The Philippines and South Korea are looking into expanding their defense industry cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Tuesday.

The possible expansion was among the topics discussed during the fourth Philippines–Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held in Seoul on Monday.

“During the discussions, the ROK side reiterated its commitment to continuously support the capability-upgrade program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” the DND said in a statement.

“Both sides also welcomed the opportunity to explore greater collaboration in the defense industry, particularly in the areas of research and development, technology transfer, and co-production initiatives, thereby complementing the Philippines’ efforts under its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Law,” it added.

The DND also said the convening of the JDCC reflected the enduring defense partnership between Manila and Seoul, anchored on shared values and the mutual aspiration to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Defense, and in line with the Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership elevated in October 2024.

The Philippines acknowledged South Korea’s support for its advocacy to uphold a rules-based international order and adherence to international law, emphasizing the importance of collective action to preserve regional security and stability.

The meeting was hosted by South Korean Ministry of National Defense Vice Minister Lee Doo-Hee and was co-chaired by DND Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino.

The two officials agreed to broaden defense and military cooperation through sustained discussions at the working level under existing frameworks, covering logistics, education and training, and expanded navy-to-navy engagements.

Both sides also agreed to explore arrangements that would enable the conduct of more complex joint training activities, further strengthening the interoperability of their armed forces.

“The Philippines also expressed readiness to host the 5th JDCC Meeting in Manila, underscoring the two countries’ shared commitment to sustain the momentum of defense cooperation and strategic engagement,” the DND said. (PNA)