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IATA code : 2P
ICAO code : GAP
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29 Januari 2012

Philippines Air Force operates some Italian-made aircraft : S-211 and SF-260 (photo : PhIlippine Fly Boy)

A JOINT team from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces will be in Italy this week to scout for assets that will strengthen the defense capability of the military.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the team will look for aircraft, vessels and even armored vehicles that could be acquired by the military for both of its external defense and internal security operations.

Over the weekend, Gazmin said the department will be acquiring weapons and assets for the Armed Forces amounting to P70 billion.

The budget for the acquisition will be spread up to 2020 or even beyond the term of the current administration.

Since the massive procurement could not be financed by the government in just one release, the defense chief said the acquisition will be done through a Multi-Year Obligation Agreement (MYOA) from Congress.

Adoption of the MYOA was first proposed during the term of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro as a scheme in financing the military’s capability upgrade program, and which was implemented during the term of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales in 2010.

In fact, a contract for the delivery of a multirole vessel from South Korea was sealed by Gonzales under the same scheme. Payment of installments for the warship began last year.

Gazmin said that aside from the US, which is the country’s principal sources of assets and equipment for the military’s capability upgrade, the defense department is also looking at Italy, Spain, France, United Kingdom and South Korea as possible sources of assets.

From Italy, the defense chief said the same team will also visit Spain for the same purpose, and both trips will be taking this week.

“We will see the best we can get for the funds available, that will be the first priority,” Gazmin said.

He said the assessment, inspection and possibly even acquisitions should be done at least by July this year.

“It should be finished by July, or worse case scenario, by November. But by July, we should have attained at least 50 percent, that is already a good batting average,” Gazmin said.

He said the government is looking to acquire armored vehicles; aircraft, including long range patrol aircraft and fighter jets that include the F-16 from the US; multirole vessels; missile-armed ships; anti-submarine vessels and radars.

Gazmin said the interdiction capability of the military will be useless if it will not have enforcement weapons such as fighter jets and ships with guided missiles.

The big ticket procurements were necessary to defend the country’s territory and discourage intrusions into its maritime domain, particularly by China.

Gazmin said the modern weapons and assets are also necessary in so that the country is able to put up a credible force and protect its territory in the disputed Spratlys.

Meanwhile, two US Navy ships are in the country for routine port calls.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) docked at the Manila Bay while the USS Chafee (DDG-90) dropped anchor in Cebu.

“USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Chafee are here to engage with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and perform Community Relations Projects, as well as allowing the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

“These goodwill visits highlight the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the statement added.

At the same time, at least three retired military officials have been hired by the various agencies of the Department of National Defense as consultants, primarily to help in the procurement of assets and equipment for the military.

Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesman said, the three retired officers, were hired to help the department in its defense acquisition system for the Armed Forces.

They are retired Lt. Gen. Willie Florendo from the Air Force, Vice Adm. Luisito Fernandez from the Navy and Gen. Victor Ibrado, former Armed Forces chief of staff.

“Their functions are to give advise on the perspective of the modernization. At least, they have the experience although they are already outside the Armed Forces,” Galvez said.

(Business Mirror)

28 Januari 2012

Polish-made combat utility helicopter for PAF (photo ; modernize PAF)

MANILA, (PNA) – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will get the first delivery by the middle of next month of four of eight brand-new combat utility helicopters it ordered from PZL Swidnik of Poland.

Lt. Col. Mike Okol, PAF spokesman, told the Philippines News Agency that the remaining four helicopters will be delivered in November, also this year.

PZL Swidnik is the biggest helicopter manufacturer in Poland. Its main products are the PZL W-3 Sokol and PZL WS-4 helicopters used by the Polish Air Force and other European countries.

The PAF bought the eight Polish-made helicopters at a contract price of P3 billion.

The arrival of four utility combat helicopters is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program to boost the PAF’s air power, particularly supporting ground troops during combat operations.

The PAF has in its arsenal the reliable UH-1H “Huey” helicopters and the MD-520-MG gunships from the United States.

The Polish company won the bidding to supply the PAF eight brand-new combat utility choppers.

The funds for the purchase of the choppers were part of the AFP modernization budget in 2007.

Okol said the acquisition of these helicopters is timely because the Air Force badly needs helicopters of this type to support government ground forces during combat operations.

The Swidnik helicopter can carry 14 persons, including the pilot and co-pilot and has a maximum speed of 260 kilometers per hour and a range of 745 kilometers non-stop.

It can climb to an altitude of 19,680 feet, more than twice that of the “Huey.”
The Polish-made choppers can be armed with a variety of weapons, air-to-ground rockets, air-to-air missiles, M-60 machine guns and 20-mm cannons.

(PNA)

27 Januari 2012

PT PAL offers Strategic Sea Lift Vessel for Philippines Navy (photo : Audrey)

The government is looking to roll out P70 billion-worth of projects over the next eight years for both the military and defense department, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin revealed on Friday.

