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

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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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Palace OKs payment scheme for Korean fighter jets


MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang has approved the payment scheme for the purchase of 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea, taking the deal to acquire the air assets a step closer to completion.

The defense department has been allowed to make an advance payment of 15 percent of the total contract price to South Korean firm Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The project has an approved budget of P18.9 billion and is one of the big-ticket items in the military’s upgrade program.

Malacañang has also granted the defense department’s request to tap a progress payment scheme, wherein the government will pay the supplier on a mutually-agreed upon schedule.

The approval of the payment scheme was contained in a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Feb. 13.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo confirmed the approval of the payment scheme for the multibillion-peso project.

Sources told The STAR the defense department is seeking to complete the negotiations with KAI within the week. Officials are now preparing a contract on the payment scheme.

The government is planning to spend P18.9 billion for the jets to boost the country’s territorial defense capabilities.

It will also spend P135.99 million for the basing support systems of the jets.

KAI initially wanted 52 percent down payment to cover manufacturing costs, but it dropped the payment scheme and agreed to a progressive payment.

Under the new scheme, the government would deliver payments upon completion of certain “milestones” or progress related to the construction of the jets.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the delivery of the jets could start in June 2015.

Another issue that was settled was the turnaround time, the period required for the delivery of the jets’ spare parts under a two-year warranty.

It usually lasts 30 to 45 days but KAI initially wanted it prolonged it to 180 days. Both parties have agreed to 60 days.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

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Spanish firm wins bidding for supply of fixed wing aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - A Spanish firm was declared winner in the bidding for the supply of three medium lift fixed wing aircraft worth P5 billion.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR a notice of award has been issued to Airbus Military, one of the two firms that submitted offers for the project.

“The notice of award was issued to Airbus last week,” he said. “The contract for the medium-lift fixed wing aircraft is now being prepared.”

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the helicopters will complement their C-130s and allow them to fly more missions.

“As a whole this will enhance the total lift capability of the country,” he said.

The first of the three aircraft will be delivered in August 2015, while the second one will arrive in March 2016. The Air Force is expected to receive the third aircraft in September 2016.

Airbus Military offered to supply C-295 planes for P5.29 billion, lower than the approved budget of P5.3 billion.

The other bidder, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, was disqualified because its offer was not compliant with the technical specifications.

Airbus said the aircraft is the most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.

“The air assets can carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt or 480 km/h,” Airbus added.

The medium-lift fixed wing aircraft project landed in the news after some sectors had questioned their quality.

Critics said the planes figured in the 2008 crash that killed 20 people in Poland.

However, Airbus Military said in a statement its C-295 plane has an exceptional safety record and is the market leader in its segment.

“The aircraft is proven in real service and fully meets the standards required by the Department of National Defense of the Philippines,” read the statement.

Airbus Military said human error caused the crash in Poland and had nothing to do with the quality of the aircraft.

“While a C-295 aircraft of the Polish Air Force was unfortunately involved in an accident in January 2008, a full and thorough investigation was undertaken by the Polish government which found no fault with the aircraft,” Airbus said.

Reports published in 2012 said the Czech military had returned “faulty” C-295 planes.

However, Airbus Military said four more C-295s have been delivered to the Czech Republic last year “to full satisfaction.”

“The Czech Republic now has joined Spain, Poland and Finland in using the C-295 for peace-keeping missions,” Airbus Military said.

“While we have undertaken additional upgrades on aircraft post-delivery, as is not unusual with military aircraft, it is incorrect to say that the aircraft were returned to us due to quality issues or failure of tests.”

