The Philippines could receive $2.5 billion in U.S. security assistance under the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This put Washington’s most significant defense investment in the country since the Cold War. The initiative aims to strengthen military cooperation between the United States and Manila while supporting the modernization of the Philippine armed forces.
The Philippine Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA) was approved by the U.S. Senate as part of the NDAA 2026. Introduced in 2024 by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), the legislation proposes $500 million annually for five fiscal years to fund Philippine defense modernization efforts and enhance bilateral security cooperation.
In a joint statement, Hagerty and Kaine said, “The Philippines is a key U.S. ally, and we must strengthen cooperation with partners across the region to counter China’s aggression and help ensure freedom, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
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While PERA is expected to provide a total of $2.5 billion over five years, the NDAA will allocate $1.5 billion for FY 2026 to equip and train Philippine forces to safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty.
The program prioritizes the development of coastal defense, long-range fires, air defense, and maritime domain awareness capabilities. These areas are part of the Philippines’ Horizon Three military modernization program, although funding and infrastructure challenges have slowed procurement.
Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner have requested U.S.-made systems such as the Mid-Range Capability, a ground-based Mark 41 vertical launch system capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles with reach to mainland China, and High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems to deter Chinese forces.
