Russia has proposed joint production of small arms and weapons with the Philippines, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev said, adding this would be accomplished with the introduction of Russian technology.
“We have a very good proposal for you Filipinos. We are ready to organize a joint production of sophisticated arms and small weapons here in the Philippines,” he said during a news conference at his residence in Forbes Park, Makati.
Khovaev sees the Philippines as an arms exporter in the region once that joint venture is approved, saying the deal is subject to bilateral consultations and that “both sides are exploring specific opportunities.”
“You Filipinos will produce Russian arms and weapons. They will be Philippine products with Russian technology. We already started working on that,” the envoy added.
If the deal pushes through, Khovaev said the Philippines will be an exporter of advanced small arms and light weapons for the first time in its history. He, however, did not identify the specific types of firearms that Russia wants to be manufactured in the country.
“I can only express my hope that it can be done as soon as possible. Both sides are committed to open new horizons of our defense cooperation and one of these horizons is the joint production, joint manufacturing of arms and weapons on Philippine soil.”
Asked whether government of private entities would be involved in the deal, the Russian envoy said, “As far as I know, your private companies still get approval from the Philippine government.”
“This is [a] subject of bilateral negotiations so I don’t know. I can only express my hope that it can be done as soon as possible, but what I can say is that both sides are committed to open us new horizons of our defense cooperation and one of these horizons is the joint production, joint manufacturing of arms and weapons on Philippine soil. So now both sides are exploring specific opportunities.”
The Philippines, in pursuit of an independence foreign policy despite a 68-year mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, has turned to other countries in upgrading its military.
Since assuming the presidency in 2016, President Duterte has visited China five times. He has been to Russia twice but has never visited the US.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is reportedly considering the purchase of at least a squadron of MI-171 helicopters from the former Soviet Union—a plan frowned upon by Washington.
Under current US sanctions against Russia, third countries, including American allies, could face sanctions if they engage in any deals with Russian defense contractors.
However, the Russian envoy brushed aside US threats, saying the Philippines and Russia are independent sovereign nations and are not bound by any restrictions from Washington.
“No third country has the right to interfere in our defense cooperation,” Khovaev said. “Our defense cooperation is not against anyone.”
He added: “It’s not against any other country, and I would like to take this opportunity to stress your traditional partners to interfere into our cooperation. They must respect the choice of Russia and the Philippines. Your traditional partners have no right to be jealous.”
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