The C-295 plane is ideal for defense and civic missions like humanitarian actions, homeland security and environmental surveillance, Airbus Military said.

http://www.philstar.com

Citation :

Philippines To Upgrade Navy Base Facing Disputed Waters




MANILA — The Philippines is to upgrade a navy base facing disputed South China Sea waters to serve the extra ships being acquired to protect its territory, the military said Thursday.
Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the military would build a 500-million-peso ($11.2 million) port at Ulugan Bay, the Philippine military base nearest to the Spratly Islands.
“It is being programmed for capability upgrade ... we need to develop it to house the big vessels of the navy,” he told reporters.
President Benigno Aquino is set to visit the base on May 20 to launch the upgrading, Fabic added.
The base on the west coast of Palawan Island is the headquarters of naval forces guarding the waters on the west of the archipelago.
In recent years, the Philippines has been locked in an increasingly tense standoff with China involving disputed reefs and islands in the Spratlys and other areas of the South China Sea.
Under a program designed to improve the capability of one of Asia’s weakest military forces, the Philippines has been acquiring naval vessels to create what the government described as a “credible deterrent” to protect its territorial integrity.
The navy has acquired two refurbished American coastguard frigates in the past two years, and they now lead patrols in the South China Sea.
The navy wants to acquire up to six more to guard the country’s long coastline effectively, armed forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista announced in January.
In 2012 the Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two refurbished frigates, confronted Chinese ships on Scarborough Shoal, a small outcrop just off the coast of the country’s main island of Luzon.
The Chinese eventually gained control of the outcrop after Manila backed down. However, the Manila government sought UN arbitration to settle the dispute, a move rejected by China.
Last month the Philippines lodged a protest after the Chinese coast guard allegedly attacked Filipino fishermen off the shoal with water cannon on Jan. 27. Beijing rejected the protest.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters near the coasts of its neighbors.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140306/DEFREG03/303060030/Philippines-Upgrade-Navy-Base-Facing-Disputed-Waters

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Aquino government spent P500 M for US Naval base in Palawan– fisherfolk group

MANILA, Philippines- The Aquino administration is spending P500 million ($11.12 million) in taxpayers’ money to upgrade a Philippine Naval Base in Ulugan Bay in Palawan Sea, which will serve as one of the US Marine’s command posts to monitor developments in the hotly-contested West Philippine Sea.

On Friday, Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said the military would build a P500-million ($11.2 million) port at Ulugan Bay, the Philippine military base in Palawan that is nearest to the Spratly Islands. The upgraded naval base would be visited by Aquino on May 20, the 116th anniversary of the Philippine Navy.

The Navy said the mini-naval base in Ulugan Bay would host two refurbished American Coast Guard frigates that regularly patrols the West Philippine Sea. Aside from two Hamilton-Class Cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine government is planning to buy two large frigates as part of the external defense capability upgrade.
In an interview with Bulatlat.com, Salvador France, vice chairperson of the progressive fisherfolk federation Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said it was highly condemnable to hear this “first -rate puppetry” of the Aquino government to Washington DC at the expense of Philippine sovereignty and people’s hard-earned taxes.

“What kind of policy is this? This is clear treason against the Filipino people,” the Pamalakaya leader said.

France rebuked claims of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Navy that the upgrade was meant to serve the extra ships acquired by the Aquino government to protect the country’s territory from China and other countries.

“That’s the biggest lie of the century. The upgrade of Philippine naval base in Ulugan Bay is meant to host more US war ships. The P500 million upgraded naval base of the Philippine Navy will serve as US Marine’s command post to check Beijing’s aggressive presence in South China Sea and, in the long run, will serve its strategic purpose to become the new US naval base in the Philippines in the tradition of Subic Naval Base,” the Pamalakaya added.

“Adding insult to injury on the country’s national sovereignty is the fact that some P 500 million courtesy of taxpayers money will be spent for US military escapade in Palawan and South China Sea. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s puppetry to Washington DC is extremely terrible and revolting. Imagine, Malacanang has P 500 million for US mini-naval base while 80 percent of the 98 million Filipinos are starving to death and hunger,” the group said.
- See more at: http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/03/10/aquino-government-spent-p500-m-for-us-naval-base-in-palawan-fisherfolk-group/#sthash.7scrYAAY.dpuf

http://bulatlat.com

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Phl, SoKor to sign P18.9-B jet deal this week



FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City , Philippines – The Philippines and South Korea are expected to sign this week a multi-billion peso deal that would allow the military to acquire 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets.

“Within next week, starting Monday, within that week, we will have a signing of contract for the FA-50 (jets) with the South Korean government,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters here.

