Philippines backs possible US ammo facility in Subic Bay

Defence Secretary of the Philippines Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed support for the potential establishment of a US ammunition production and storage facility in Subic Bay. 

US lawmakers are considering locating the facility at the former American naval base in the Philippines, citing the absence of a “forward-staged ammunition manufacturing” site in the Indo-Pacific region, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In a June 16 report, the US House Committee on Appropriations instructed the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of State, and the International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) to evaluate the feasibility of setting up a joint ammunition production and storage facility in Subic Bay. Teodoro encouraged any production project that would bring benefits to the Philippines, including strengthening resilience, creating jobs, and facilitating technology transfers.

However, Teodoro clarified that no formal proposal has yet been presented. The US committee noted that such a facility would allow for the “forward staging of ammunition stockpiles and related materials.” It also tasked Secretary of State Pete Hegseth with providing a progress update on the feasibility study within 60 days after the proposed 2026 budget for his department is enacted. The US operated a naval base in Subic Bay until 1991, when the Philippine Senate voted not to extend the lease on American military facilities in the country.

By Naila Huseynova