Included in these projects are planned acquisitions of military equipment such as fighter jets, long-range patrol aircraft and multi-role vessels.

Gazmin, speaking to reporters after the launch of the Defense Acquisitions System Assessment at Camp Aguinaldo, said also included are "big ticket" items such as radars and other major improvements in the military.

The acquisitions will be carried out until the year 2020. Gazmin also said the programs that will benefit from the spending will impact on both internal security matters and territorial defense needs of the country.

Gazmin said they will deploy teams to various countries starting Saturday to scout for possible equipment. "Take ships: From Europe, from the US, from Asia - We'll take a look and evaluate which is best and affordable for us, and we'll prioritize that, not necessarily those made in America," he said in Filipino.

(Interaksyon)

12 Januari 2012

PAF will receive two C-130 ex US (photo : rnzaf)

MANILA, Philippines - Two C-130 cargo planes will be added to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) inventory within the first quarter of this year.

At present, the PAF is mainly relying on a lone C-130 Hercules aircraft in hauling of supplies and logistics, as well as troops for internal and territorial defense.

“We have two C-130 cargo planes coming in by March and April,” said Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda.

The first C-130 would be flying in from the United States, while the other is now being refurbished at Clark Field.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the two C-130 cargo planes will boost the Air Force capabilities in terms of troop deployment, logistic runs, and search and disaster operations.

“From one, we will soon have two more C-130 cargo planes,” he said.

“That’s really something that we are expecting.”

Okol could not say how much the government spent for the two refurbished Hercules aircraft.

The Air Force is also expecting the arrival of eight brand-new utility and combat-attack helicopters during the first quarter of this year.

President Aquino’s visit to the United States this April is expected to finally seal a deal for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the country intends to acquire a squadron F-16 fighter jet from the US.

(PhilStar)

05 Januari 2012

PAF Fokker 28 for VVIP (photo : PAF)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to allot funds for the purchase of a new presidential plane to replace the 30-year-old Fokker 28 used by President Aquino.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the plane is too old and the President “cannot be renting planes all the time.”

He said officials are already cautious about taking the old plane.

Popularly known as F-28 “Fellowship,” the plane was manufactured by the now defunct Fokker Aviation BV based in the Netherlands.

The model came out of the Fokker factory in 1979 and was bought by the then Central Bank of the Philippines to be used by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

It was delivered to the Philippines in September 1980. Its ownership was transferred from the Central Bank to the Office of the President on Dec. 26, 1995. It was eventually donated to the

Philippine Air Force in May 2006.

As of March 11, 2011, its total flying time was 5,525 hours.

The plane’s last mandatory inspection was a “D” check, also known as a heavy maintenance visit, conducted in Indonesia in 2009. During the detailed inspection of the structure, additional

work was done on the plane – the cabin interior was refurbished, seats were reupholstered, in-flight entertainment was installed and the exterior repainted.

(PhilStar)

02 Januari 2012

Philippines Army (photo : Army Recognition)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) wants to reduce the number of infantry and marine battalions in the next few years as the military moves towards enhancing its territorial defense capability.

The restructuring program would channel resources to priority areas like boosting maritime security and territorial defense to enforce the country’s sovereign rights at the Kalayaan Island Group.

“Our territorial defense needs for this planning period will essentially be met by our forces that are engaged in internal security operations in priority regions and our units in non-priority regions,” the DND said in a planning guidance issued to the military.

Documents obtained by The STAR show that the Army infantry battalions would be reduced to 81 this year from 85 in 2011. The number of active duty battalions would be slashed gradually in the succeeding years until it reaches 54 in 2018.

The number of infantry brigade headquarters would be cut to 27 this year from 31 last year. It would be reduced further in the succeeding years until it reaches 18 in 2015.

On the other hand, the number of infantry divisions would be reduced to nine this year from 10 last year. The number of divisions would be down to six by 2015.

The DND plan, however, seeks to form two battalions for Rapid Deployment Forces by 2015. It also wants to create one infantry battalion for peacekeeping operations this year.

DND said the personnel and equipment from the units to be deactivated would be reapplied to other priorities like filling up the needs of remaining forces.

The marine battalions would also be reduced to 10 this year from 12 last year. Only nine marine battalions would be retained in 2013.

However, a marine battalion would be formed and would undergo retraining this year while another one would be created for peacekeeping tasks next year.

Even the military’s elite forces would be covered by the restructuring plan.

The four active duty combat groups would be reduced to two this year and would be deactivated in 2013.

On the other hand, the Special Operations Combat Support Group would be abolished in 2013. The DND plan, however, called for the creation of a ground-based air defense system group next year.

The DND has asked the military to submit a plan to ensure the smooth implementation of the restructuring program.

The DND planning guidance listed as the top resource priority the improvement of the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities.

The DND also plans to streamline the armed forces’ civil-military operations (CMO) battalions, which conduct development projects in areas of conflict.