He said a deal involving the purchase of eight combat utility helicopters from Canada may also be forged this week.

Last month, the defense department and the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) completed the negotiations for the lead-in fighter trainer jets project which has an approved budget of P18.9 billion.

KAI will be supplying FA-50 jets, which are derived from the family of T-50 advanced jet trainer air assets. The jets will be used for territorial defense operations.

The first batch of jets is expected to be delivered late next year. KAI is required to deliver at least two air assets within 18 months after the signing of the contract.

The delivery is expected to be completed by 2017.

FA-50s are air assets that have fighter capabilities but have some features that are different from more advanced fighter jets.

The FA-50’s design was drafted from the Lockheed F-16 fighter jet. The F-16 aircraft has a very long list of weapons that are certified for use while the weapon capabilities of the FA-50 are limited to the low-cost missile systems.

Lead-in trainer jets can be used to prepare pilots for more advanced air assets.

The Philippines will make an advance payment worth 15 percent of the total contract price to KAI.

Malacañang has also allowed the defense department to tap a progress payment scheme, where the government would pay the supplier based on a mutually agreed upon payment schedule.

http://www.philstar.com

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Philippines to acquire two new ASW helicopters for PHP5.4 billion


The Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) announced on 17 March that it has allocated PHP5.4 billion (USD120 million) to fund the acquisition of two new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Philippine Navy (PN).
According to Fernando Manalo, undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations, and munitions, the helicopters will be purchased under the country's AFP Modernisation Programme. Manalo expects the acquisition process to be completed by the end of 2014.
The PN announced in December 2013 that it was considering the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat as a maritime helicopter but PN spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic declined to confirm that it has indeed been selected for acquisition, telling IHS Jane's that the navy is looking at all possibilities for the acquisition. The AW159 is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.
The helicopters are expected to be deployed on board the Hamilton and Hero-class frigates BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz .
Gregorio Del Pilar was first deployed in 2011 to protect the archipelago's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its oil and gas activities in the South China Sea. The vessel has since been involved in a number of incidents with Chinese vessels in territorial waters, where both countries have overlapping claims.

http://www.janes.com/article/35470/philippines-to-acquire-two-new-asw-helicopters-for-php5-4-billion

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FA-50 buy puts Manila back in the jet business

The Philippines has signed a contract for 12 Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 fighter aircraft.

The deal is worth $420 million, with all aircraft to be delivered 38 months after the contract goes into effect, says KAI in a statement.

The long-awaited deal was signed between the governments of the Philippines and South Korea, KAI adds.

The announcement marks an important step for Manila, which has no operational fighter aircraft after it retired its Northrop F-5s in 2004. During the 2000s its focus was primarily on counterinsurgency missions in the southern Philippines, but China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea has prompted Manila to rethink its conventional capabilities.

The FA-50 is a logical choice for Manila because the aircraft, based on the T-50 advanced jet trainer, can serve in both training and light combat roles.

Powered by a single General Electric F404 engine with afterburner, the FA-50 is entering service with the South Korean air force, and in late December Iraq signed a $1.1 billion contract for 24 aircraft. In 2011, Jakarta signed a $400 million deal for 16 T-50s, which is designated the T-50i in Indonesian service.


KAI

The FA-50 is the most advanced variant of the T-50 family. Seoul's FA-50s will have the Link 16 tactical data link, as well as an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 pulse Doppler radar.

The FA-50 also has a radar warning receiver and a night vision imaging system. It is capable of carrying 4,500kg (9,920lb) of weapons, including the Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition and Textron CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapon. The FA-50 also has a 20mm cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles.

KAI is also eyeing export opportunities for the T-50 in the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Peru.

The greatest opportunity for the type, however, lies in the US T-X competition to replace the venerable T-38 Talon. KAI will team with Lockheed Martin, which assisted the development of the T-50, to compete for the T-X deal.

