U.S. Lawmakers Fire Up Proposal to Revive Former Subic Military Base—This Time for Ammunition Production and Storage!

A proposal is heating up among several U.S. lawmakers to revive the former American military base in Subic Bay—this time as a facility for the production and storage of ammunition!

The plan is included in the proposed U.S. Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, under the “Indo-Pacific Ammunition Manufacturing and Storage Facility” program. The goal is to transform Subic into a manufacturing hub for ammunition and military supplies positioned in Asia.

According to a report by the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, the U.S. Department of Defense has been tasked to study the feasibility of the project. In addition, a separate study will also be conducted by the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

This move aligns with the Philippines’ focus on strengthening its own military capability through the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act. The law aims to enhance the local defense industry in support of the AFP modernization efforts amid China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

The plan also includes a proposal for the U.S. Navy to lease facilities in and around Subic as part of the new prepositioning program of the U.S. Marine Corps. If realized, the initiative is expected to create job and business opportunities for Filipinos.

Lawmakers have already directed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to submit a report on the feasibility study within 60 days after the bill is passed—which could happen as early as this October!