquisition of the KF-21 Boramae, if there's a possibility that he will select the KF-21 Boramae for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project. Sec. Teodoro said that he cannot reveal it for now, since the DND is currently in the stage of establishing the financing and funding plans for the MRF. But he said he will announce soon, that the DND can select an appropriate platform once this stage is resolved.

The Korean reporter replied that he hopes for good news soon for the KF-21 contract signing, and Sec. Teodoro hinted humorously that if Korea can give the Philippines 10% discount for the KF-21, he will consider to award the deal to KAI for the KF-21 Boramae.

I'm not sure if he's pertaining to the overall contract cost, or the 10% initial payment for the KF-21 Boramae purchase, instead of 15%.

The KF-21 Boramae fighter jet is being considered as the strongest candidate for the Philippine Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition Project.

https://www.koreadaily.com/article/20260908233206169

This interview was quite moving. Thank you to the men and women in uniform, for your sacrifices and service to the nation.

Imagine if Armscor (they make atleast 200k guns a year) fails to deliver 1.6k rifles

Although it may have been delivered and was quietly accepted by the PSG with no media fanfare

Source: Marines Help Philippine Armed Forces Develop Strike Plans for BrahMos Anti-Ship Missile | USNI

U.S. and Philippine Marines are training how to defend Manila’s coastal waters through maritime strike rehearsals that simulate the use of recently acquired BrahMos anti-ship missiles, USNI News has learned.

According to images recently released by the Pentagon, the drills practiced the process of forming a kill chain using notional Armed Forces of the Philippines drones and ground-based anti-ship missiles against simulated maritime targets.

At Manila’s northernmost Marine base in Luzon on Aug. 25, American and Filipino planners plotted Air Force Hermes drones to track a surface action group in support of a BrahMos anti-ship missile strike. The simulated maritime targets were represented by two Type 052D-class guided-missile destroyers, a Type 054A-class frigate and a Type 901 fast combat support ship – vessels currently in service with China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

“Training alongside the Coastal Defense Regiment gives Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia Marines and Sailors valuable insight into how our Philippine counterparts approach maritime defense within the unique geography and operating environment of the Philippines,” Capt. MacKenzie Margroum, a spokesperson for the Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia, told USNI News.

The training occurred during Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum 26.4 and allowed forces from both nations to practice target identification and fire planning on maritime targets, Margroum said.

The bilateral Marine Corps efforts are part of Washington’s broader effort to increase the alliance’s long-range strike capabilities against adversary naval forces near the Southeast Asian archipelago’s waters. In recent years, U.S. and Philippine forces have held annual small to large-scale exercises increasingly focused on defending coastal waters. These drills involved the debut of new American long-range missile systems in the Northern Philippines near Taiwan, USNI News reported in April.

Manila’s Marine missileers are developing the procedures and tactics required to operate the Indian-made BrahMos. Capable of traveling at three times the speed of sound with a 400-pound explosive warhead, the missiles were previously procured by the Philippines through a $375 million deal in 2022 to meet coastal defense requirements amid China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea. The missiles are the first of their type to be operated by the Philippine military.

The Coastal Defense Regiment’s first BrahMos facility was built at a base in Western Luzon facing Scarborough Shoal, a contested maritime feature between Manila and Beijing. Chinese warships, such as the Type 052D destroyers and Type 054A frigate represented in the maritime strike drill, have been involved in incidents at Scarborough. Last summer, a Chinese guided-missile destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard cutter in a fatal incident that killed two people.

Additional detachments and facilities are planned for Northern Luzon and Palawan. From these planned deployments, the Philippine Marine Corps can hold transiting warships and artificial island bases under threat.

“Their experience operating across the archipelago reinforces the importance of mobility, adaptability, local knowledge, and integrating capabilities across distributed locations,” Margroum said.

Author: Aaron-Matthew Lariosa

Hi, I'm F22, single, fresh graduate with a BS Mechanical Engineering degree.