Aside from the original T-50 and FA-50, KAI has also produced the T-50B enhanced manoeuvrability aerobatic variant, and the TA-50, which has a rudimentary air-to-air capability with a 20mm cannon and the ability to carry IR homing missiles.

http://www.flightglobal.com

Citation :

Philippines buys new Bell 412s



The Philippines has signed a signed a contract worth more than $100 million with the Canadian Commercial Corporation for eight Bell 412 utility helicopters.

http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/philippines-buys-new-bell-412s/

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PH to buy more planes for Air Force—Aquino



MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday unveiled a plan to acquire more aircraft to boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force.

Presiding over the Air Force change of command in Lipa City, the President said the Armed Forces would purchase eight combat utility helicopters, six close air support aircraft, two-long range patrol aircraft, and radar systems.

“We intend to buy also full-motion flight simulator to improve the training of our pilots,” he said in a speech aired over state-run dzRB radio.

These are on top of the new FA50 from South Korea that will be delivered to the Air Force next year, Mr. Aquino said.

“In 2005, we retired our last F5 freedom fighter. It’s our wish to enhance the capability of our pilots to fly this type of aircraft for military operations,’’ he said.

Last month, the military signed contracts for the acquisition of 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets worth P18.9-billion from South Korea and eight combat utility helicopters worth P4.8-billion from Canada.

Under the watch of Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz, who retired as Air Force chief on Friday, the PAF acquired a number of aircraft. It now boasts of three C-130 transports, eight combat utility helicopters, and 18 basic trainer aircraft, the President said.

Dela Cruz turned over his post to Major General Jeffrey Delgado, AFP deputy chief of staff for plans and programs. Delgado is a former senior military aide to the President.

The President did not make any reference to a defense agreement allowing increased US military presence that is widely believed to be signed during President Obama’s visit on Monday.

Reports say that the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation will be the cornerstone of Obama’s visit to the country.

Under the deal, the Philippines has agreed to allow the United States access to the country’s military bases in the face of China’s increasing aggressiveness in the South China Sea.

Philippine authorities will have access to US facilities inside local military bases.

The President said the new Air Force chief, a member of the Presidential Security Group during the term of then President Corazon C. Aquino, was a multi-skilled pilot who survived two air crashes.

He said Delgado was among a few pilots who could fly a combination of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and was a qualified pilot for combat aircraft T-28D and MG520, trainer aircraft T-41D and SF -260, and co-pilot of the passenger aircraft BN Islander.

“The report that reached us was that two planes he flew crashed due to engine failure, including one that nearly cost him his life,” he said. “Despite the dangers of flying, he did not opt out of public service.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

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Les Etats-Unis et les Philippines renforcent leur coopération militaire

Posté dans Asie-Pacifique, Diplomatie par Laurent Lagneau Le 28-04-2014

Ayant plusieurs différends territoriaux avec les Philippines (Second Thomas Shoal, récif de Scarborough, etc…), nul doute que Pékin ne verra pas d’un bon oeil le renforcement de la coopération militaire entre Manille et Washington, laquelle a fait l’objet d’un accord signé par le président Obama lors de la dernière escale de sa tournée asiatique, ce 28 avril.

Cela étant, ce renforcement des relations militaires n’est pas une surprise en soi dans la mesure où les Etats-Unis sont des alliés des Philippines depuis plus d’un siècle (après avoir été leur puissance coloniale). Par le passé, les forces américaines disposèrent de bases permanentes dans l’archipel. Bases qu’elles ont abandonnées au début des années 1990.

L’accord de « coopération de défense amélioré » conclu entre Manille et Washington revoit en fait des dispositions prévues par le traité de défense mutuelle signé par les deux pays en 1951. Il s’agit ainsi d’autoriser pour une période de 10 ans le déploiement temporaire de moyens militaires sur le territoire philippin et d’y prépositionnerdu matériel pour accélérer, éventuellement, une montée en puissance rapide des forces américaines.

Cet accord vient alors que les Philippines se montrent de plus en plus inquiètes des incursions de la marine chinoise dans leurs eaux territoriales. D’où ses efforts pour accroître ses faibles capacités militaires. En outre, pour régler ses différends avec Pékin, Manille a saisi, en janvier 2013, le tribunal d’arbitrage des Nations unies afin d’établir la souveraineté de plusieurs îlots mer de Chine méridionale, dont le récif de Scarborough, situé à 220 km au large de la principale île philippine.

