VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines – The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in cooperation with The Defense Expo PHL and Stratbase, hosted the German-Philippine Security Conference at Makati Diamond Residences on 6 October 2026.
The conference is part of a German business mission that aims to strengthen collaboration in security and defense, conducted under the Foreign Market Entry Programme of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). It brought together German and Philippine stakeholders to explore opportunities for closer cooperation, exchange expertise, and foster partnerships that support more resilient and sustainable security solutions.
Around 80 stakeholders, including industry executives, public sector representatives, and defense and security experts, took part in high-level market briefings, panel discussions, and targeted business networking sessions.
“The German tech companies are here to listen, understand the realities of the Philippine market,” says GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer, “and explore where German expertise can contribute together with Philippine partners.”
Strengthening Bilateral Security and Defense Collaboration
The event also featured His Excellency Andreas Pfaffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines; Rupert Paul C. Manhit, CEO of Stratbase; and German Defense Attaché Commander Michael Radtke, who discussed engagement, cooperation, and the modernization of capabilities.
“Beyond the procurement of new equipment, the real opportunities lie in strengthening maritime domain awareness, building operational capabilities, developing skilled personnel, enhancing maintenance and lifecycle support, and integrating advanced technologies across systems,” says German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke. “German companies are uniquely positioned to contribute through highly specialized expertise, innovative solutions, and trusted partnerships that can deliver lasting value.”
Drawing on Stratbase’s work with international companies entering the country, Manhit said that success in the Philippine market takes more than a good product. Companies need to understand the local environment, the policy and regulatory landscape, and the right stakeholders, and ensure that the way they enter and operate is credible, transparent, and above board. He added that the Philippines is not simply a transactional market, and that opportunities are growing as the country modernizes, its partnerships expand, and its strategic importance increases.
“I hope that the conversations here today will give rise to greater investment, stronger industrial partnerships, and deeper German-Philippine cooperation,” says Stratbase CEO Rupert Paul C. Manhit.
In his closing remarks, Commander Radtke said the Philippines faces an increasingly complex security environment across its archipelagic geography, which calls for new capabilities and strategies such as the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture.
He pointed to areas where German companies can help enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, from maritime and airborne surveillance, intelligence systems, and force protection to drone and counter-drone technology.
He encouraged the delegation to approach the market with patience, commitment, and a long-term perspective, and invited the companies to keep the Defense Attaché Office informed so that it can support their efforts.
“The Philippines are facing a much more complex security environment,” says Commander Radtke. “I am confident that your companies have a lot in store to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine armed forces, from maritime and airborne surveillance, intelligence systems, and force protection to drone and counter-drone technology.”
Participating German companies include Aerodata AG, which provides intelligent airborne solutions for special mission aircraft, surveillance, and flight inspection, supporting government, defense, and security customers worldwide.
Baeck GmbH & Co. KG (COBA) focuses on spare parts, electronics, microelectronics, and engine components, supporting customers with sourcing, purchasing, storage, and shipping.
DigiForge UG provides OSINT solutions, analyst training, and strategic communication support that help organizations understand and counter information manipulation and online influence campaigns.
EMCCons DR. RAŠEK GmbH & Co. KG specializes in EMC, environmental simulation, electrical safety, and high-end energy testing, and provides accredited engineering, testing, and calibration services for the defense, aviation, and space sectors.
NAXCON GmbH focuses on software, embedded systems, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, developing advanced solutions for security, defense, aerospace, and digital applications, and manufactures drones and drone defense systems. PLATH GmbH & Co. KG provides solutions for reconnaissance, security, and mission-critical operations, developing and integrating intelligence and electronic warfare systems for land, sea, and air missions.
RECONIQ Software GmbH develops large-scale, AI-powered signals intelligence (SIGINT) software that system integrators and end users can embed into their own systems, with solutions in operation on land, sea, and airborne platforms worldwide.
Walaris GmbH develops AI-based signal processing and sensor fusion software for real-time object detection and tracking. Xavveo GmbH develops photonic distributed sensor technology for high-performance observation and surveillance systems that help detect emerging threats such as drones across different operational environments.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
, in cooperation with The Defense Expo PHL and Stratbase, hosted the German-Philippine Security Conference at Makati Diamond Residences on 6 October 2026.){kind=link}