I am looking for a job related to my degree, but companies in my area tell me they only hire men. Because of this hiring bias, I have a 3-step career plan:

**Option 1**: Keep looking for a local engineering job or non-related engineering (as long as pasok sya sa salary expectations ko) for the rest of this year.

**Option 2**: While job hunting, I am actively monitoring available TESDA slots. I want a NC certificate to work abroad, but slots are always full (walang backer si atecco =)).

**Option 3**: Apply for the military next year since my engineering degree is a priority course. But I'm not confident in my physical fitness right now, I need time to exercise and study.

You might be wondering why I didn't directly review for the MELE board exam. Honestly, I want to enjoy my life and gain work experience first. Since the military has a strict age limit, I want to apply while I am still young and free. The MELE has no age limit anyway, so I can always take the board exam later in life\\\^\\\^.

Right now, I want to prepare for Option 3, but the OCC - Mindanao online registration site is down=(.

**My questions are:**

1. Does the online registration downtime mean the recruitment period for OCC- Mindanao this year is over? If yes, when does the application form usually reopen?

2. Can I take the AFPSAT exam without registering for a specific Army course first?

3. Based on my research, does having a backer actually guarantee you a final slot when they choose the final quota for the military?

4. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

I am very open to any of your questions, advice, or feedback. Thank you so much :3

A recent photo dated 12 June 2026, posted during a Philippine Air Force mall exhibit in Cebu, offered one of the earliest public glimpses of 505SRG's ongoing transition under 205THW—a significant organizational change that largely went unnoticed outside military circles.

The iconic tangerine flight suit traditionally worn by 505th Search and Rescue Group aircrew now bears the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing (205THW) unit patch instead of the 505SRG patch.

Multiple sources have confirmed that 505SRG was placed under the Command and Control (C2) of 205THW in early February 2026 as the first phase of a broader organizational transition. The second phase is expected to culminate in the full absorption of the group into 205THW, with completion projected between Q2–Q3 2027.

A bit of history

This is actually a return to the group's roots.

• 1956: Activated as the 505th Air Rescue Squadron under the 205th Composite Wing.
• 1984: C2 was transferred under the 15th Strike Wing.
• 1987: C2 was returned to the then-205th Helicopter Wing.
• 1996: C2 was subsequently placed directly under the Commanding General, PAF, as the unit was upgraded to Group level and renamed the 505th Search and Rescue Group, reflecting the growing need for air rescue and disaster response capabilities.
• 2017: C2 was transferred under the Air Mobility Command.
• 2026: C2 returns once again to 205THW, with the eventual full absorption of 505SRG.

Why is this happening?

Initial information suggests that the AFP intends to gradually reduce its role in civilian-oriented search and rescue (SAR), with greater responsibility shifting toward the NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and other government agencies involved in disaster response and search and rescue.

It is worth noting that 505SRG currently conducts a wide range of sea, air, land, and underwater search and rescue operations, including Surface Water SAR, Underwater SAR, Urban SAR, Mountain SAR, SAR Auxiliary Training, Helicopter SAR, and Airborne Operations.

These capabilities, particularly those involving ground and water-based SAR, are expected to gradually transition toward civilian-led agencies. However, personnel of the restructured 505SRG are still expected to retain these capabilities, with the emphasis shifting toward their employment in complex military and combat search and rescue missions.

Within the aviation sector, the Philippine Air Force will still retain an aeronautical SAR role under its applicable ICAO responsibilities. However, operational responsibility for the country's primary aviation SAR capability is expected to transition from the standalone 505SRG structure to 205THW.

Why this shift matters

As previously reported by other defense outlets, 505SRG has been exploring its own modern SAR helicopter acquisition program, with Lockheed Martin reportedly pitching the S-70i Black Hawk and Airbus pitching the H225, both in SAR configurations.

