Philippine Navy Eyes Joint Maritime Exercises with Thai, Vietnamese Counterparts

29 Maret 2012

Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam which is capable of building warships and military vessels (image : ttvnol)

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy plans to hold joint maritime exercises with its Vietnamese and Thai counterparts as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the navies of neighboring Asian countries, a military spokesman said.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay disclosed this following the visit of a Philippine Navy delegation led by its chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, to Vietnam on March 11-14 and Thailand on March 14-17.

The Philippine delegation toured the Naval Shipyard X46 or the Hai Long Shipbuilding Co. in Vietnam, which is equipped with state-of-the-art shipbuilding and repair facilities and which is capable of building warships and military vessels, Tonsay said.

“This visit is expected to provide opportunities for the conduct of joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea (northeast of Vietnam) and other common maritime domains following proper diplomatic channels under guidance from the Department of National Defense,” Tonsay said.

“Sharing of shipbuilding expertise is clearly seen as one possible area for cooperation during this tour,” Tonsay added. The delegation, he said, suggested possible training for Philippine Navy personnel at the X46 shipyard.

Likewise, the leaders of the two navies discussed a proposal to establish a communication hotline between the operations centers of the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) especially for search-and-rescue operations.

Pama and VPN’s commander in chief, Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, also signed the standard operating procedure regarding interactions among Philippine and Vietnamese navies’ personnel in the vicinity of Southeast Cay and the Northeast Cay Island, located between the two countries.

Nguyen offered to host the first “Navy to Navy Talks” with the Philippines in Vietnam in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippine Navy spokesman said.

“The visit paved the way for continued Staff to Staff Talks and exchange of visits between the Philippine Navy and VPN, which is hoped to sustain the active engagements of the Philippine Navy and the VPN and effectively address maritime security issues in common maritime domains,” Tonsay added.

In Thailand, Pama and other delegation members met with the Thai Ministry of Defense and held exploratory talks on avenues of cooperation for the Philippine Navy and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Joint maritime exercises and ship visits by the Thai Navy to the Philippines were also discussed.
Likewise, the RTN also committed to host Navy to Navy Talks to further discuss matters that will strengthen the bilateral activities of both navies.

(Inquirer)

Jets, Radar to Boost Phl's Territorial Defense

07 Maret 2012

AMX International - strike aircraft (photo : Malcolm Clarke)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) expects the delivery of several jets and radar equipment for territorial defense during the term of President Aquino.

PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said the acquisitions would boost the country’s defense stance against external threats.

He said six surface attack jets and trainer aircraft; a long-range patrol plane, one air defense radar, and a special mission airplane are expected to arrive in the country starting this year until 2016.

“This is a result of the defense acquisition system and the senior leaders’ meetings that they conduct very often. Hopefully, we will see initial deliveries by 2013 to 2014 or at the most 2015,” Okol said.

The new military equipment would be part of the second phase of the military’s modernization program to be implemented from 2012 to 2016.

The first phase included the acquisition of defense equipment that would improve the Armed Forces’ capability to conduct internal security operations.

The PAF would also acquire eight helicopters, seven attack helicopters, a C-130 cargo plane, and a long-range patrol aircraft and 18 basic trainer planes.

The 18 basic trainer planes have been delivered while others are in various stages of procurement.

The third phase of the modernization program to be implemented after 2016 would involve the acquisition of advanced multi-role fighter jets and long-range patrol aircraft and radars, Okol said.

Four brand new combat utility helicopters from two foreign firms arrived at the former Clark Air Base in Pampanga last month.

The “Sokol” helicopters were purchased from Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland.

Four more combat utility helicopters from Augusta PZL Swidnik are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter. The acquisition of the eight helicopters costs P2.8 billion.

The military earlier announced that the first batch of helicopters would arrive in November 2011.

The four helicopters, however, arrived three months after.

The Sokol helicopters have night-vision capability and could accommodate 10 passengers.
The military expects the completion of the delivery of P3.4 billion worth of military hardware this year.