The 10 CMO battalions would be reduced gradually until these are abolished in 2017. The Armed Forces’ National Development Support Command, which works with private groups to provide basic services, would be scrapped this year.

(PhilStar)

02 Januari 2012

Philipinnes will acquire shore-based mobile anti-ship missiles (photo : Mylitaryphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered the military to look into the possibility of acquiring anti-ship weapons and beef up its maritime surveillance capability.

In its planning guidance for 2013 to 2018, the DND said maritime security is challenged by traditional concerns like safeguarding the Kalayaan Island Group and non-traditional concerns like terrorism, smuggling, piracy and human and drug trafficking.

DND, however, lamented the military’s maritime surveillance capability is “low” due to the unavailability of platforms and aging equipment.

“The Program 1 Resource Manager shall study the possibility and merits of acquiring a capability for delivering anti-ship weapons up to a range of about 100 miles through shore-based mobile missile batteries in the long term,” DND said, referring to military managers.

“The Program 2 Resource Manager shall gradually develop the capability for long-range maritime air patrol and surveillance,” it added.

Developing the maritime air surveillance would entail acquiring assets for long-range maritime air patrol, accompanying base support systems and other platforms to maintain and sustain deployable and deployed assets.

Military resource managers were also ordered to “gradually develop the capability for air surface and sub-surface surveillance detection and interdiction within maritime domain.”

The DND said such endeavor would require the acquisition of assets for offshore patrol, strategic sea- lift, and accompanying base support systems and platforms.

“Likewise, the development of the National Coast Watch System shall also be given priority,” the DND guidance read.

Last September, President Aquino issued Executive Order 57, which called for the creation of the national coast watch system. The order seeks to expand the country’s naval security operations and to protect its natural resources.

The DND is also planning to acquire a squadron of surface attack aircraft in the next few years to enhance the military’s capability to secure the country’s airspace. DND said enhancing the country’s air assets would address the Philippines’ territorial defense concerns.

The DND also wants to acquire air surveillance radars and to develop the military’s air defense system.

“The Program 2 Resource Manager shall gradually develop the capability of air surveillance and interdiction by reactivating the Philippine Air Defense System and acquiring air surveillance radars and one squadron of surface attack aircraft,” DND said.

A squadron consists of 12 to 24 aircraft units. A surface attack aircraft is capable of interception and maritime patrols.

DND admitted the military’s air defense capability is “insufficient to address territorial defense concerns.” It also admitted the Philippine Air Defense Control Center and other units cannot effectively perform their required duties like air intelligence, aerial patrol and air reconnaissance.

The military, for its part, has re-supplied its forces and deployed fresh troops in Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

Aside from troop deployment which the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) described as routine rotation of forces, all naval units in the region, along with the newly acquired Navy frigate, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, have been placed on standby and for any disaster response and other seaborne operations during the holidays.

(PhilStar)

26 Desember 2011

F16 jet fighter (photo : Militaryphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has expressed willingness to help the Philippines obtain a squadron of F-16 jet fighters to improve its defense capability, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday.

Del Rosario clarified, however, that this would not mean stationing of US naval vessels in the Philippines.

He admitted there is a plan to station US navy ships in the region but stationing them in the country was not discussed.

“It has not come up yet. What the US discussed with us is we see foreign policy of US for Asia and the Pacific. They are repositioning and re-balancing. They want to re-engage with Asia. The region has become a key driver in global politics,” Del Rosario said.

“They (US) discussed with us the cooperation with stationing 2,500 (troops) and two ships in Singapore but we did not discuss anything for the Philippines, except assistance to improve our capability... I do not think at this point it is being discussed. We are still in the process of refining the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement),” he said.

Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will visit the US in February or March to meet with their counterparts.

Del Rosario said the US is ready to help improve the Philippines’ defense capability.

“We are trying to get the assistance of several countries to be able to take minimum and credible defense posture and the US expressed willingness to help us with two Hamilton-class cutters, and the second one is coming. We are also trying to obtain a squadron of F-16s under defense articles,” he said.

Del Rosario said the vessels and F-16s the Philippines would like to obtain were discussed with US officials, including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“We actually discussed it already. We identified (the items) when I went to the US for the first meeting with Secretary Clinton. At the time I said we need to stand up and defend what we believe is ours and they said they would be willing to help,” Del Rosario said.

“My definition of squadron is 12 fighter jets (of) F16. This is a request and I was told it is being considered,” he said.

During her visit to Manila last month, Clinton delivered a strong message of assurance and support to the Philippines in protecting its maritime domain and improving territorial defense.

Although Clinton did not mention China, she vowed military support for the Philippines as she delivered a strong US statement from the deck of an American warship that arrived in Manila for her visit.

The territorial conflict and heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) remain a critical factor in bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

Clinton said that as the Philippines moves to improve its territorial defense, the US is considering transferring a second patrol ship to help protect maritime domain.

