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

Rappel du premier message :

La Turque a vendu 6 ZMA aux Philippines, voici la vidéo:

http://www.trt.net.tr/Haber/HaberDetay.aspx?HaberKodu=6d08972d-a29d-4110-9cb8-5b1a2f0ce1ef

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New Navy choppers to be delivered December

FORT SAN FELIPE, Cavite City - The Navy is expected to receive this December three new helicopters that are seen to boost its maritime security capabilities.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano said the three helicopters would constitute the first batch of air assets to be delivered by the supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.

The government is acquiring a total five AW 109 Power helicopters from the Anglo-Italian firm for P1.3 billion.

“We are looking at the acquisition of naval helicopters. The initial batch will be arriving by December this year,” Alano said on the sidelines of the Navy’s anniversary celebration here.

“The helicopters (were acquired through) the proper procurement process,” he added.

In its website, AugustaWestland described the AW 109 as “a versatile aircraft that offers the highest level of benefits for government and military markets, combining optimum performance with cost-effectiveness.”


The helicopters can be used for maritime security, search and rescue and surface surveillance, among other operations.

The government and AugustaWestland signed the contract for the acquisition of the helicopters last December.

In a recent statement, Vincenzo Alaimo, AgustaWestland’s head of regional sales for Southeast Asia, said the AW 109 would “provide the Philippine Navy with an enhanced maritime operational capability.”

Meanwhile, Alano said they are looking forward to the arrival of a warship they acquired from United States (US) this August.

Alano said the acquisition of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz would provide them with the added capability to enforce Philippine maritime laws.

Officials previously expected the ship to arrive last January but the schedule was pushed back due to the need for repairs and personnel training. The government spent more than P600 million to acquire the vessel.

BRP Alcaraz was acquired from the US Coast Guard and was largely used for law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction and search and rescue.

BRP Alcaraz can accommodate up to 180 personnel and was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Navy officer who commanded a patrol boat during World War II.

It is the second vessel acquired by the Philippines from the US, the first one being BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which was commissioned in December 2011

http://www.philstar.com

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Several countries interested in buying ex-Spanish Navy Aircraft Carrier Principe de Asturias

According to rumors that emerged recently in the Spanish press, the Philippines as well as several Arab countries have expressed interest in purchasing the former Spanish Navy Aircraft Carrier Principe de Asturias. In case of a sale, the contract would include refit and upgrading of the vessel by Spanish shipyard Navantia.
It is reported that Indonesia already expressed interest in the vessel earlier this year. Following an official visit by TNI AL (Indonesian Navy) delegation to the El Ferrol naval base however, Indonesia decided not to purchase the aircraft carrier.

Principe de Asturias was officially decommissioned in February 2013, with the initial intention to dismantle it for scrap. However this initial plan changed when Spanish Ministry of Defense reportedly received several requests for the aircraft carrier from several countries. Spanish Navy confirmed that there are potential buyers, but has yet to materialize any sales transaction.

navyrecognition.com

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Philippines to Acquire Israeli Missiles
In the midst of a territorial dispute with China in the western Philippine Sea, the state is interested in procuring missile systems from Rafael and IMI



In the wake of the increased tension with China over a territorial dispute in the western Philippine Sea, the Philippine newspaper Manila Standard is reporting the Philippine government is planning to procure guided antiaircraft systems from Israel.

According to the newspaper, the missiles and launch systems that are being considered are produced by Rafael and Israel Military Industries (IMI), and Philippine Secretary of Defense Voltaire Gazmin is expected to arrive in Israel this week in order to close the details of the deal. The Philippine source who conveyed the information to the newspaper claimed that once an agreement has been concluded, the systems could reach the state within three to six months.

Efforts are underway in the Philippines to upgrade the state's military capabilities, which includes the procurement of new aircraft and naval vessels, and the state intends to procure additional measures and products in the framework of government-to-government deals.
http://www.israeldefense.com

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All PAF W-3A 'Sokols' Operational

17 Juni 2013

                                                         PAF W-3A Sokol helicopter (photo : helihub)

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday said that all of the country's eight W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters are operational and mission capable.

"They are all operational," said PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol.

Okol said that six of the helicopters are now being used for various missions from search-and-rescue, to administration lift duties.

"While two are for transition training. All are with the 505th Search and Rescue Group," the PAF spokesperson said.

The last batch of four W-3A "Sokol" arrived in pairs last Nov. 26, 2012 and Feb. 17 this year.

This is the last batch of four out of the eight ordered from Augusta PZL Swidnik of Poland sometime in 2010.

The four earlier delivered was commissioned and put in service on March 9, 2012.

The PAF's W3-A "Sokols" or "Falcon" combat utility helicopters are equipped with the latest navigation and avionics systems including a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, allowing it to operate day and night in all weather conditions.

This six-ton class helicopter can transport up to 11 troops in the cabin or can lift up to 2,100 kilograms using its external cargo hook.

This helicopter can also be fitted with a M-60D machine gun on each side of the cabin.

PZL-Swidnik is Poland’s the biggest aerospace manufacturer with the capability to design, develop and manufacture its own helicopters. 


http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2013/06/all-paf-w-3a-sokols-operational.html

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25 Juni 2013

Army Eyes Hi-tech Mounted Artillery

25 Juni 2013

Soltam Atmos 2000 Wheeled self-propelled 155 mm howitzer (photo : Elbit)

THE Philippine Army is planning to purchase a number of self-propelled 155mm artillery to bolster the country’s territorial defense capability, defense and military sources told Manila Standard Today.

The sources did not disclose how many guns are being considered, but Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes is pushing for the acquisition of a computerized autonomous truck-mounted 155mm artillery system produced by the Israeli defense contractor Soltam Systems.

The military already has 14 Soltam M-71 155mm towed howitzers, 12 M114A1 155mm towed howitzers and hundreds of 105mm howitzers, including 12 that were recently donated by the Italian government.

One source said the delivery of 12 more 155mm howitzers of unspecified make has been delayed and Coballes wants to junk the order and replace it with advanced wheeled howitzers made by Soltam.

The system is called Autonomous Truck Mounted System (ATMOS) 2000, a long range, fast moving, truck mounted howitzer with high firepower and mobility, rapid deployment, short response time, operable in all kinds of terrain.

The system is integrated with a fully computerized system, providing an automatic control, accurate navigation and target acquisition, the system is offered with various gun calibers, but the military is interested in the 39 calibre, or 155mm.

However, the source said the ATMOS 2000 will likely need the approval of the Department of National Defense because the cost of the system may surpass the P50-million cap given to the Armed Forces chief of staff.

Moreover, the source said the project may pose a “little problem” because the prime movers, or artillery tractors, of the 12 155mm guns that the defense department ordered three years ago from an unidentified overseas supplier gas already been delivered.

“I think there are at least 12 prime movers – those big military trucks you saw during one of the presentations made by the AFP – have already been delivered,” the source said.

“If are they going to scrap the purchase and delivery of the 12 cannons, what will they do with the prime movers that are already with the AFP?” he asked.

A second source confirmed said that six of the prime movers are with the Army while the other six are with the Marines.

When aslked to confirm the planned artillery purchase, Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. declined to confirm or deny the proposal.

“I am not at liberty to discuss the specifics of the AFP Modernization program much more the details and types of armaments to be acquired,” he said.

But a third source said Department of National Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez left for Istael last week along with representatives from the different armed services to shop and possibly initiate purchase agreement with suppliers.

Among the items in the agenda is the possible acquisition of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) or multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) from Israel Military Industries Ltd. or Rafael Advance Defense Systems, the source said.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2013/06/army-eyes-hi-tech-mounted-artillery.html

CARAT Philippines 2013

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 29, 2013) The Philippine Coast Guard vessel Edsa (SARV 002), left, and the Philippine Navy frigate Gregorio Del Pilar (PF 15) steam in formation during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013. More than 600 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Philippines 2013. U.S. Navy units participating in CARAT Philippines include the Fitzgerald with embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 staff, a U.S. Marine Corps landing force, and the diving and salvage vessels USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) and USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1.

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 29, 2013) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) wave at the Philippine Navy frigate Gregorio Del Pilar (PF 15) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013.

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SUBIC BAY, Philippines (June 28, 2013) A Philippine Marine secures a passageway during a visit, board, search and seizure training event held in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013.

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SUBIC BAY, Philippines (June 28, 2013) Electronics Technician 1st Class Anthony Nekervis, left, assigned to Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST), teaches members of the Philippine Marines visit, board, search and seizure techniques in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013.