« Le président (Obama, ndlr) et moi-même partageons la conviction que les conflits territoriaux et maritimes de la région Asie-Pacifique doivent être résolus pacifiquement, en accord avec le droit international », a commenté le chef d’état philippin, Benigno Aquino, à l’issue d’une rencontre avec son homologue américain.

Ce dernier, dans un message écrit adressé à la chaîne de télévision ABS-CBN, a fait valoir qu’une « une coopération plus étroite entre les forces américaines et philippines permettra d’améliorer leurs capacités conjointes d’entraînement et d’opération et de répondre plus rapidement à toute une série de situations ».  

http://www.opex360.com/2014/04/28/les-etats-unis-les-philippines-renforcent-leur-cooperation-militaire/  

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Navy eyes French frigates

MANILA, Philippines - Amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the government is looking at French frigates for the Philippine Navy’s use.

Naval officials were given a tour yesterday of the French Navy’s surveillance frigate Prairial – a 93.5-meter ship with both military and civilian characteristics, making it ideal for multiple purposes including disaster relief and other humanitarian missions, operations against piracy and international drug trafficking, and territorial patrol.

The Prairial is one of two French warships deployed in the Pacific – one in Tahiti and the other in New Caledonia.

Prairial Commander Frederic Daumas said at a reception on the ship last night that the frigate, with 93 crewmembers, has performed well in various weather conditions including hurricanes since being commissioned in May 1992, and would last many more years.

The Prairial is armed with 20 mm and 100 mm guns and Exocet surface-to-air missiles, and carries a transport craft, three boats and one Alouette III helicopter.

An information sheet on the frigate states: “Their main duty is to patrol overseas maritime zones over which France implements its sovereignty. In peace time, they enforce navigational police, control fishery and protect trade traffic.”
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Daumas said his crew would conduct joint exercises with the Philippine Navy tomorrow in Manila Bay before the frigate leaves for Hong Kong.

The Prairial, which arrived Monday from Guam for its seventh port call in Manila, is on the fourth month of a seven-month deployment. It will also visit China, Japan and South Korea before returning to Tahiti.

Several months ago, the Philippine government considered acquiring coast guard patrol boats from France, but the plan did not push through.

http://www.philstar.com

The French frigate Prairial is seen docked in Manila’s South Harbor yesterday

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Philippines Accepts Bids From Indian & French Firms For Frigate Competition

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/10485/Philippine___s_Accepts_Bids_From_Indian___French_Firms_For_Frigate_Competition#.U2tZSE2KBix

Citation :

S. Korea to donate warship to Philippines


South Korea will be donating a lightly armed warship to the Philippines after its decommission by the end of this year, the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said Thursday.

In a statement, the department said that South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwang Jin announced the donation of one of its Pohang-class corvettes to the Philippine Navy when he met with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Seoul last Friday.

"Minister Kim said South Korea's gesture is a small token compared with the great contribution of Filipino troops during the Korean War," the statement said, adding that the donation is "yet another sign of the two countries' growing defense cooperation."

South Korea has already agreed to give the Philippines a landing craft utility and 16 rubber boats.

The Philippine Navy's biggest ships are frigates, two of which were acquired in recent years from the United States, while it also has three offshore patrol vessels.

==Kyodo

http://www.globalpost.com

Citation :

PA to Get 27,000 Brand New M-4 Automatic Rifles Next Month

23 Juni 2014


M-4 rifle (photo : hdwallpic)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Army (PA) announced that the first batch of its brand-new M-4 automatic rifles will be delivered this July 19.

This was confirmed by Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, in a message to the PNA.

"Tentative arrival date of the (first) 27,000 units will be on July 19," he added.

The PA acquired 63,000 M-4 automatic rifles to replace its Vietnam-era M-16A rifles.

These new weapons will be immediately issued to line units.

Each M-4 is worth Php38,402.10 each and the entire order is estimated to be worth Php2.4 billion.