Clinton said the US is now updating all its alliances in the region based on three guidelines.

She said the US is working to ensure that the core objectives of its alliances have the political support of the people.

Washington wants its alliances to be nimble, adoptive and flexible to continue to deliver results in this new world.

Clinton said the US will ensure that its collective defense capabilities and communications infrastructure are operationally and materially capable of deterring provocation.

She said the US is considering providing another vessel to the Philippines “as you move to improve your territorial defense and interdiction capability.”

The Philippines formally accepted in May a US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the government through the US Foreign Military Sales program.

The cutter officially became the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and is the largest patrol ship in the Philippine Navy arsenal.

Del Rosario said in June that he submitted to the Pentagon the country’s “wish list” of military equipment to strengthen its capability in securing its maritime territory.

The list of equipment was determined by the Department of National Defense (DND) during a meeting with Del Rosario before he visited Washington. He confirmed that the list is for the maritime needs of the country.

According to Del Rosario, the Pentagon would send a team to Manila this year to look into the Philippines’ requirements for maritime security.

Washington has provided the Philippines $53 million for coast watch since 2007.

During his talks with Del Rosario at the Pentagon on June 24, former US Defense secretary Robert Gates expressed readiness to strengthen the Philippines’ capability in securing its maritime territory.

In a separate meeting by Del Rosario with US National Director for Intelligence (NDI) James Clapper, the US official pledged to enhance the NDI’s intelligence-sharing with the Philippines to heighten the latter’s maritime situational awareness and surveillance in the West Philippine Sea.

Defense options

Del Rosario conveyed to US defense officials that to complement the Excess Defense Articles (EDA), which the US traditionally turns over to the Philippines, he is exploring an option to access newer US military assets.

In response, US Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michelle Fluornoy said, “We would be happy to have our team look into the full range of requirements (for maritime security).”

She added: “We should not allow this perception that you are alone and we are not behind you.”

Clapper emphasized the US “has a long association” with the Philippines and “we’ll do whatever we can to help” even as he expressed concern over the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines conveyed to the US the country’s resolve to strengthen its capabilities to defend its maritime territory because it is “prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggression in its backyard” amid the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine government’s preparedness to take action in the territorial dispute was conveyed during a meeting of Del Rosario and Clinton at the State Department on June 23.

Del Rosario and Clinton discussed the situation in the West Philippine Sea, and shared the view that the recent incidents there are a source of concern and could undermine regional peace and stability.

The two officials agreed to consult closely on ways to protect their shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario emphasized during the meeting the Philippine government’s resolve to strengthen its capabilities to defend its maritime territory “because the Philippines is prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggressive action in our backyard.”

(PhilStar)

22 Desember 2011

C130 Hercules (photo : Vaclav Kudela)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- Responding to the problem of food scarcity in Typhoon Sendong devastated areas of the vity, President Benigno S. Aquino III promised to buy at least two more units of the C130 Cargo plane for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), next year.

During his visit to assess the devastation brought by ‘Sendong’ in the city, the president said that there is only one C130 Cargo Plane in the PAF inventory that has been bringing relief items to flashflood victims. He added that it is currently down for maintenance.

“We have offers of assistance coming in from America, Russia, Japan and other countries and the Americans will, most probably, provide us with the necessary airlift capability to fast track what we need,” Aquino said.

We have two other C130 cargo planes in the pipeline but they’re not yet ready for events like this and will be available only, next year, he also said.

According to him, the funds to buy the planes are readily available.

“We have at least two (2) sources to tap, domestic and foreign: the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be assisting us with a loan of US$3million grant and the World Bank (WB) facility that has also offered us,” the President added.

He said many Filipinos in the other parts of the country have responded to his call for help and the donated items only wait for the availability to transport them, where they are needed.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported to the president that PAF has airlifted some P21.53 million-worth of relief supplies from Dec. 18-20, as augmentation support to the on-going relief operations in Northern Mindanao.

These supplies included food and non-food items, such as, sacks of rice, boxes of instant noodles, canned goods, bottled drinking water, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, used clothing, medicines, cadaver bags and even coffins, among others.

In his orders as the Commander-n-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Aquino directed PAF’s Search and Rescue Squadrons (SRS) to help in the search, rescue, retrieval and recovery (SRRR) operations of the flashflood areas.

For this purpose, the 5053rd based in Davao City had established an advance command post (ACP) at the Tactical Operations Group, Northern Mindanao (TOG-10) Headquarters in Lumbia Airport, this city.

The team also deployed three UH-IH helicopters with tail numbers 517, 317 and 806 to do the SAR sorties in the flashflood-affected barangays of the city.

Helping out in the SRRR Operations in the Negros and Iloilo is the 5052ndSRS, which is based Mactan, Cebu City. (PIA-10)

(PIA)

18 Desember 2011

F-16A at AMARC Arizona, USA (photo : F16net)

THE Philippines has reportedly asked the US for a squadron of used F-16 “Fighting Falcon” fighter jets to boost the country’s external defense.