Okol said the PAF also expects the delivery of eight combat utility helicopters, three multi-purpose attack aircraft, equipment for coast watch stations, and 33 multi-purpose rocket launchers for the Presidential Security Group.

(PhilStar)

US Formally Offers 2nd Warship to AFP

20 Februari 2012

USCGS Dallas WHEC 716 (photo : Shipspotting)

MANILA, Philippines - A top military official bared yesterday that the United States has formally offered to the Philippines a second warship that is expected to boost the country’s territorial defense capability.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the US sent last week a letter notifying them about the availability of another US Coast Guard cutter, Dallas.

“They (US) sent a letter offering us formally (the ship). They are telling us this is available and their government has approved (the giving of the ship to the Philippines). They are asking us if we are interested,” Pama said.

He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to reply to the letter next week.

“We will respond to the letter and tell them that we are interested. Once they receive that, the formal, detailed discussion would start,” Pama said.

The Navy chief said the transfer of the warship might be held in May if discussions run smoothly.

“If the talks are continuous and smooth flowing, we are looking at a formal transfer to be held in May,” Pama said.

The transfer cost would be funded by proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project off Palawan that the Department of Energy will provide.

Officials have said the transfer cost for the cutter Dallas would be close to the P450 million spent for the first Coast Guard cutter that the Philippine Navy acquired last year.

The first Coast Guard cutter that was converted into the BRP Gregorio del Pilar was acquired from the US Coast Guard last year to improve the Philippines’ territorial defense capability.

The Gregorio del Pilar is the Navy’s first Hamilton-class vessel and was acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales program.

The ship is 380 feet long and is now the Navy’s largest ship. The ship is currently deployed in Palawan since Dec. 23 to secure the country’s natural resources.

The Philippines deployed the ship amid a territorial row over the Spratly Islands, an area in the West Philippine Sea that is rich in mineral and marine resources.

The Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan claim either part or the entire Spratly Islands, which has been the subject of a territorial dispute in the region.

Last November, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said her government is ready to provide a second war ship to the Philippines.

Clinton, who visited Manila to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, said the US would remain “in the corner” of the Philippines, its “trusted ally.”

Early this month, US Rep. Ed Royce said the ship “should soon be on its way to Manila” and that the review process for its transfer would be completed soon.

Dallas is a weather high-endurance cutter and has features similar to that of Gregorio del Pilar.

The US Coast Guard had used the ship for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness.

The ship can accommodate up to 180 officers and sailors.

(PhilStar)

Philippines to Get Second Hamilton Ship by May

19 Februari 2012

USCGS Dallas WHEC 716 (photo : Eucom)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—If things go according to plan, the Philippine Navy would be getting its second Hamilton ship by May of this year, Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in a chance interview after the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming, Pama said that he has received the formal letter of offer on the Hamilton Class Cutter US Coast Guard Dallas.

“Kung masusunod yung schedule, bago matapos and taon, dalawa na yung Secretary Class natin. Maaring May (If the schedule will be followed, before the end of the year we will have two Secretary Class vessels),” Pama told reporters.

In May 2011, the Philippine Navy Acquired a Hamilton Class Cutter, which the Philippine Navy christened as BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, from the United States as excess defense article under the Foreign Assistance Act.

Like the BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, the Dallas will likely be stripped off most of its equipment and armaments. Pama said they requested that some of the equipment be retained on the ship.

“Naiintindihan naman natin na ibang kaggamitan doon ay di basta-basta pwedeng ipamigay… Kasama sa pag-uusapan kung ano iyong pwedeng i-retain (We understand that some of the equipment they can’t give away easily… This is still included in the negotiations, which equipment can be retained),” Pama said adding that both parties are still in the initial stages of the negotiation
When asked where the Dallas will be deployed, Pama said: “We will cross the bridge when we get there.”

He said that they are currently arranging for the transfer of the vessel and training personnel.

However, he admitted that normally, vessels are deployed in tandem. BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, which was commissioned last December 2011, was deployed to the Malampaya natural gas field in the West Philippine Sea.

The United States Congress formally approved the transfer of the Dallas Cutter to the Philippines on February 10.

(Inquirer)

South East Asian Nations Seek Improved ASW, AEW

18 Februari 2012

Indonesia - The air chief of Indonesia says the country would be looking for a larger system than the AEW concept put forward by Airbus Military. The AEW aircraft will need more endurance than the C-295 can deliver, he notes. (photo : Jetphotos)

Concerns over China’s claims to the South China Sea are sparking an arms race among its Southeast Asian neighbors, some of which have maritime patrol, airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft high on their priority lists.

China has laid claim to most of the South China Sea, a body of water that includes vital sea lanes and under which lie rich deposits of oil and gas.

In May of last year, Chinese ships reportedly cut the cables of Binh Minh 02, an oil-surveying vessel within Vietnam’s 200-nm exclusive economic zone and operated by the Vietnam Oil & Gas Group. In the same month, two Chinese fighters allegedly entered Philippine airspace, an intrusion related to the disputed Spratly Islands. The Philippine navy also found wooden posts erected on Amy Douglas Bank, Reed Bank and Boxall Reef—all within Philippine-claimed waters. The navy, which promptly removed the posts, accused China of placing them there.

Vietnam

P-3C Orion (photo : Airliners)

Vietnam’s foreign minister, Pham Binh Minh, and the Philippines foreign minister, Albert del Rosario, met in Hanoi last year to discuss implementation of a defense cooperation agreement.
The dispute with China has led the Philippines and Vietnam to seek closer defense ties with the U.S., a remarkable development in terms of U.S.-Vietnam relations considering their history. It seems that memories of the Vietnam War are no longer a stumbling block. On Sept. 19, Vietnam’s deputy defense minister, Nguyen Chi Vinh, and the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, Robert Scher, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting military cooperation.

Sources say the Vietnamese are seeking to buy ASW aircraft and have shown interest in the Lockheed Martin P-3. The Southeast Asian nation wants the P-3s to protect its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea and to help stop Chinese submarines from entering Vietnamese waters. China’s largest submarine base is on the southern tip of Hainan Island, just off the northern Vietnam coast.

C-295 ASW (photo : Airbus Military)

Vietnam has a 3,444-km (2,135-mi.) coastline, so it needs long-range aircraft. Advanced sonar-detection equipment also is required to combat China’s increasingly advanced submarines. For ASW, Vietnam has been using four Beriev Be-12 amphibious aircraft that it received in 1981, as well as dozens of Kamov Ka-25/-27 helicopters.

When the P-3s last operated in Vietnam during the war, Cam Ranh Bay coincidentally was their main base. The U.S. Navy used P-3As to patrol the coastline in search of gunboats and Chinese trawlers providing supplies to the Vietcong hiding in South Vietnam.

The other contender for Vietnam’s ASW requirement is the Airbus Military C295. The Spaniards have already developed a relationship there, having sold three Airbus Military C212 maritime patrol aircraft to the Vietnam marine police. The first aircraft was delivered late last year.

Philippine

CN-235 ASW (photo : Militaryphotos)

The Philippine air force is also seeking to buy maritime patrol aircraft. Some of the models being considered include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER, Airbus CN235, Viking Air Twin Otter and Bombardier Q-series.

The country’s leaders have also talked up the prospect of the Philippines once again procuring fighter aircraft. The Philippines has had no fighter aircraft since 2005 when it retired its last Northrop F-5.

ATR-42MP (photo : Alessandro Buffa)

Philippines President Benigno Aquino, 3rd, disclosed in December that he will be visiting the U.S. early this year and plans to ask U.S. President Barack Obama for military assistance. “I will meet President Obama next year, perhaps by April. I will remind him of our strategic partnership and he might remember that we don’t have a fighter [jet],” Aquino said in a speech to Philippine air force personnel late in 2011. He added that he will ask the U.S. to donate used fighter aircraft to the Philippines, under an arrangement similar to that between the U.S. and Indonesia. The U.S. last year agreed to donate 24 second-hand Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs to Indonesia, which could then pay to upgrade them to the C/D standard.

Malaysia

Saab Eriye (image : Saab)

Malaysia also has a requirement for fighters and is seeking to buy 18 new aircraft to replace its MiG-29s. The contenders are the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30, Sukhoi Su-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon.

The MiG-29s are stationed at Kuantan AFB, in West Malaysia overlooking the South China Sea. If Malaysia ever has an armed conflict with China, it is likely that the fighter squadron at Kuantan will be at the front line. East and West Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea, and Malaysia has a requirement for maritime patrol and airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft to monitor its exclusive maritime economic zone. Malaysia’s defense minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, says Malaysia has a requirement for three AEW aircraft, one each to be stationed in East and West Malaysia and one standby.

Northrop Grumman is proposing to sell the E-2D, Saab is promoting its Saab Erieye radar mounted on an Embraer EMB-145, and Airbus Military is pushing the C295 AEW. Lockheed Martin U.K. and Thales, meanwhile, are each proposing that Malaysia use one of the air force’s existing aircraft, such as a Lockheed Martin C-130, and upgrade it with AEW capabilities using roll-on, roll-off mission systems.

Malaysia’s air force chief, Gen. Rodzali bin Daud, says “It is important to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and central to this is AEW.” Malaysia is relying on ground-based radar supplemented by some Beechcraft King Air 350s fitted with Thales radar, but these small aircraft have limited flying range. Rodzali also says: “Land-based radar’s lack of mobility puts it second to airborne systems.”

AW-159 Lynx Wildcat (photo : All Britain)

Malaysia has a requirement for ASW aircraft as well. Its navy has stated it wants to buy six ASW helicopters. It is considering the Sikorsky MH-60R and the AgustaWestland AW159. Defense Minister Ahmad told DTI’s sister publication Aviation Week & Space Technology in December that “the project is in our pipeline, but because of budget constraints, it hasn’t been given a priority [go-ahead] yet.” Industry executives say the government may be waiting until after the next national election, expected sometime in 2012, before moving ahead with this procurement.

In fact, this is the case with all the other requirements. Malaysia will only allocate a budget and select a winner for its AEW and fighter requirements after the elections.

Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is also still waiting for a budget for the five maritime patrol aircraft it plans to acquire on long-term wet leases. Three types are in the running—the RUAG 228NG, Cessna Grand Caravan and Alenia ATR 42MP.

Singapore

G-550 CAEW (image : FlightGlobal)

Singapore uses Fokker 50s for maritime patrol and has one of the most advanced AEW capabilities in the region, thanks to its Gulfstream G550s fitted with AEW mission equipment from Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems. For ASW, it has Sikorsky S-70Bs, but industry executives say is also planning to buy fixed-wing ASW aircraft.

The island nation, unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, has no territorial disputes with China. But Singapore, which is dependent on sea trade for its livelihood, can ill afford to have submarines blocking its sea lanes.

China has been adding Shang-class nuclear-powered subs, while India has announced that it plans to buy six more diesel-electric models. (Russia’s arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, disclosed that it will be proposing Russian-built Amur 650-class subs.) Six French Scorpene vessels from an earlier tender are under construction in India.

Singapore’s closest neighbors have also been adding submarines, largely in response to China’s submarine buildup.

Vietnam’s defense minister, Gen. Phung Quang Thanh, says his country has six Kilo-class diesel-powered subs on order from Russia. Malaysia recently added three submarines: two new Scorpene-class subs jointly built by French and Spanish companies, and one reconditioned ex-French navy Agosta-class vessel. Indonesia has two German-built Cakra-class subs and in December ordered three submarines from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. Thailand’s navy is eyeing second-hand Type U206As from Germany, according to local news reports.

(Aviation Week)

Military Finalizing Plan to Acquire 1 Squadron of F-16 Fighter Jets

17 Februari 2012

PAF is proposing the procurement of at least one squadron or 14 to 24 F-16s (photo : planes.cz)

A RANKING military officer said the Armed Forces high command is already discussing the details on the procurement of one squadron of F-16 “Fighting Falcon” jet fighters from the US.

Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs (J-5) said although the acquisition of jet fighters was not included in the first batch of approved big-ticket items the project is now being discussed thoroughly.

“Since we decommissioned our [fighter] jets in 1995 there had been a long gap. So we need [jet] fighter capability. We’re proposing the procurement of at least one squadron. We are talking here of 14 to 24 F-16s,” Deveraturda said.

Earlier, reports said the Department of the Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already started negotiations with the US government for the acquisition of F-16.

But Deveraturda said the Armed Forces has no update yet about the ongoing process of negotiations.

Earlier, the military announced that four of the eight utility helicopters, that were bought by the previous administration under the Armed Forces Modernization Program, are already in the country. Deveraturda said four of the eight Sokol (Falcon) helicopters from Polish-Italian defense supplier Augusta PZL Swidnik have arrived at Clark Field in Pampanga and are now being assembled.

“The four utility helicopters will soon be inspected by the Air Force. These are a great addition to our capability, and we hope to use them soon,” Deveraturda said.

He said the remaining four are being expected to be delivered at the third quarter of this year.
Deveraturda said the delivery of the four helicopters set into concrete action the eight-year modernization program that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin charted for the Armed Forces.

Gazmin wants to acquire armored vehicles, radar systems, missile-guided and multi-role vessels and aircraft that include fighter jets under the program with a projected total cost of at least P70 billion.

Since the amount needed is too large, he said the acquisition will be pursued through a Congress-approved Multi-Year Obligation Agreement (MYOA), with a government to government as the procurement mode.

Deveraturda said the military is also hoping to sign the contract for the delivery of another Hamilton class cutter from the United States until March this year.

(Business Mirror)

PAF Gets 4 New Choppers

15 Februari 2012

PAF W-3 Sokol helicopter (photo : imagenesmilitares)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday disclosed the arrival of four brand new Combat Utility Helicopters from the Augusta PZL Swidik of Italy and Poland on February 14, 2012.

The PAF hierarchy said the brand new helicopters arrived at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, and is the first batch of the eight helicopters that the PAF is to receive from the Polish aircraft manufacturer.

Major General Catalino G. Dela Cruz, PAF Commanding General, said the delivery of the new helicopters is a welcome addition to the fleet of the PAF.

He said that the formal blessing and turnover of the PAF’s newest acquisition will be announced following the completion of assembly and rigid test flights to be conducted on the new helicopters.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ernesto G. Okol, PAF Public Information Office director, the “Sokol” or Falcon in Polish, can be fitted with various equipment – depending on the mission – that makes it an ideal utility helicopter for the PAF.

It is NVG (Night Vision Goggle)-capable and is equipped with an SN 350 Autopilot, he added.
Compared to the Huey helicopters, he said the “Sokol” is a more capable utility platform.

Okol explained that while the Huey can carry only seven passengers, the “Sokol” can accommodate 10 passengers with a maximum takeoff weight of 14,110 pounds, an endurance of three hours and 19 minutes, and it can reach a maximum range of 402 nautical miles in a single flight, with airspeed of about 140.5 knots.

The “Sokol” is fitted with gun mounts for the M60D MG on both sides, and when utilized during search and rescue (SAR) or over water operations, it can be equipped with pilot-controlled Emergency Floatation Gear attached to the lowest portion of the aircraft.

It can also perform various missions other than combat to support the country’s peace and development efforts.

“The CUH project is worth P2.8 billion, and has undergone the rigid screening process prior to its procurement,” Okol said.

