The Philippines is evaluating India’s indigenous Akash-1S surface-to-air missile system, as reported on December 4, 2025, to modernize its air defense amid challenges with aging MIM-23 HAWK batteries from the 1990s stationed at Clark Air Base. These legacy U.S. systems suffer from spare parts shortages, outdated components, and limited mobility, prompting Manila’s Horizon-2 and Horizon-3 upgrades focused on network-centric defenses against aerial threats in the West Philippine Sea. The Akash-1S, produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and battle-proven with the Indian Army and Air Force, offers a 45 km engagement range against aircraft, 30 km against low-flying cruise missiles, enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures, and rapid-deployment mobility via 8×8 vehicles with four launchers each holding eight missiles. This development strengthens India-Philippines defense ties following the BrahMos deal, positioning New Delhi as a reliable partner for Southeast Asian security while addressing regional tensions.