While the request calls for the F-16s to be given to the country for free, the Philippine government is willing to pay for any upgrades or modifications that may be needed for the aircraft, sources said.

The proposed deal reportedly involves the transfer of used F-16s from the US’s excess equipment now stored at the US Air Forces’ “aircraft boneyard” in Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The F-16 “Fighting Falcon” is one of the most versatile multi-role fighter planes in the US Air Force. It has been used since 1974.

The recent saber-rattling by China over the Spratly Islands and some other areas on the West Philippine Sea has prompted the country to seek an air superior fighter plane, sources said.

The Philippines has always relied on the US for its external defense because of the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty, thus the country has seen no need to boost its external defense in the past.

The recent events in the Spratlys, however, prompted the need to have an air superior fighter to discourage the Chinese air force from intruding into Philippine air space.

About five years ago, the Air Force mothballed its eight remaining 1960-vintage F-5 “Freedom Fighters” that were acquired from South Korean and Taiwan because they are no match for the more modern fighters now used by practically all civilized countries and are expensive to maintain.

Thus, the Air Force had to rely on trainer planes to support the government’s campaign against Moro separatists and communist rebels.

Before the Arroyo administration stepped down, it purchased 18 Italian-made SF-260 trainers that are also being used as light ground attack aircraft.

In addition, the Air Force has S-211 trainer jets that are also used as maritime patrol aircraft and ground attack planes.

As maritime patrol aircraft, however, the S-211s are not that efficient since they lack electronic equipment to “see” what they are patrolling. Thus, what the aircraft can “see” are all that the two pilot can spot with their eyes.

The Air Force has five S-211 jets.

The F-16 “Fighting Falcon” is a multi-role jet fighter aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Corp.

It is meant to be and air superiority fighter.

Indonesia recently acquired 24 F-16 fighters. It is also used by the air forces of Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore.

(Business Mirror)

14 Desember 2011

USCGS Dallas WHEC 716 (photo : USCG)

PH Navy getting another refurbished US Coast Guard vessel

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy expects to receive another refurbished US Coast Guard cutter, its second, early next year, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Tuesday.

"I was told it (cutter) will come early next year. Sigurado na â˜yun (Thatâs for sure)," Gazmin said.

The first Hamilton class cutter, renamed the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, will be commissioned on Wednesday by President Benigno Aquino III.

Gazmin described the acquisition of the Hamilton class cutter as a "hot transfer," with the Philippines to shoulder only the refurbishing of the vessel.

However, no price has been set and Gazmin said the cost of the ship will depend on its condition.

During Monday's turnover at Camp Aguinaldo for the new Armed Forces chief, President Benigno Aquino III vowed to further boost the military's capabilities both for external and internal defense.

(Interaksyon)

See Also :

DND eyes 3 more Hamilton-class ships
14 Desember 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The government is planning to acquire as much as three Hamilton-class ships to beef up the Navy’s maritime defense capabilities, officials said yesterday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said they are trying to acquire two more cutters after they received the BRP Gregorio del Pilar from the US Coast Guard early this year. The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is the Philippines’ first Hamilton-class cutter – a high speed vessel that can cut through waves – and is now its largest ship, at 380 feet long.

“We are trying to acquire three,” he said referring to the Hamilton-class cutters.

This was confirmed by Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, who revealed that two more Hamilton-class ships may be acquired from the US next year.

“The plan really is to acquire three ships,” Tonsay said in an interview.

“One may be acquired early next year. The other one (would be acquired) hopefully later next year,” he added.

Tonsay said the two ships would secure the energy projects in Malampaya off Palawan. The funding for the acquisition of the cutters would come from the Department of Energy.

“It will expand the area of sovereignty patrol conducted by the Philippine Fleet,” he said.

Tonsay said they have yet to determine the acquisition costs for the two ships. He, however, said the cost for each ship would not be far from that of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, whose transfer cost was pegged at P450 million.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be commissioned today to pave the way for its deployment to the West Philippine Sea to secure the country’s energy projects. It was acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales program using proceeds from the Malampaya project funds.

During a visit to Manila last month, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton assured the Philippines that the US would provide a second war ship to the military.

The ship, named US Coast Guard Cutter Dallas, may be transferred to the Philippines by the first or second quarter of 2012. The military has sent a Navy team to the US to determine the requirements for the acquisition of the second ship.

The US Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is a weather high-endurance cutter and has features similar to that of BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

(PhilStar)

10 Desember 2011

F/A18 Hornet at the AMARC in Tucson Arizona (photo : Aerommore)

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino will ask US President Barrack Obama for fighter jets when they meet, probably sometime next April.

Aquino, a member of the Philippine Air Force reserve, made this disclosure in a speech to PAF personnel at the opening ceremonies of the PAF Invitational Shootfest and firing range blessing at the Villamor Airbase on Saturday.

