Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT– The first-ever Drone Warfare Summit 2025 hosted by the Philippine Navy (PN) successfully concluded on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking a historic feat in the PN’s continuing efforts to transform and modernize its capabilities in maritime defense.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr PA graced the concluding program at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center as guest of honor and speaker, capping the three-day summit showcasing cutting-edge technology and naval innovation spearheaded by the Philippine Fleet (PF) in collaboration with Defense Expo Philippines.

Joining him were PF Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, other AFP flag and general officers, and key defense officials and other distinguished guests.

In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized that this Summit was a big leap toward the realization of the AFP’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture program, saying that “by using locally built unmanned and autonomous systems along with international technology, we become stronger and more independent.”

“I look forward to the day when Philippine-designed, Philippine-operated, and Philippine-maintained unmanned systems proudly fly our flag, safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation,” added the AFP Chief.

This summit explored the maritime, air, and land dimensions of drone warfare, highlighting how unmanned systems are revolutionizing defense operations and strengthening joint capabilities under the AFP Modernization Program. It featured a dynamic lineup of activities, including symposium sessions, focus group discussions, exhibition booths from local and international exhibitors, and impressive drone demonstrations by Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) participants, displaying innovation and technological advancement.

Adding further value to the event were the exhibitors, sponsors, and guest speakers, whose participation and insights enriched discussions and fostered collaboration across defense and technology sectors.

The PN Drone Warfare Summit is a vital part of the Fleet Expo Series which started with the Philippine Fleet Defense Expo 2023, a landmark event that became a beacon of possibilities and planted the seeds of the SRDP. Building on this foundation, the Asymmetric Warfare Symposium 2024 showcased cutting-edge technologies in undersea warfare, mine warfare, cyber warfare, and electronic warfare, highlighting how innovative strategies and advanced systems can allow smaller forces to prevail against larger adversaries, a principle that now extends to the evolving realm of Drone Warfare. As the PN Drone Warfare Summit 2025 concludes, the Philippine Navy reaffirms its resolve toward a self-reliant and modern force.

The summit underscored that modernization goes beyond technology—it is about people, purpose, and partnership. Charting a bold course toward a drone-enabled, multi-domain future, the Navy calls on every sailor, aviator, marine, stakeholder, and partner to remain steadfast in advancing innovation and operational excellence in pursuit of a credible and multi-capable maritime defense force.

TOP 📸: AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., PA, was accompanied by the Philippine Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Joe Anthony C. Orbe, PN, during his visit to one of the exhibit booths during the Drone Warfare Summit. (The Philippine Fleet photo)