US-made M4 rifles could replace older weapons in Philippine reserve units

Philippine military wants to acquire 25,000 used M4 rifles from U.S. for reservists to boost defense capabilities amid rising South China Sea tensions. Pfc. Victor Salazar, of the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, uses an M4 carbine outfitted with a counter-drone during training at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, May 8, 2026. (Christopher Moorehead/U.S. Army) The Philippine military wants to acquire 25,000 used M4 rifles from the United States for reservists as the country strengthens its defenses amid territorial tensions with China, according to a local newspaper. Philippine air force Maj. Gen. Gerold Gagan, deputy chief of staff for reserve force development, discussed the proposed acquisition last month at a gathering of reservists in Cebu, the Philippine Star reported Monday.

The Philippines is also establishing mobilization centers nationwide to improve its ability to assemble reserve troops when needed, Gagan said, according to the newspaper. The proposed rifle acquisition comes as Manila modernizes its military following years of confrontations with Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea. The U.S. government’s Excess Defense Articles, or EDA, program transfers equipment to foreign governments or international organizations, typically for modernization of partner forces, according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Excess defense articles are provided to a partner nation at a reduced price based on the condition of the equipment or as a