“We went to Bali, Indonesia, recently and when we’re leaving for the Philippines, we saw on their airport three F-16s parked and they would be given two squadrons more by our American friends,” Aquino said in an impromptu speech.

“I said, this looks rather equitable. Two squadrons for them, one ship for us,” he added in jest.

Aquino said he would remind Obama of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the US.

Obama has invited Aquino for a state visit to the US next year.

“I think that when I and President Obama meet next year, perhaps around April, I will remind him of our strategic partnership. They might remember that we don’t have a fighter jet here,” the President said.

The Philippines has already acquired from the US a Hamilton-class cutter and has named the erstwhile US Coast Guard vessel as the Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

“The Navy will be getting—I am told, I have been assured—our second Hamilton-class cutter sometime next year,” Mr. Aquino said. “And we did request that when it is given to us, they would no longer remove the equipment installed for us to put back in place… and it appears that our request would be granted…. Perhaps not the entire system, but a lot of it.”

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during talks in Manila in November that Washington would give the Philippines a second cutter virtually for free in 2012.

The Philippines and the US signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.

The US recently indicated its preparedness to assist its allies in East Asia and Southeast Asia to ensure the free flow of economic activity and the implementation of maritime rules in the region.

(Inquirer)

06 Desember 2011

Indonesia and South Korea will compete for the tender of MRV ship for Philippine navy (photo : Kaskus Militer)

The Navy has been cleared to begin negotiations for the purchase of a multirole vessel from any of the friendly nations, Rear Admiral Alexander Pama said on Sunday.

“The latest process that we had undergone with the Department of National Defense had good results and we did not encounter anymore objections,” Pama said.

“Hopefully, all the procedures required by the defense acquisition system would be finalized and early next year we can start negotiations for the acquisition,” Pama said.

But Pama said the Navy has yet to obtain President Aquino’s approval for the purchase plan, which is part of the military’s modernization.

An MRV, which costs at least P5 billion, will serve as a mother ship equipped with state-of-the-art radars and sensors for monitoring aircrafts and patrol boats, Pama said.

Early this year, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin temporarily dropped the acquisition of an MRV

from the list of big-ticket items and gave priority to light sea-crafts for internal security operations and disaster response.

Gazmin changed his mind following China’s alleged intrusions into Philippine territorial waters particularly in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where the hotly disputed Spratly islands is situated.

Last August, the Philippines acquired a patrol vessel—Hamilton-class cutter—from the United States Coast Guard for P423 million to beef up security at the Malampaya gas project. The Navy renamed it BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

“The dry-docking and repainting of PF15 costs P47.914 million while the refitting to our Navy configuration is P13.872 million. It was funded by the Department of Energy.”

On Dec. 14, the Navy with Aquino as the guest of honor will launch the commissioning of the vessel together with a Philippine-made Landing Utility Craft called BRP Tagbanua (AT296), a BO105 Helicopter (PNH422) and a refurbished Presidential Yacht called BRP Ang Pangulo (AT25).

The P189 million- BRP Tagbanua, made in Misamis Oriental, is configured to transport combat personnel, tanks, vehicles, artillery equipment, and cargoes in support of military operations and perform medical assistance as well as disaster, rescue and relief operations.

(Manila Standard Today)

23 November 2011

Philippines was interested in military-grade helicopters, boats and aircraft from South Korea (photo : Defence Talk)

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Monday sought South Korea’s help in buying helicopters, boats, aircraft and other equipment for the Armed Forces.

Mr. Aquino said the Philippines was interested in buying new military equipment during his meeting with visiting South Korean President Lee Myung-bak at the Palace.

“This is in consonance with the upgrading and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the President said.

He said he and Lee also “updated each other on the developments in the Korean Peninsula and the West Philippine Sea [South China Sea].”

The President had earlier ordered P10 billion released for the Armed Forces’ modernization program.

The Army’s shopping list includes 14 armored personnel carrier, 272 20-man pack radios, and 3,480 force protection equipment worth P1.4 billion.

The Navy wants to buy a strategic sea-lift vessel costing P2 billion. The Air Force wants to acquire a special-mission aircraft and two light lift aircraft worth P1.6 billion.

The P10 billion will also be used to buy vehicles for civil military operations, health services and disaster response.

The Army is also buying 32 five-ton dump trucks and 55 special-purpose vehicles. The Air Force will purchase two search-and-rescue vehicles, 30 special purpose vehicles, and 15 amphibian vehicles.

The military is also buying 1,376 hand-held radios, 150 60-mm mortars, 78 units of audio-video equipment, 160 portable radio receivers, 100 sniper rifle systems, and 2,000 standard weapons systems.

The Navy is preparing for the turnover from contractors of the first Philippine-made landing craft, according to Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay.