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Philippine Navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz PF-16, former U.S.C.G.C. Dallas, WHEC-716, at San Diego, California on June 29, 2013

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Philippines to buy 2 frigates from Italy
Agence France-Presse


MANILA - The Philippines is set to buy two Maestrale-class frigates from Italy, a defense official said Wednesday, as the Asian nation races to upgrade its military amid mounting territorial disputes with China.

The frigates, along with 12 FA-50 fighter aircraft, are the most significant items on the government's 75-billion-peso ($1.7-billion) military modernization budget over the next five years, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said.

"We are modernizing not because we want to go to war with China," he told a news conference.

He said the government had a sworn obligation to defend the "West Philippine Sea," using the government's preferred term for Philippine-claimed areas in the South China Sea.

"We are not saying that this is part of our preparations to assert our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. What we are saying is that we cannot just give them up."

The frigates would add to two refurbished Hamilton-class cutters formerly used by the US Coast Guard that the Philippines acquired from its US ally to upgrade its ageing navy fleet, which includes some vessels that first saw action in World War II.

Manalo said the navy had already decided to acquire two new Maestrale-class frigates instead of buying used ones from the Italian navy, and had budgeted 18 billion pesos for them.

The Philippines could be ready to tender by the end of the year, he added.

Meanwhile, the government had alloted 18.9 billion pesos to acquire the fighter aircraft, which are built by South Korea, he added.

The modernization budget also provides for building or improving facilities to berth and provide maintenance to the vessels on the military's shopping list, Manalo said.

President Benigno Aquino vowed Monday to rebuild the air force by 2016.

The Philippines, which has one of the weakest military forces in the region, retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

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Philippine Air Force to get 8 new attack choppers

By Alexis Romero, The Philippine Star
Posted at 07/10/2013 12:55 AM | Updated as of 07/10/2013 12:55 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Eight brand new attack helicopters capable of navigating safely in bad weather will be acquired for P3.4 billion for the Air Force.

A bid bulletin of the Department of National Defense (DND) shows that the project would involve the purchase of eight helicopters with full night operation capability, complete weapons system and integrated logistics support package.

“These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night,” read the bulletin.

The deadline for the submission of bids has been slated tentatively on July 24, but it can be moved if prospective bidders request for an extension.

The DND said: “The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of our Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission.”

A prospective bidder, to be qualified, must have completed within 10 years from the date of submission of bids a contract similar to the project.

Bids that are higher than the approved budget contract of P3.4 billion will be rejected at the outset.

The helicopters must be delivered within 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit, which serves as an assurance that the government would pay the winning bidder.

The Air Force’s inventory has been depleted due to recent accidents that killed some of its pilots.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Cherchent des Mangusta ?

12 FA-12 pour 460M$ ... les négociations devront prendre fin d'ici le mois prochain

http://www.infosdefense.com/les-philippines-comptent-acheter-12-fa-50-85613/

Fremo a écrit:

12 FA-12 pour 460M$ ... les négociations devront prendre fin d'ici le mois prochain

http://www.infosdefense.com/les-philippines-comptent-acheter-12-fa-50-85613/

c'est assez chère quand meme

arsenik a écrit:

Fremo a écrit:

12 FA-12 pour 460M$ ... les négociations devront prendre fin d'ici le mois prochain

http://www.infosdefense.com/les-philippines-comptent-acheter-12-fa-50-85613/

c'est assez chère quand meme

à même pas 40 millions l'avions si c'est un package complet alors non c'est pas cher du tout

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Philippine Coast Guard to buy ex-French Navy patrol ship

By JC CahinhinanJuly 19, 2013 / 17:09 PHT



The Philippine Coast Guard is set to acquire a former French Navy vessel worth €6 million to boost its off-shore patrol capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.

Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said the procurement of 54.8-meter French Navy vessel La Tapageuse has already been approved by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Isorena said the PCG is looking forward to this new acquisition that is expected to boost its capability for maritime search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security.

"This French vessel is multi-functional and it would be a major contribution to our fleet. Unlike other vessels that are more appropriate for (Search and Rescue) operations, this soon-to-be latest addition was made for sovereignty patrol and law enforcement", Isorena said.

He added the vessel will be deployed to places like the West Philippine Sea, Northern Luzon, and Southern Mindanao.

The Tapaguese has a built-in 40-millimeter anti-aircraft gun, a 20-millimeter anti-aircraft cannon, and two 7.62-millimeter machine guns.

The PCG will be buying the ship at a reasonable price of €399,000 but the refurbishing of the ship would entail additional cost. The Philippine government will be spending a total of €6.295 million or an equivalent of Php 354,754,000 million.

Tapaguese, until recently stationed in Papeete, French Polynesia, is expected to arrive in the country in April next year.

The Coast Guard chief explained that while the vessel is already 26 years old, it was thoroughly inspected last year and it was assessed to have another 20 years of usage yet.


Photo: Tapaguese at sea off Tahiti in 2003/ Jean-Michel Roche

The Philippine government is also in talks with French government for four brand new 24-meter and one 82-meter multipurpose vessels.

Meanwhile, Isorena also mentioned the construction of 10 multi-role patrol boats with Japan and noted the PCG and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is in the last phase of the agreement resolving the issue that five of the boats would be made in Japan and five boats by shipbuilders in the Philippines.

“One of the agenda in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scheduled visit to our country next month is to finalize the details of the agreement in the construction of the multi-role vessels. We anticipate the arrival of these ships in year 2016”, the PCG commandant said.

The country’s maritime law enforcement agency is also anticipating the arrival of at least 25 out of a total 300 aluminium-hull boats this coming September. The remaining 275 boats, manufactured in Subic, will come in a staggered schedule until April next year.

The boats, which can seat 10, will be deployed for interisland, coastline and harbor-type patrols.

“There have been instances wherein our Coast Guard personnel had to hire the services of a fishing boat in order to respond to a situation and this takes time," Isorena said. He said the deployment of the aluminum-hull boats will improve the PCG's response time.

--

Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

http://manila.coconuts.co/2013/07/19/philippine-coast-guard-buy-ex-french-navy-patrol-ship

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Defense chief says purchase of 8 Sokol choppers from Poland is last



MANILA, Philippines—”Of what use is a combat helicopter if you cannot use its machine gun?” President Aquino asked in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the purchase of eight Sokol helicopters from Poland would be the last by the Department of National Defense (DND) since they could not be used in combat, after all.

“I understand helicopters because I’m a combat officer. The first thing I noticed was, why do you have to remove the machine gun before you can get inside it? The entrance is too narrow, it’s all wrong,” said Gazmin, a former Army Special Forces commander.

The P2.8-billion deal with Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland for eight Sokol helicopters had been signed, sealed and delivered when he assumed office in July 2010, Gazmin said.

“We just had to make the payment,” he said.

The eight Sokol (Falcon in Polish) helicopters were delivered in two batches in 2012.

The contract was finalized during the last months of the Arroyo administration when Norberto Gonzales, the national security adviser, was also defense secretary.

When the first batch of four choppers arrived in March 2012, the PAF hailed the addition to their depleted air assets.

The Sokols were supposed to replace the Vietnam-vintage UH-1H Huey helicopters the PAF used in search and rescue, medical evacuation and combat utility missions.

But in his Sona on Monday, President Aquino said the helicopters could not be used to ferry soldiers to combat zones because the machine guns were mounted at the door, blocking entry and exit.

“If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, of what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?” Aquino said.

Gazmin said he had not made up his mind whether or not to order an investigation and go after those responsible for the purchase of the Sokols even if these did not meet the PAF’s requirements.

“We’ll study that. I cannot answer that question yet,” he said.

He said the helicopters would be used in search and rescue missions and the DND would proceed with the acquisition of attack helicopters. “But no longer the Sokol. We are looking at other brands of aircraft and helicopters.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

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What is the BRP Alcaraz, our second warship, capable of?


MANILA - What is the Philippines’ second warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz capable of in terms of firepower?

While it has no missile system, the former Hamilton-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has been equipped with two units of 25mm bushmaster gun system for defensive purposes.

The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., which manufactures missile systems, has offered a proposal to the Department of National Defense (DND) to arm the ship with a missile system, a Navy source told InterAksyon.com.

BRP Alcaraz has not been equipped with missile system because “under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS), arming the ship with sophisticated weapons such as missiles needs the approval of (the US) Congress.”

Also, such weapons are very expensive and were not included in the acquisition plan of the BRP Alcaraz, the source said.

“Makikita niyo bukas kung naka-mount na ba itong dalawang machineguns na ito sa may bandang likuran ng barko o hindi pa (You will see tomorrow if these two machineguns have already been mounted toward the back of the ship or not). This type of gun system is for defensive purposes,” the source said.

He said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will most likely be installed with a missile system first.

Like the BRP del Pilar, the first acquisition from the USCG, the BRP Alcaraz has a 76mm machine.

Decommissioned by the USCG several years ago, the two cutters were bought and refurbished by the Navy for more than P1 billion to boost its naval capability for territorial defense in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against aggressors such as China.

On Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino III will lead the welcoming and commissioning of BRP Alcaraz at Subic, Zambales, where it is currently anchored after almost a month of sea voyage from the US.

The skipper of BRP Alcaraz is Capt. Renato Baldovino, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1991.

Some of his batch mates are currently skippers of Navy ships or battalion commanders in the Army and Marines.

Baldovino topped the Naval Officer Qualification Course and was formerly assigned at the PMA Training Cadets. He underwent commandership in patrol gunboats and patrol craft escort.

A licensed electronics and communications engineer, he is also a seasoned skipper of Navy ships, assigned from Luzon to Mindanao, including a stint in patrolling WPS particularly the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

http://www.interaksyon.com

45M$ l'unité  

Citation :

Philippine; Navy looks at Indonesian Ship yard sea lift vessels

Philippines Department of National Defense is negotiating procurement of two ' strategic sealift vessels from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL to for the Philippine Navy. Value of the negotiated deal is $90 million.

http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7797:philippine-navy-looks-at-indonesian-ship-yard-sea-lift-vessels-&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56

9 septembre- combat entre les forces gouvernementale et le Front de libération National Moro (MNLF).

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Philippines Gets US Patrol Boats To Fight Militants


MANILA — The United States gave the Philippine military six patrol boats Wednesday to be used in a southern region where armed Muslim militants are active, the military said.
The small-unit riverine craft (SURCs) are part of a US programme to train and equip foreign military forces for "counter-terrorism", Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Alano said in a statement.
"The SURCs will be deployed to augment our sea-based forces to address terrorism and lawlessness such as the current crisis in Mindanao," Alano added.
For the past three weeks, thousands of elite troops have been battling Muslim guerrillas of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who occupied several coastal villages in the key southern port of Zamboanga on Mindanao island.
Mindanao and nearby island groups are also a hotbed of other armed groups including communist guerrillas, bandits and Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic extremist group blamed for the country's worst terror attacks.
Funded by the late Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden in the 1990s, Abu Sayyaf has targetted foreigners with kidnappings for ransom.
The group killed two Americans in a 2001 hostage crisis that lasted more than a year.
US troops have been based in the southern Philippines since 2002 to help train local troops in hunting down members of the Abu Sayyaf, which is on the US government's list of so-called foreign terrorist organisations.
Designed to patrol rivers and coastal areas, the high-speed, small-unit riverine craft can carry 14 fully-armed marines and six crew members, Philippine marine spokesman Captain Rowan Rimas told AFP.
The boats are worth a combined $12 million, he added.



http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130925/DEFREG03/309250014/Philippines-Gets-US-Patrol-Boats-Fight-Militants

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BEEFING UP | PH planning to acquire 3 submarines, other military assets - report


MANILA - The Philippines plans to acquire three submarines and among many other military assets, Northern Luzon Command head Major Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang says in a paper cited by the state-run Philippine News Agency.
PNA quoted Catapang as noting that submarines, by their inherent stealth capabilities, may be deployed to monitor and protect the country's extensive maritime domains. The vessels being eyed are conventional-powered or diesel-electric types, and not the nuclear-powered ones.
Also supposedly being eyed is the acquisition of six frigates for anti-air warfare, 12 corvettes for anti-submarine warfare, 18 offshore patrol vessels, and three anti-mine warfare ships.
The PNA said Catapang's paper did not specify when and how much it will cost the Philippines to complete these acquisitions.
An earlier Philippine Navy (PN) study revealed that some P497 billion is needed to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy will acquire the above-mentioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault craft that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also envisioned are eight amphibious maritime patrol aircraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that the majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/72226/beefing-up--ph-planning-to-acquire-3-submarines-other-military-assets

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Phl eyes frigates from India



MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines, which is beefing up its defense capability, is considering the procurement of naval frigates from India.
Philippine officials discussed this the other day with a visiting delegation from India led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.
India has intensified its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as part of its “Look East” policy in the past decade.
Khurshid, who met yesterday with Vice President Jejomar Binay, said the relationship between the two countries is “extremely important.”
“Now is the time to begin a new chapter,” Khurshid said yesterday over lunch with Filipino officials as he emphasized the two countries’ “shared aspirations and shared attitudes.”
The Philippines is eyeing the procurement of two frigates from India, a nuclear power with its own military shipbuilding capability.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/10/23/1248390/phl-eyes-frigates-india

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11 firms interested in P18-B ship deal

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven companies have expressed interest to join the bidding for the acquisition of two Navy ships worth P18 billion.
The 11 firms are Piriou Naval Services, Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures), Thyssenkrupp Marine System, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Damen Shipyards, Fincantieri, STX France SA, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc., Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., DCNS France and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd., according to data The STAR has obtained  from the Department of National Defense (DND).
It remains uncertain though if all these companies will join the bidding to be held this month.
The frigate acquisition project aims to boost the Navy’s territorial defense capability and disaster response efforts. The project is one of the big-ticket items in the military’s shopping list.
The winning bidder must deliver the ships within four years from the opening of a letter of credit.
The vessels will arrive after President Aquino’s term ends in 2016.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the vessels can be used to boost the country’s security presence in the West Philippine Sea, repatriate migrant workers and respond to calamities.
The frigates to be acquired will be equipped with ammunition, according to a DND bid bulletin issued recently.
The bidding will be held in two stages due to the technical and detailed nature of the project.
The first stage bids must be submitted to the DND on or before Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Late bids, as well as those that are higher than the approved budget of P18 billion, will not be accepted.
In the first stage of bidding, officials will screen the offers and determine which of them are qualified to proceed to the next stage.
Eligible bidders will be notified for the second stage bidding upon the completion and validation of the documents they submitted.
The date for the second stage bidding has yet to be announced.
Originally, the government planned to buy second-hand ships, but eventually decided to buy brand-new ones.
Previously, security officials said acquiring second-hand ships would be more costly in the long run as these would require upgrades and repairs.
The two frigates to be acquired for the Navy are expected to complement the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the two warships acquired recently from the US. 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/10/15/1245431/11-firms-interested-p18-b-ship-deal

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Italian firm bags P3-B PAF helicopter deal

MANILA, Philippines - An Anglo-Italian company has won the bidding to supply eight attack helicopters worth P3.44 billion for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The STAR learned that a notice of award was issued to aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland late last month.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo confirmed the report, saying the helicopters may be delivered next year if the budget is released soon.

“If the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) releases the cash allocation, the letter of credit could be opened immediately and the helicopters could be delivered before the end of December next year,” Manalo said.

A letter of credit is a document that assures the winning bidder or supplier that the government will honor its financial obligations.

Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said the Air Force would be getting eight 109 Power (109 P) attack helicopters with .50 caliber machine guns and rocket launchers.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“We will be offered a combination of rocket launchers and two .50 caliber (machine guns). We were able to negotiate that the rocket launchers to be installed could fire rockets,” Velez said.

In its website, AgustaWestland described 109 Power helicopters as “versatile aircraft that offers the highest level of benefits for commercial, government and military markets.”

“The Power’s flexibility allows it to perform executive transport with stylish elegance, offshore and emergency medical services or conduct surveillance and patrol missions for police forces,” the description read.

AgustaWestland, the lone bidder for the project, offered to supply the eight helicopters for P3,441,415,000.

The bid is just P45,000 lower than the P3,441,460,000 approved budget for the helicopters.

A financial bid, however, could be accepted as long as it falls within the budget.

Defense officials previously said that the bid price is lower compared to the helicopters purchased by other countries.

The bid translates to 7.532 million euros per unit (about P430.15 million), lower than the package price per unit of the helicopters acquired by the Bulgarian police (7.547 million euros) and the Bangladesh Navy (8.6 million euros).

In its bid bulletin, the defense department said the helicopters to be purchased should have full night operation capability with complete weapons system and integrated logistics support package.

They should also be capable of navigating in bad weather and performing close air support.

The helicopters should be delivered within 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit.

http://www.philstar.com