The Armed Forces of the Philippines will Restore the Former U.S. Naval Air Station in Subic Bay to effectively Counter China’s Military bases in South China SeaThe Philippine Government, aim to Restore Subic Bay Airfield to be used specifically for maritime operations. As part of Manila’s defensive posture against China’s aggressive actions, in its sovereign waters in West Philippines Sea. The new Philippine Air Force forward operating base, is set to host the services for maritime patrol assets. fighter jets. Missile storage, and a large hangar, that can support the service on upcoming surveillance aircraft. The Philippines is looking to create a new base, on the site of a former American naval air station at Subic Bay, to increase its aerial surveillance and power projection capabilities in the South China Sea. A new forward operating base that can support reconnaissance and attack aircraft, will be established at Subic Bay International Airport, according to Philippine Air Force bidding documents and development plans. While plans to fully develop the former American naval base were announced almost a decade ago, it was only this year that the service invited companies to bid for the project. Amidst the tensions generated by China’s development of artificial islands in the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ AFP, plan to rehabilitate the air and naval facilities in Subic Bay Freeport, in the central part of the mainland island of Lozon. The Subic Bay, a deep-water harbor located fifty miles northwest of Manila facing the South China Sea, was the service and logistic center for the U.S. Seventh Fleet until November 1992. Accordingly, this move will enable the AFP to quickly deploy its fighter planes and frigates to any contingency in the South China Sea, in the face of China’s maritime expansion in these disputed waters.Previously the site of the U.S. Naval Air Station in Cubi Point, in Subic Bay International Airport was established, following the broader American military withdrawal from the Philippines in the 1990s. Since then, both Philippine and American military forces have been returning to the area to facilitate resupply, refuel and repair vessels. Subic’s port facilities also support the delivery of U.S. military equipment into the Philippines during bilateral exercises.Amid increased tensions with China over territorial disputes and a realization of its lackluster defense capabilities, Manila has committed to the re-establishment of military infrastructure at Subic Bay. With its strategic location adjacent to the South China Sea, particularly in Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines established the Subic Naval Operating Base in 2022. This 100-hectare section of the former Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction shipyard, now owned by American firm Cerberus, became the Philippine Navy’s most important base. Since its founding, the base has been the only one in the Philippines that can support the services of US militaries largest vessels. Across the bay at Subic Bay International Airport, a similar story unfolded as the Philippines examined what facilities could be useful in their new military plans. Philippine Air Force documents on the project directly cited the proximity of the airfield to Scarborough Shoal and the South China Sea as the reason for the construction of the forward operating base. Join this channel to get access to perks: