Armée des Philippines / Armed Forces of the Philippines / Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas

Citation :

     Philippine Air Force Receives First SPYDER Ground Based Air Defense System


28 September 2022



First SPYDER MR unit of the PAF (photos : MaxDefense)


First photos of some of the SPYDER Air Defense System components for the Philippine Air Force including the SPYDER MR missile firing unit, field supply vehicles, and missile supply vehicles have been posted by MaxDefense.

This appears to be the first-ever photos available of the Philippine Air Force SPYDER Air Defense System which is now confirmed to be the SPYDER Medium Range variant.




The system used Czech-made Tatra offroad heavy-duty trucks which is also a giveaway to determine the variant used.

It remains to be seen and confirmed if the Radar Units and Command and Control Units have been delivered as well, since the Radar is one of the important features to determine how capable the system is, being the SPYDER eyes and ears.

(Da-Real)


http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2022/09/philippine-air-force-receives-first.html  

Citation :

Naval Group to supply anti-torpedo defense system to Philippines


Naval News October 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry


POSTED ON MONDAY, 24 OCTOBER 2022 11:02

 
According to a PR published by Naval Group on October 24, 2022, the representatives of the Department of National Defence for the Philippine Navy and Naval Group have conducted the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of CONTRALTO reaction module in France.


CANTO torpedo countermeasure (Picture source: Navy Recognition)



This milestone enables the installation of CONTRALTO into the C-Guard decoy launching system of the two frigates.

On 1st December 2021, Naval Group was notified of its first contract in the Philippines by the Department of National Defence for the Philippine Navy. Naval Group will provide anti-torpedo defence system based on CANTO/CONTRALTO countermeasures solution to equip the two Jose Rizal-class frigates.

CANTO is the latest countermeasure generation in the defence industry. This breakthrough in the field of anti-torpedo defence applies a unique concept to defend the frigate.

It is based on the dilution/confusion concept to defend high-value and mission-essential units by generating a high-level acoustic signal over 360-degree, covering the full frequency range of the attacking torpedo.

This anti-torpedo system is fitted with its associated reaction module Contralto, which computes the most appropriate evasive manoeuvre and deployment sequence once a threat is detected.

CANTO and CONTRALTO are worldwide references already in service in the French Navy and in many foreign navies.

Naval Group has announced the opening of its office in Manilla in late 2020. The company’s extensive portfolio opens many opportunities to address the entire range of Philippine naval needs from development of the naval forces to the constitution of a world-class submarine force.


https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/october/12392-naval-group-to-supply-anti-torpedo-defense-system-to-philippines.html

Citation :

No More OV-10 Spare Parts, PAF to Acquire 12 to 18 A-29B Super Tucano

14 November 2022

A-29B Super Tucano of the PAF (photo : 15th Strike Wing)

The Philippine Air Force has abandoned any plans to prolong the service life of their OV-10 Broncos fleet beyond their capacity to sustain them.


The OV-10 Broncos are expected to stay in service only for another 2-3 years, that's why the PAF is hoping that a follow-on order for 12-18 more brand-new A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft would be approved and financed as part of the early part of Horizon 3, or if possible, as part of 2nd List of Horizon 2.


The Philippine Air Force to replace the OV-10  and SF-260TP armed trainers and create a total of 2 squadrons of 12 aircraft each of fixed-wing light attack aircraft. 


Currently, the PAF only has 5+1 A-29Bs in service, forming a single-engine fixed-wing light attack squadron (16th Attack Squadron, 15th Strike Wing) together with the SF-260TPs.




DEFENSE STUDIES: No More OV-10 Spare Parts, PAF to Acquire 12 to 18 A-29B Super Tucano (defense-studies.blogspot.com)

Citation :

Philippine Navy commissions two Israeli made Nestor Acero class fast assault interdiction craft


Naval News November 2022

POSTED ON MONDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2022 

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According to information published by the Philippines News Agency on November 28, 2022, the Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service the first two of its fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms), the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-802).

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Fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms) BRP Nestor Acero and BRP Lolinato To-Ong.
 (Picture source: Philippine Navy)

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Ordered by the Philippine Navy from Israel Shipyards to eventually replace the Tomas Batilo-class fast attack crafts. Twelve were originally planned but only eight were initially funded as part of the Navy's procurement plan from 2018 to 2022.

These vessels are named after two Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal of Valor recipients -- the late Private First Class Nestor Acero and the late 1st Lt. Lolinato To-Ong.

These ships have a displacement of 95 tons, a maximum speed of 40 knots, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.

These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of these FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.

Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch non-line-of-sight missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.



Philippine Navy commissions two Israeli made Nestor Acero class fast assault interdiction craft (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

FEB  9

Philippine Army to buy Fuji-Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters from Japan

Max Montero on February 8 tweeted that, while the Philippine Army announced plans to acquire Fuji-Bell UH-1J Huey helicopters from Japan, it also showed interest to get at least 1 squadron of Fuji-Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, which are scheduled for retirement from the Japan Self Defense Force service soon.




World Defence News

Citation :

MAR  3

Philippine Army receives 533 Elbit Systems Hermes 90 Thor mini drones

According to Defense Studies, MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation that the Philippine Army has received an initial batch of brand new Hermes 90 Thor mini-unmanned aerial systems (mUAS) from Elbit Systems. These were procured as part of the Philippine Army's C4ISTAR Unmanned Aerial Systems Level 1 Acquisition Project, which is a Horizon 2-phase priority project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

Each system is composed of 2 Hermes 90 Thor mini-UAS and a man-portable flight and surveillance operating system (Picture source: Elbit Systems) Philippine Army receives 533 Elbit Systems Hermes 90 Thor mini drones | World Defence News

Citation :

Philippines Received the Third and Last Delivery of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft

08 Maret 2023

Third C-295 of the PAF (photo : PNA, PAF)

Acceptance, Turn-over and Blessing Ceremony of PAF's  Newly Acquired C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft 


After receiving the third and last delivery of the  C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft under Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program this February, the Philippine Air Force held its formal Acceptance, Turn-over, and Blessing (ATOB) on March 7, 2023 with President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. as the Guest of Honor. The ATOB was held at the Haribon Hangar, CAB, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.


Three (3) units of brand new C-295s Medium Lift Aircraft were acquired by the PAF from Spain's  Airbus Defence and Space, in addition to its four (4) existing units acquired in 2015 and 2019. The said fleet is being operated by the 220th Airlift Wing for multiple missions such as tactical airlift, medical evacuation, paradrop/airdrop, VIP transport, as well as civic and humanitarian airlift missions.


With the Commander-in-Chief gracing yet another PAF historical milestone, Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr, OIC, Department of National Defense, formally received the documents for the turn-over of the newly delivered C-295 aircraft from his Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines. Usec Galvez then turned-over the documents to the Philippine Air Force through LtGen Stephen P Parreño PAF, Commanding General, PAF.

Also present during the ATOB ceremony are Gov Dennis Pineda, Pampanga Governor; Gen Andres C Centino PA, Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP); MGen Fernyl G Buca PAF, Commander, Northern Luzon Command (COMNOLCOM); key Officers from the AFP; and several Airbus Defence and Space S.A. (ADS) Representatives.


Right after the ATOB ceremony, President Marcos Jr, as the  Commander in Chief of the AFP,  had his first flight aboard the  PAF FA-50PH.  The  demonstration flight  took about twenty minutes to complete, after which,  His Excellency’s safe and successful flight was capped with an awarding of the honorary aeronautical patches by the Commanding General PAF and the  5th Fighter Wing pilots. 
Gracing the ATOB activity and going through the FA50 PH  demonstration flight is a testament of  the Commander-in- Chief's faith  and confidence in the PAF's aircraft and aircrew,  and his support and commitment  for a  modern Philippine Air Force.



(PAF)


DEFENSE STUDIES: Philippines Received the Third and Last Delivery of the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft (defense-studies.blogspot.com)

Citation :

ÉTUDES DE DÉFENSE: L’artillerie PH-US mène des exercices de tir réel de jour et de nuit avec des obusiers tractés américains M119A3 de 105 mm (defense-studies.blogspot.com)

Citation :

Philippine Army

Two units of the Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 155mm self-propelled guns on stand-by at the 3rd Infantry Division’s (3ID) headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz, 3ID announced on April 23, 2023.

Citation :

17 ASCOD-2 Tracked Armored Vehicles from Spain to Arrive in the Philippines Soon


14 Juli 2023


ASCOD-2 light tank bound for Philippines (photos : Ronkainen)


Ronkainen @ Twitter has reported that 17 ASCOD 2 tracked armored vehicles were loaded to a ship in the Port of Algeciras in Spain, bound for the Philippines last week.

The vehicles are composed of 16 ASCOD 2 vehicles which will be completed as Sabrah light tanks and 1 ASCOD 2 armored recovery vehicle.




The ASCOD 2 vehicles were built by Santa Barbara Sistemas of Spain, which is a subsidiary of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).

These vehicles were acquired by the Philippine Army as part of the Light Tank Acquisition Project.


http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2023/07/17-ascod-2-tracked-armored-vehicles.html  

Got confirmation that the Philippine Army has received all Hermes 90 THOR mini UAVs it ordered from Elbit Systems as of late 2022.

More than 1,000 quadcopter mini drones were involved in the deal that also included other fixed wing UAVs from Elbit Systems.
Elbit Systems, MDP pic.twitter.com/J6j0HNOPm6

— Max Montero (@MonteroMax) August 7, 2023

Citation :

SEP 20

Philippine Marine Corps and Navy receive upgraded Cadillac Gage V-150 Commando and
V-300 light armored vehicles


Indian company Larsen & Toubro Ltd, in collaboration with the Indian Government, has successfully delivered upgraded Cadillac Gage V-150
Commando and V-300 light armored vehicles to the Philippine Navy (Marines) and Philippine Air Force on September 19, 2023, MaxDefense
Philippines reports.




Cadillac Gage V-150 and V-300 Commandos after modernization by the Indian company Larsen & Toubro (Picture source: Philippine Marine
Corps and Philippine Navy)



http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/09/philippine-marine-corps-and-navy.html

Citation :

OCT 17

Philippine Army to get re-equipped with Combat Reflex Sights


The Philippine Army has formally announced a re-equirement for 5,050 new Red Dot Combat Reflex Sights as part of its modernization efforts.
These sights will be specifically mounted on newly acquired T4 Taurus assault rifles. This move is aimed at enhancing the Army's combat
capabilities and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024 if all goes as planned.


The technical requirements specify that the sight housing material is to be made of aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and low weight.
We do not have any further details at this time (Picture source: Wikimedia)


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/10/philippine-army-to-get-re-equipped-with.html  

Citation :

OCT 18

Philippines Air Force to get three new C-130J-30 Super Hercules


According to the Asia Pacific Defense Journal on October 18, 2023, the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) has confirmed its order
of three new C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin. The DND's issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) to
Lockheed Martin signifies the initiation of the contract to supply these advanced aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The PAF is set to receive
the C-130J-30 variant, an extended version of the Super Hercules, boasting a 15-foot longer fuselage compared to the standard model.



The Philippines is the second country, after Indonesia, to incorporate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft into its military fleet
(Picture source: Lockheed Martin)


 http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/10/philippines-air-force-to-get-three-new.html

Citation :

 Un F/A-50 philippin a pris le dessus sur un F-22A Raptor lors d’un combat aérien simulé

PAR LAURENT LAGNEAU · 1 NOVEMBRE 202"


À partir de 1976, le commandement américain pour le Pacifique [US Pacific Command] parraina l’exercice bilatéral « Cope Thunder », alors régulièrement organisé aux Philippines. Mais, après l’éruption du mont Pinatubo, en juin 1991, il fut relocalisé en Alaska, sous le nom de « Green Flag ». En outre, il prit par la même occasion une plus grande ampleur, les bases aériennes d’Eielson et d’Elemndorf-Richardson pouvant accueillir jusqu’à une centaine d’avions de combat par édition.

Cela étant, les États-Unis ayant à nouveau assuré les Philippines de leur soutien « sans faille » contre « toute intimidation ou coercition, y compris en mer de Chine méridionale », où Pékin conteste la souveraineté de Manille sur plusieurs îlots, les forces américaines et philippines ont relancé leurs relations, lesquelles avaient été « abîmées » sous la présidence de Rodrigo Duterte [2016-22]. Et cela passe donc par l’organisation de manoeuvres militaires de grande ampleur.

C’est dans ce contexte que, pour la première fois depuis le début des années 1990, les Philippines ont accueilli l’exercice « Cope Thunder » en juillet dernier. Signe de l’importance qui lui a été donnée du côté américain, l’US Air Force y a engagé des avions d’attaque A-10 Warthog et des chasseurs de supériorité aérienne F-22A Raptor exploités par les 19e et 199e escadron de chasse, basés à Hawaï.

Mis en service en 2005, le F-22A Raptor passe pour être l’un des meilleurs avions de combat au monde. Grâce à sa faible signature radar et ses performances en vol, il est capable de détruire une cible en vol au-delà de la portée visuelle [Beyond Visual Range – BVR] sans être détecté.

Aussi, l’engagement de tels appareils dans Cope Thunder 23 a été l’occasion de montrer aux Philippines que leur défense est prise très au sérieux et que leurs forces aériennes peuvent être considérées comme des partenaires fiables, alors que les moyens de celles-ci sont limités, avec seulement une douzaine de chasseurs légers [mais supersoniques] F/A-50 Golden Eagle, acquis auprès du constructeur sud-coréen KAI. En outre, le rôle du F-22A a certainement consisté à simuler la menace des J-20 chinois, également présentés comme des avions de supériorité aérienne de « cinquième génération ».

Cela étant, lors « d’entraînements aves des forces alliées ou partenaires », avait indiqué un récent rapport du Governement Accountability Office [GAO], l’US Air Force bride les performances du F-22A Raptor afin de « ne pas exposer des secrets » relatifs à « ses véritables capacités ».

Toujours est-il que, lors de Cope Thunder 23, l’un des F-22A Raptor engagés s’est trouvé en mauvaise posture face à un F/A-50 philippin, au cours d’un combat aérien [dogfight] simulé dans les environs de Luçon. C’est en tout cas ce qu’affirme, photographie à l’appui, le journal de la 5e escadre de chasse de la force aérienne des Philippines.

Here’s a copy of the whole article detailing the FA-50PH’s successful engagement against a F-22 Raptor during the Exercise Cope Thunder.

All rights reserved to “The Fighter’s Journal” of the 5th Fighter Wing. pic.twitter.com/RSjDfvE2T0

— Keen Sentinel (@Keen_Sentinel) October 29, 2023

« Il s’agit d’un exploit historique puisque l’avion principal des forces aériennes des Phlippines a engagé et défait un avion de combat de cinquième génération dans une simulation de combat aérien dans l’espace aérien au-dessus de Luçon lors de l’exercice Cope Thunder », indique la publication officielle de la 5e escadre.

Ce n’est pas la première fois que le F-22A Raptor est mis en difficulté lors d’un exercice. Il l’avait ainsi été face à des Rafale français, à l’occasion de l’Advanced Tactical Leadership Course [ATLC] organisé en 2009 aux Émirats arabes unis. L’appareil américain n’avait réussi à ne mettre qu’un seul coup au but en 6 confrontations.

Cela étant, ayant d’abord été conçu pour des engagements de type BVR, le F-22A Raptor ne devrait théoriquement pas se retrouver dans une situation où il aurait à livrer un dogfight face à un adversaire. Aussi, les règles d’engagement et le scénario de l’exercice au cours duquel un F/A-50 philippin en a fictivement abattu un mériteraient d’être précisées.

https://www.opex360.com/2023/11/01/un-f-a-50-philippin-a-pris-le-dessus-sur-un-f-22a-raptor-lors-dun-combat-aerien-simule/
 

Citation :

NOV 6

Mitsubishi MELCO delivers surveillance radars to Philippines


As reported by the Asian Military Review on November 3, 2023, Japan has successfully transferred the initial air surveillance radar system
manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to the Philippines. The contract for this air surveillance radar system includes
three fixed long-range radar systems and one mobile radar system, which was approved by the then-Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin
Lorenzana on August 28, 2022.



The Philippines might receive the improved version of MELCO's J/FPS-3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the mobile
J/TPS-P14 radar. (Picture source: Wikimedia)


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/11/mitsubishi-melco-delivers-surveillance.html

Citation :

 PN AW159 Wildcat Helicopter Now Installed with Rafael Spike Datalink and Launch Pylons


16 November 2023


PN AW159 Wildcat anti-submarine helicopter (photo : Pilipinas Defense)

During the Philippine Navy Naval Air Wing's anniversary, the AW159 Wildcat naval helicopter was shown with the Rafael Spike datalink antenna
and launch pylons installed to support Spike NLOS missile operations.
This could mean that the PN NAW may already have the Spike NLOS in their inventory.


Wildcat firing Spike NLOS missile (photo : Rafael)

The Philippine Navy's AW159 Wildcat was procured with the integration of Spike NLOS in mind as a limited air-to-ground light anti-ship missile
with a 50 km range.

The use of Spike NLOS is similar to the AW159 Wildcat helicopters used by the Republic of Korea Navy, which also uses the missile for a similar
purpose.


(Da-Real)


http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2023/11/pn-aw159-wildcat-helicopter-now.html