The M-4 is a shorter and lighter variant of the M-16A2 assault rifle. It is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a telescoping stock and 14.5 inch (370 mm) barrel to ease close quarters combat.

It fires the .223 caliber, or 5.56 mm NATO round.

(PNA)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2014/06/pa-to-get-27000-brand-new-m-4-automatic.html

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Air Force to get 4 more Huey choppers

MANILA, Philippines - Four of 21 UH-1 helicopters acquired by the military from North American suppliers have arrived in time for the Air Force anniversary next month.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the four combat utility helicopters are now in Clark.

“The four helicopters are being assembled so they can be displayed during the Air Force anniversary,” Gazmin said yesterday.

The Air Force will celebrate its 67th founding anniversary at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on July 1.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said the four UH-1 helicopters or Hueys arrived last Sunday. He said the air assets would be used to transport troops and equipment and to conduct relief efforts.

“It will be used for delivery of relief goods during calamities,” he said.

Gazmin said three more Huey helicopters might be delivered next month.

“There were slight delays in the unloading of equipment in Port Area because of the traffic but hopefully, we will be able to complete all these projects within the year,” the defense chief said.

Last December, The STAR reported that a joint venture of two companies based in North America has bagged the deal to supply 21 UH-1 helicopters or Hueys to the Air Force.

The joint venture of American firm Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Canadian company Eagle Copters Ltd. won the contract for the supply and delivery of the Hueys, considered the workhorse of military operations.

The approved budget for the project was P1.26 billion. The 21 Hueys were purchased for about P1.25 million less than the approved outlay for the contract.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

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FA-50 Fighter Jets to Join Philippines' Military Fleet Next Year: Report




A pair of FA-50 fighter jets will be added to the Philippines' military fleet next year, the president announced Tuesday, as the country aims to defend its territory.

President Benigno Aquino III said two of 12 FA-50 multi-purpose fighters will be delivered by their South Korean manufacturer next year and the rest are expected to follow in the next three years, The Associated Press reported. The Philippines has scrambled to modernize its military, one of Asia's weakest, amid increasingly tense territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Aquino said the Philippines has had no fighter jets for territorial defense since a fleet of F-5 jets was decommissioned in 2005. The anemic air force is being strengthened with the purchase of new assault helicopters, long-range patrol aircraft, and C130 cargo planes, he said.

http://www.newsmax.com

Citation :

  Payment for Israeli Upgraded APCs to be Done in Three Tranches

08 Juli 2014



Elbit will upgrade APC and equipped them with  25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets. (photo : LightAJ)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that the payment for the P882 million upgraded armored personnel carrier (APC), bagged by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd., will be done in three tranches.

Dr. Peter Paul Galvez, Defense spokesperson, said first payment will be pegged at P405 million, the second will be P335 million and the third at P142 million.

Elbit Systems Ltd., formally announced the signing of the P882 million deal (roughly USD20 million) last June 22.

Upgrades include 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.

The APCs, which are 28 in number, will be supplied over a one-year period.

The contract marks a significant breakthrough for Elbit Systems, as it is the first one awarded to the company in the Philippines.

"We are very pleased to be awarded our first contract for the Philippines Armed Forces, which we hope will be followed by others. Our extensive portfolio and our vast experience enable us to offer our customers advanced solutions, answering the specific requirements of various combat vehicles, and this award further positions us as world leaders in the field of ground vehicle upgrades," Elbit Systems' Land and C41 general manager Udi Vered said.

The APCs are for the use of the Philippine Army.

The latter operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair)

150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113 "Bradley", Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

(PNA)  

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2014/07/payment-for-israeli-upgraded-apcs-to-be.html

Citation :

PN shopping for 2 anti-submarine choppers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines Navy is shopping around for two anti-submarine helicopters it intends to purchase before 2020.

The Department of National Defense released the detailed technical specifications for the P5.4-billion Anti-Submarine Helicopter Acquisition Project, part of the Medium Term Development Capability Plan 2013-2017 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The acquisition of the missile and torpedo armed helicopters has become a priority after China recently deployed three Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines to Hainan Island, its main military base in the South China Sea.

China is engaged in increasingly tense territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea and with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea.

Apart from the two sub-hunter choppers, the DND has also earmarked P18 billion for two new ships under the Frigate Acquisition Project, which the Philippine Navy will require to have complete weapons systems, including surface-to-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Among the capabilities and specifications the Navy wants in its anti-submarine helicopter are:

Two-hour endurance time in fully armed configuration
240-nautical mile range in fully armed configuration
Individual crew stations for the flight crew, the tactical officer and the sensor operations officer
Foldable main and tail rotors for storage in a shipboard hangar
Upgraded avionics and navigations
A “navalized” version capable of prolonged operation over the sea and “protected with anti-corrosion compounds that will ensure protection from salty/humid environment”
An airframe capable of withstanding and surviving crash impacts of at least 10g’s;
An IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system

But the Navy also wants the helicopters to be capable for other missions.

Aside from these, the helicopters should be equipped with data downlink capability, enabling it to relay tactical information to ships in real-time, allowing both the aircraft and surface vessel to identify, track and “prosecute” targets.

The winning bidder must be able to deliver the helicopters within 730 calendar days and provide a separate training helicopter or “other options which are responsive to the training requirement for the operation of ASW helicopter.”

The DND has imposed strict rules for bidders, such as:

Bidders must show that the helicopters must be already in use by other militaries in the world
The supplier has a proven track record in the manufacturer of helicopters with Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare

At present, the Philippine Navy has three Augusta Westland AW109E helicopters, two of which are assigned to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

The AW109Es are used for maritime patrol and interdiction as well as for search and rescue. Two additional AW109Es are scheduled to be delivered later this year.

http://www.interaksyon.com

Citation :

PH finalizing P2.68B air defense radar deal with Israel

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is fast tracking the acquisition of air defense surveillance radars from Israel’s Elta Systems so it can monitor intrusions in its air space.

The project worth P2.68 billion ($62.85 million*) will fund the installation of radar systems in Palawan to cover the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) and old radar sites Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro and Pasuquin Air Station in Ilocos Norte.

“Palawan is a new location but even the old ones have to be restored or we have to build new basing facilities. This is part of the overall capability upgrade. Even without the incidents that came in recent years, this was already programmed,” Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac told reporters on Wednesday, July 9, after a meeting of the Bids and Awards Committee to discuss the project.

The radar systems cover a 350-nautical mile radius, Batac said.

Batac said they are now determining the the proposed values to specific deliverables in the government-to-government project. Aside from the radar systems, the project includes the construction of radar platforms, communication systems, tests, and provision of spare parts.

Technical specifications were discussed during the pre-negotiation stage although Batac said this has to be formalized. Limited details were divulged to the media. The committee held an executive session following a discussion of the proposed values.

Batac gave assurances that Israel offered “better terms” than other proponents of the project.

The project is part of the capability upgrade of the Philippine Air Force, which is also acquiring a squadron of fighter jets from South Korea, long range patrol aircrafts, and anti-submarine helicopters, among other brand new air assets.

The Philippines has one remaining radar system at the Wallace air station in San Fernando, La Union, leaving its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) practically unprotected. The radar system there also has limited range and is no longer fully operational.

"Your radars are supposed to be 24/7 facilities for purposes of detection against intrusions into our air space," Batac said.

The Philippines had first rate air defense capabilities from the 1950s until the early 1990s when radar systems were in place as well as several squadrons of F-86F and fighters like F-5s.

The US, which used to maintain bases here, also complemented the country’s air defense capabilities.

“Over the years, we have lost almost all of our air defense equipment. Our fighters are old and there are no more spare parts to maintain them,” Batac said.

The first radar system is expected to be installed 22 months after the notice to proceed is issued and the letter of credit is signed. – Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com

Citation :

US to give PAF two planes, Lockheed interested to turn PAF C-130s into maritime patrols

One week old Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff disclosed United Stated will be giving the Philippine Air Force two Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” planes.

“I just talked to our US counterparts, they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns,” the AFP Chief said.

