PH Navy hosts first-ever drone warfare summit in Subic Bay
Brig. Gen. Augusto Gaite, DND Assistant Secretary for Defense Technology, Research, and Industry Development, leads the opening of the inaugural Drone Warfare Summit in Subic. (Photos by Joanna Rose Aglibot)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Philippine Navy welcomed over 3,000 defense leaders from the Philippines and partner nations to the opening of its Drone Warfare Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Monday (Oct. 27).
Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, described the three-day event as the first of its kind for the Armed Forces, marking a bold step in the Navy’s modernization efforts.
“It will be a platform for strategic discussions with our partners, and this will also be an opportunity to build partnerships with other nations and with our local investors,” Orbe said.
Photos by Joanna Rose Aglibot
The opening ceremony was led by Brigadier General Augusto Gaite, DND assistant secretary for defense technology, research, and industry development, who represented Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.
The summit will explore key areas of drone warfare and emerging technologies. Day two focuses on airborne unmanned systems and counter-drone capabilities, while day three will examine land-based drone technologies and their role in surveillance, logistics, and ground operations.
Participants will also engage in focus group discussions and breakout sessions to tackle technical, policy, and strategic challenges in unmanned systems.
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Held in partnership with Defense Expo Philippines, the event showcased local and international exhibitors unveiling cutting-edge defense technology.
The Philippine Navy welcomed over 3,000 defense leaders from the Philippines and partner nations to the Drone Warfare Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
The summit supports the AFP Modernization Program by integrating advanced technologies into national defense and promoting a self-reliant defense posture through local innovation and collaboration with Filipino tech developers. /jpv