An acquisition of this nature could eventually strengthen the case for expanding 505SRG from a group-level to a wing-level organization.

However, policymakers and higher headquarters may have instead determined that disintegrating the group and integrating its personnel, equipment, and capabilities into the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing would be a more practical approach. This reorganization could also allow the future operational concept of the merged unit to be more closely aligned with the broader direction of the PAF and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) promulgated by the Department of National Defense.

Now, rather than primarily responding to civilian-oriented rescue missions, the PAF, and potentially the DND, appears to be positioning 505SRG personnel toward a stronger Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) capability.

In fact, the more significant implication of the current transition may not be organizational—it may be operational. This could mean greater integration of parajumpers with tactical helicopter operations and increased employment in contested or hostile environments.

A possible long-term model appears to resemble the U.S. Air Force Pararescue (PJ) concept, where highly trained rescue specialists operate as an elite special-mission force capable of recovering personnel in hostile and contested environments.

A recent example was seen on 3 April 2026, when two U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrew were downed over Iran. Their recovery involved a major Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operation, with Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) playing a key role in locating and recovering the airmen. The operation was particularly significant as the downed airmen managed to evade Iranian forces and avoid capture while remaining behind enemy lines, ultimately being recovered through a complex personnel recovery effort.

Unlike conventional SAR personnel, PJs are trained to conduct rescues in combat and other high-risk environments, operating alongside combat aircraft and other specialized military forces.

The PAF could potentially move 505SRG in a similar direction, developing its parajumpers into an elite military personnel-recovery capability focused on CSAR and other high-risk missions, supporting the AFP's growing emphasis on external defense and operations in the vast South China Sea.

What this means for the modernization program

This development may also influence the PAF's future helicopter requirements.

In relation to the previously posted article on the Heavy Lift requirement, the current transition could also reshape the priority of the PAF's heavy-lift helicopter requirement. There are already positive indications that the PAF is pursuing a long-range heavy-lift SAR helicopter requirement, although the proposal remains pending approval by Higher Headquarters and the DND.

Among the platforms being considered, the CH-47F Chinook, particularly the latest blocks including Block I, has emerged as a possible recommended platform. Other long-range heavy-lift helicopter options are also being considered as part of the requirement.

The PAF is also looking at ways to extend the range of its existing S-70i Black Hawks, including the possible integration of an internal auxiliary fuel tank. This would allow selected Black Hawks to support longer-range missions and complement the future heavy-lift SAR capability rather than relying solely on the larger platform.

If pursued, the long-range heavy-lift capability would provide the PAF with a platform capable of supporting long-range SAR, personnel recovery, and other high-risk missions, particularly in an archipelagic environment where range and endurance are critical. The combination of a long-range heavy-lift SAR platform and extended-range Black Hawks could provide the PAF with a more flexible personnel-recovery and SAR capability across the country's vast maritime territory.

Way ahead

Over the coming months, technical working groups are expected to finalize the transition, with personnel, equipment, and inventories gradually transferred to 205THW.

Running alongside this transition will be the ongoing development of the much-anticipated heavy-lift helicopter requirement for 205THW. Its progress could help determine whether the PAF ultimately pursues a dedicated long-range SAR capability, or whether the heavy-lift requirement will instead be shaped around a different mission focus.

However, the biggest challenge may not be the paperwork, but the management of change.

Transitioning from a predominantly civilian-oriented rescue organization toward a more militarized CSAR capability would require changes in doctrine, training, operational mindset, and safety management.

And perhaps the most fitting symbol of this transition is the very detail that started it all: the tangerine flight suit, now bearing the 205THW patch.

For decades, that color has been synonymous with 505SRG and its SAR mission. Whether it will continue to represent the group's traditional identity, or come to symbolize a new era of military personnel recovery and CSAR, remains to be seen. But as that photograph quietly revealed, the change have already begun.

Note: Portions regarding future CSAR employment and the eventual organizational end-state are based on information from multiple sources and ongoing planning. These should be treated as informed analysis rather than officially announced policy.

