India’s SMPP Ltd. and Philippines’ ADFC Forge Joint Venture to Advance Local Defence Manufacturing

In a significant step towards strengthening defence ties between India and the Philippines, Delhi-based SMPP Limited has entered into a joint venture with the Asia Defence & Firepower Corporation (ADFC) of the Philippines to locally manufacture defence products. The agreement, signed during the state visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India, highlights the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The new joint venture company, to be established in the Philippines, will focus on the production and assembly of SMPP’s advanced defence systems, including ballistic protection equipment, helmets, armor kits, and ammunition components. While SMPP will bring its expertise and technology to the table, ADFC will handle local operations, workforce development, and eventual transfer of manufacturing capabilities to Filipino industry.

The initiative aligns with the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defence Posture (SRDP) program, which emphasizes indigenous production to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Under Philippine law, the joint venture will maintain majority Filipino ownership, enabling it to access government incentives and benefit from preferential procurement policies.

For India, the move reinforces the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision by extending defence manufacturing partnerships abroad, turning India into a co-producer rather than just an exporter. For the Philippines, it represents a crucial step toward building local industrial capacity and strengthening national security amid increasing regional challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.

SMPP is already a trusted supplier to the Indian armed forces, with expertise in bulletproof jackets, helmets, ceramic armor, and combustible cartridge cases. The company recently secured major orders from the Indian Army and is expanding its production to include 155 mm artillery shells. Its track record gives confidence that the partnership will deliver world-class products tailored to the Philippines’ defence needs.

The joint venture is expected to create local jobs, enhance skills, and boost the Philippines’ ability to produce modern defence equipment. Future plans could see expansion into areas such as unmanned systems, vehicle armor, and advanced ammunition, further widening the scope of cooperation.

This collaboration not only deepens India-Philippines defence relations but also sends a strategic message about regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, providing both nations with stronger capabilities while countering external security pressures.