Currently, the Air Force has three operational C-130s that are being used heavily during relief operations.

On the other news, the Department of National Defense is looking to procure two long-range patrol aircraft. Lockheed Martin, is offering to turn Philippine Air Force’s C-130s into maritime patrol aircraft by fitting them with surveillance systems. If this contract pushes through, only half of DND’s allocated budget will be spent.

“Now is the time to get these sales—to make sure you get those future sales over the next 15 years,” a representative from Lockheed said. “If we don’t get in now, then a Korea or an Israel certainly will.”

http://www.angmalaya.net

Citation :

PH buying two frigates; ammo price at P2.5-B

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/09/14/ph-buying-two-frigates-ammo-price-p25-b

Citation :

Progressive payment scheme eyed for P18-billion frigate program

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/37550-progressive-payment-scheme-eyed-for-p18-billion-frigate-program

Citation :

DND seeks P25 B for modernization projects




MANILA, Philippines - A total of P24.7 billion is needed next year to fund 12 projects to enhance the military’s capabilities.

The STAR obtained data showing that among the projects that the Department of National Defense (DND) wants to include in the 2015 budget are lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition, long-range patrol aircraft, multi-purpose attack craft, rocket launchers and base upgrades.

Four of the 12 projects will go to the Air Force: six units of close air support aircraft (P4.968 billion), two units of long-range patrol aircraft (P5.976 million) and basing support systems in three provinces (P187.43 million).

Also in the list is the purchase of munitions for the 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets acquired from South Korea for about P4.52 billion.

The Navy will have three projects: two units of helicopters capable of anti-submarine warfare (P5.402 billion), three units of multi-purpose attack craft (P1.18 billion) and support and logistics for naval bases (P313.62 million).

Four of the projects seek to improve the Army’s capabilities: 4,464 units of night fighting systems (P1.116 billion), 744 units of rocket launchers (P407.41 million), 1,446 units of 2-5W handheld radios (P430.8 million) and 60 units of high frequency 50W radios (P144 million).

The DND also needs P133.4 million to buy 46 units of light utility vehicles for the Armed Forces of the Philippines general headquarters.

Officials expect the upgrade projects to strengthen the military’s territorial defense and internal security capabilities.

Last month, The STAR reported that the DND is seeking a P10-billion supplemental budget to support the modernization of the military.

It would fill in the amount that was not provided to the upgrade program this year.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the DND needs P20 billion for 2014, as programmed. “However, only P10 billion was included in the (General Appropriations Act), hence the request,” he said.

A supplemental budget is on top of the annual national budget passed by Congress.

In 2012, President Aquino signed a law allocating P75 billion for the first five years of the military’s modernization program.

The 2015 budget proposed by Malacañang allocated P20 billion for the Armed Forces Modernization Program.

So far, the administration has completed 37 military upgrade projects worth P9.2 billion.

Fourteen projects worth P6.2 billion are slated for completion before the end of the year, including the delivery of assault rifles for the Army and Marines, additional UH-1H helicopters for the Air Force, close combat optics and explosive ordnance disposal equipment.

Ten projects worth P17.3 billion are scheduled for delivery in 2015, including Army armored vehicles, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, light lift and medium lift aircraft and naval helicopters.

http://www.philstar.com

Citation :

10 of 21 Refurbished ‘Huey’ Helicopters Now in Philippines

06 Oktober 2014


PAF UH-1H Huey helicopter (photo : Triztan19)

Ten out of the 21 refurbished UH-IH “Huey” helicopters are now at Clark Air Force Base in Angeles City, Pampanga, a military observer said Saturday.

The aircraft are now undergoing inspection and flight testing.

The remaining 11 are expected to be delivered within the end of the year, the observer added.

These planes were acquired as the Philippine Air Force’s “Huey” fleet was whittled down to just 18 helicopters, from an estimated 100, due to airframe aging and accidents.

The contract for the 21 refurbished UH-1Hs is estimated to be worth around P1.2 billion.

It was signed earlier this year with Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and the Canadian company Eagle Copters Ltd.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/