Analysts are scrutinizing the Philippine Navy's claim of achieving 'middle power' status in Southeast Asia. Despite modernization efforts, concerns remain about its firepower and reach compared to regional rivals.

The Philippines’ claim that it is now among the middle tier of Southeast Asian maritime powers after two decades of modernisation has come into question, with analysts saying that its navy still lacks enough firepower and reach to match regional rivals. Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C. Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, told reporters on Tuesday that the country’s navy had attained the status of a “middle power” in Southeast Asia as it marked its 128th anniversary this month. “We are on par...