The Navy has yet to name the 51.43-meter ship, which is configured to transport combat personnel, tanks, vehicles, artillery and equipment in support of amphibious operations.

Mr. Aquino and Lee witnessed the signing of economic cooperation agreements that will give the Philippines wider access to aid and low-interest loans of up to $500 million.

The other agreements involve two joint projects to build a coal-fired power plant in Subic and a $300-million multi-purpose dam in Iloilo.

Lee invited Mr. Aquino to visit South Korea in March next year for the Nuclear Security Summit.

(ManilaStandardToday)

See Also :

DND to prepare list of equipment to be acquired from Korea

23 November 2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) will prepare a list of equipment that the government would acquire from South Korea after President Aquino sought its assistance in improving the military’s capability.

“This is for the DND so it will be the DND who will specify and make specifications of what exactly is needed as far as the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is concerned,” DND spokesman Zosimo Paredes told reporters yesterday.

Paredes said the drawing up of the list would be done in coordination with the military’s major services.

“We are still awaiting specific instructions from President vis-a-vis the agreement that will be signed,” he said.

Paredes said Aquino’s request for South Korea to help the AFP is significant given the need to boost the military’s capability.

“We welcome other friendly nations to help in this regard. We will not react negatively in terms of defense assistance from friendly countries,” he said.

The military said South Korea has been a “valuable partner” in its upgrade efforts.

“The AFP welcomes President Aquino’s plans to purchase military hardware and defense articles from South Korea,” AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. told The STAR.

“For many years now, South Korea has been a valuable partner of the AFP as we continuously upgrade our capability to address the nation’s security concerns and challenges,” he said.

Burgos said among the military equipment acquired from South Korea were the one-ton and two-ton truck troop carriers and squad automatic weapons.

“The K3 squad automatic weapons from South Korea provide superior firepower for our ground troops in the infantry and are now being used in our internal security operations,” he said.

Burgos said the KM 450 one-ton trucks provide “fast and efficient” troop lift capability to their field units.

“Aside from the one-ton and two-ton truck troop carriers and the squad automatic weapons from South Korea, we also purchased ballistic helmets and Kevlar vests for our troops’ force protection,” he said.

The President requested the assistance of Korean President Lee Myung-Bak in upgrading the AFP during their meeting in Malacañang last Monday.

“On defense cooperation, I expressed to President Lee the interest of the Philippines to gain some specific defense articles, such as military-grade helicopters, boats and aircraft,” Aquino told reporters. “This is in consonance with the upgrading and modernization of the AFP.”

‘Ninoy impressed with Koreans’

Meanwhile, Aquino told President Lee over dinner Monday that his father – the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. – was impressed with the strength of character of Koreans.

“I remember during our own Martial Law years, when I was but a mere child, my father, who also first introduced us to Korean cuisine, would relate to the family his stories about the deprivations that your country had to go through,” he said.–

(PhilStar)

22 November 2011

Surion helicopter (photo : ArmsChairGeneral)

MANILA, Philippines — President Aquino has expressed interest to acquire new helicopters and other military equipment from South Korea amid efforts to modernize the country’s Armed Forces.

The President sought closer defense cooperation between Manila and Seoul during an “extensive” meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-back on bilateral and multilateral issues and concerns in Malacañang.

Lee arrived in Manila last Sunday for a three-day state visit that includes meetings with businessmen and a town hall meeting with college students.

(Manila Bulletin)

22 November 2011

The first 51.43-meter Philippine-made landing craft utility (LCU) designed for combat support missions (photo : Business Mirror)

THE Navy is preparing for the turnover from the contractors of the first 51.43-meter Philippine-made landing craft utility (LCU) designed for combat support missions, Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay, Navy spokesman, said on Monday.

“We’re finalizing preparations in connection with the completion of a Philippine-made naval vessel for use of Fleet-Marine Operating Forces as well as other military forces stationed all over the Philippines for internal as well as external defense operations,” Tonsay said.

The Navy has yet to name the ship.

Earlier, the Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., announced the near completion of the inter-island and coastal operations watercraft capable of logistics transport and amphibious operations.

Tonsay said the LCU Acquisition Project is part of the 2002 Revised Reprioritized Project List with an approved budget of P189 million.

“The LCU is being jointly constructed by Propmech Corp. of Manila for the engine and propulsion system and the Philippine Iron Construction and Marine Works Inc. of Misamis Oriental for the hull and ship’s fixtures,” he said.

Tonsay said the ship is configured to transport combat personnel, vehicles, artillery equipment, and cargoes in support of military amphibious operations and secondarily, to perform noncombatant evacuation, medical mission, disaster, rescue-and-relief operations and transport-logistic mission, in support to national socioeconomic projects of the government.

“Our new ship is manned by 15 personnel or crew and has a capacity of 200 passengers or 200 soldiers. It has approximately displacement capacity of 579 tons with a cargo space area of about 250 square meters, or a maximum of 110 tons. Its cruising speed is 14 knots,” Tonsay said.

