The Philippines is advancing broader defense ties with NATO and EU nations at the 2026 Paris Defense and Strategy Forum, while the Army hosted a Lockheed Martin executive to discuss advanced technologies. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. met NATO's Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados welcomed Tim Cahill of Lockheed Martin.
Manila, Philippines — At the 2026 Paris Defense and Strategy Forum, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. met with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATO's military committee, to push for enhanced defense cooperation amid evolving global security challenges. Teodoro emphasized laying the groundwork for greater interoperability and exchanges with NATO and European Union countries to bolster resilience and protect Filipinos worldwide. Both officials acknowledged the value of sharing information and best practices as inter-regional partners countering threats to the international order. Cavo Dragone affirmed NATO's openness to pursuing ties with the Philippines. The discussions build on their previous encounter at the 2025 Seoul Defense Dialogue, where they addressed geopolitical competition and strategic stability.
Meanwhile, at Fort Bonifacio, Army vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados hosted Tim Cahill, president and senior executive of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, for a courtesy call. Cahill presented the firm's cutting-edge missile, sensor, and systems technologies to enhance assets used in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Balikatan exercises. The Philippine Army reiterated its commitment to stakeholder engagements to foster collaboration and strengthen national defense capabilities.
These developments signal Manila's expanding defense partnerships beyond the Asia-Pacific region.