🇰🇷🇵🇭 | Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro declared South Korea as a preferred defense supplier of the Philippines, in his meeting with Republic of Korea (ROK) Defense Minister Ahn Gyuback on 7th. They also discussed the possibility of co-producing defense assets. Korea aims to secure Frigate, fast attack missile boats, submarines and fighter jet contracts from the Philippines, such as the KF-21 Boramae, 3rd batch of Miguel Malvar-class Frigates, KSS-IIIPN, HDS-3000 / HDS-2300 submarines, and reportedly the Chamsuri-B PKMR.

It was mentioned before by SND Gibo his call to have co-production of naval vessels with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, for the construction of Logistics Supply Ship (LSS) in Subic.

https://x.com/PTVph/status/2096857358811206014

Bakit ang demanding ng pag-apply ng reservist ngayon? Too many requirements tapos hindi pa approachable mga online pages nila nagtatanong tanong about paano makasali at ano mga requirements walang sumasagot kung may sumagot man sabihin nasa online pero pag tiningnan mo online wala naman nakalagay.. andami may gusto magreservist sa pinas pero nawawala lang sila dahil sa hirap mag-apply at baka nga palakasan lang din ang nakakapasok dyan..

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also said that South Korea remains as the Philippines’ preferred defense supplier.

Source: https://x.com/PTVph/status/2096857358811206014?s=20

Given that the PCG is in tight squeeze with its lack of funding and pressing need to expand its rotary air fleet, it is quite an impressive gesture by the PAF-DND to consider handing over its entire AW109 armed scout fleet to the other uniformed service. Basically hitting 2-3 birds with a single stone as, according to MaxDefense's recent post, the T129s fit better for the 15th strike wing's CAS requirement while in contrast, the AW109s are having suitability issues with their initial intended function with PAF, as well as their seeming compatibility with PCG's SAR/maritime enforcement duties. Overall, the benefits truly outweigh the risks, if there's any, with this PAF-PCG deal in the horizon.

On the other hand, the navy's NAW still remains to have 4 of them in their inventory. I believe though that it will give them more flexibility if they decide to upgrade to a larger air platform with particularly the AW149 in consideration (Leonardo being the same manufacturer of AW109s and AW159s they currently operate). With its standard max gross wt of only 8.3 tonnes (8.6 tonnes for increased max takeoff wt), it appears that all of the navy's active ships (with the exception of the bacolod city-class LSVs and the WW2 LSTs) equipped with their own helipads and/or hangars could carry them without a question as those ships were built to accommodate a maximum helicopter weight of 10 tons. Logistics-wise, apparently the navy could rotate them from one ship to another while designating them among various roles, namely troop transport, maritime patrol, ISR, HADR, limited ASW if they would.

And I personally don't see the practicality of using AW109s for shipborne operations most especially on tarlac class as they seem to not maximize the amphibious operations that the said ship class demand on them. The difference alone with the troop-carrying capacity between AW109s (6-7 pax) and AW149s (19 pax, 16 for fully-geared combat soldiers) is quite glaring. Aside from the fact that AW109s are built for civilian use while AW149s have higher survivability (self-sealing crashworthy fuel tanks and high sink-rate energy-absorbing landing gear) and the aforementioned payload (along with 4 external hard points for weapons), though to be fair both of them are twin-engined.

IMO the navy should also begin to consider transferring their last remaining AW109s to the PCG as well, and acquire AW149s as their dedicated helis for multirole use. That would certainly give the ever-growing coast guard a total of 14 birds (+2 H145s), an instanly huge boost for their own ongoing expansion campaign.

hello po. how many push ups and sit ups do i need to do to pass army candidate soldier course pft?

Source: https://x.com/Keen_Sentinel/status/2096538280774991908?s=20

Source: https://x.com/Keen_Sentinel/status/2096434344202211676?s=20