He said the LCU will be a big boost to the country’s naval fleet that was reinforced by the acquisition of the 36-year-old BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a Hamilton-class cutter that was retired by United States Coast Guard.

Repairs of the cutter are almost complete at a dry dock in Batangas.

“Baka isabay na ang pag-launch ng LCU sa commissioning ng cutter pati na ang presidential yacht [BRP Ang Pangulo] ni-repair din,” Tonsay said.

(Business Mirror)

18 November 2011

Government Arsenal's product (photo : GA)

MANILA (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government signed Thursday a contract with a Canadian contractor for the acquisition of 335.8 million pesos (7.72 million U.S. dollars) worth of equipment to boost the production of ammunition for government troops.

Government Arsenal Director Maj. Gen. (ret.) Jonathan Martir signed the contract with Andre Nazarian, president of the Waterbury Farell in a simple ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

The contract binds the foreign firm to deliver a multi-station bullet assembly machine, a case manufacture equipment, and cartridge assembly equipment within 18 months upon the opening of the letter of credit.

"Our acquisition of these equipment shall certainly enhance the capability of our Government Arsenal to manufacture high-quality, safe, and reliable ammunition for our Armed Forces and other government law enforcement agencies," Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

At present, Martir said the Government Arsenal produces 58 percent of the total military requirement on ammunition for small arms like M16, M4 rifle, M4 Carbine rifle, and Minimi squad automatic weapons.

Martir said the defense department will get the funds from the Armed Forces Modernization Program. By next year, he said the Philippines might buy more equipment to manufacture not only ammunition but also assault rifles.

(Xinhua)

15 November 2011

PZL Sokol helicopter for teh PAF (photo : Agencja Gazeta)

MANILA, Philippines - The first four of the eight brand new combat utility helicopters purchased by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) from Poland are expected to be delivered this month.

Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, confirmed to the delivery of the Polish-made Swienik helicopters but did not say the exact date.

The PAF ordered the helicopters from Poland’s PZL Swidnik after the Polish company won the public bidding in 2008. PZL Swidnik is Poland’s biggest manufacturer of helicopters.

The P3-billion order is part of the modernization program of the AFP that involves the acquisition of eight combat utility helicopters and their integrated logistics support package.

The Swidnik utility helicopters can operate in any combat environment and provide organic general support for internal security operations, counter-terrorism, and territorial defense.

The acquisition of the helicopters will boost the firepower of the Air Force in its counter-insurgency operations and in the all-out war on terror, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group and some elements of the Jemaah Islamiyah which have links to the al-Qaeda terror group.

The acquisition of these helicopters is timely because the Air Force badly needs them to support government ground forces during combat operations.

The PAF’s main utility helicopters are the ageing UH1-H “Huey” which were acquired from the United States four decades ago.

The Air Force has also the MG-520 helicopter gunships acquired more than 20 years ago.

The PAF’s helicopter fleet has been depleted over the years due to crashes and lack of spare parts.

Aside from the choppers, the PAF also needs new fighter jets after its F-5 jetfighters were retired in 2004 because of old age.

The Swidnik helicopter can carry 14 persons, including the pilot and co-pilot, and has a maximum speed of 260 kilometers per hour and a range of 745 kilometers non-stop.

The Polish-made helicopter is armed with a variety of weapons, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground rockets, and .50 caliber machine guns. It is also equipped with radar and night vision devices.

It can climb to an altitude of 19,680 feet, more than twice that of the “Huey.”

The delivery of the remaining four Swidnik choppers will be made next year.

(PhilStar)

14 November 2011

The military's 23 new High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances as they were turned over Monday during the 72nd anniversary rites of the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo. The HMMWV, known as Humvee ambulance, is designed to for all types of roads, including cross-country terrains which are typical in conflict-affected development areas. (photo : Jepot-Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines – The military’s 23 newly-acquired units of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) ambulances were turned over Monday to the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps during the 72nd anniversary rites of the Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo.

Nineteen of said units will be given to the Philippine Army, while four will go to the Marines, said Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban in an interview with reporters after the ceremony.

He added that that it will be to the discretion of the Army and Marines how to distribute the said units.

“The goal of the project is to enhance the AFP’s health service support system focusing on the survivability of our combat casualties in the frontlines, providing adequate and timely medical support,” Oban also said.

He added that the procurement of the units “will surely be of great help” to the soldiers on the field for their combat missions.

Meanwhile, public affairs chief Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. added that the ambulance units are part of the $10M worth of medical equipment and supplies procurement project under the Foreign Military Sales Case PI-MTB of the Philippine Defense Reform Program.

The HMMWV, known as Humvee ambulance, is designed to for all types of roads, including cross-country terrains which are typical in conflict-affected development areas.

Each ambulance is equipped with life-support systems to provide immediate medical response to life-threatening combat casualty personnel before they are transported to medical treatment facilities.

(Inquirer)