(Manila Bulletin)

First Sokol on Their Way to the Philippines

13 Februari 2012

Loading of PZL W-3WA Sokol helicopters into the An-124 Ruslan (all photos : epmlpotters)

February 12 this year, Antonov An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft from Rzeszow airport, carrying four PZL W-3WA Sokol Swidnik multi-purpose transport helicopters, ordered by the Philippine Armed Forces.

Philippines has ordered eight Sokols to the authorities in Poland. The remaining four is expected to delivery later this year. Machines used to complement the UH-1 Huey, which form the backbone of military aviation. Helicopters are used primarily for combat operations south of the country, where government forces are fighting with the rebels.

(Dziennik Zbrojny)

DND Signs Five-Year Agreement with Italy

08 Februari 2012

Maestrale class, ASW frigates with 3.100 tonnes displacement and 122.7m in length (photo : Maltashipphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The procurement of military equipment from Italy-based suppliers will be fast-tracked under an agreement between the Philippines and Italy.

National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola signed the five-year agreement when Gazmin visited Italy last Jan. 30.

In a statement, Gazmin said the arrangement will help expedite the procurement from Italy of supplies with the help of the Italian Ministry of Defense.

“This arrangement is a result of our efforts to explore any and all avenues for a more efficient procurement process for our modernization program,” he said.

AMX ground attack aircraft (photo : code20photog)

The agreement is valid for five years from signing and will be automatically extended for another five years unless there is a written notice of intention to terminate.

However, the signing of the arrangement does not mean that the Philippines would buy defense equipment from Italian firms.

Gazmin said the agreement is merely intended to establish a system for “future transactions.”
Gazmin and members of the DND Defense Acquisition System team left for Italy last Jan. 28 and returned home last Feb. 3.

Other key defense officials who joined the week-long trip were Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel Fernando Manalo, and Bids and Awards Committee chairman Patrick Velez.

Piaggio P-180 surveillance aircraft (photo : piaggioaero)

They inspected combat-ready defense materiel including Maestrale and Soldati-class deep patrol water vessel, the Piaggio 180, a single platform defense materiel that can perform the functions of a special mission aircraft, light lift aircraft and long range patrol aircraft.

Also inspected were the medium lift tactical aircraft C27J, Italian Navy Coast Watch and Air Defense 3D Radar Systems, AMX ground attack aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle Falco and armored personnel carrier.

Philippine officials and Italian suppliers also talked about an information technology system that would allow the transmission of data.

The system would allow the delivery of data from any defense material platform to personnel in mission up to the commander-in-chief. The system can enhance the defense awareness of the military and civilians.

C-27J medium transport aircraft (photo : Aviationnews)

Gazmin said the arrangement with the Italian government includes a service agreement and training of Philippine military personnel.

These are aimed at ensuring the medium- and long-term effectiveness of the equipment that may be bought from Italy.

“We would like to assure the Filipino people that all possible negotiations are premised within the national government’s established ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance,” Gazmin said.

The Philippines has bought 18 basic trainer aircraft from Alenia Aermacchi, an Italian firm that designs and produces military trainers. The delivery of the 18 units was completed last year.

Falco MALE unmmaned aerial vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)

The DND seeks to approve the contracts of 138 modernization projects worth P70 billion by July.
The projects include big-ticket items like fighter jets and long-range patrol aircraft for the Air Force, multi-role vessel for the Navy and coast watch radars.

Aside from Italy, other countries that have offered defense equipment to the DND are the United States, Korea, France and United Kingdom.

(PhilStar)

U.S. to Send Second Ship to Bolster Philippines

08 Februari 2012

USCGS Dallas is set as a second warship to be transfereed to Philippine (photo : USCG)

WASHINGTON - The U.S. will soon give a second Coast Guard cutter to the Philippines as part of efforts to boost the ally’s military amid tensions at sea with China, officials said Tuesday.

The U.S. last year transferred its Hamilton cutter to the Philippines, which made it the flagship of its notoriously dilapidated navy and recently sent it on a mission to the disputed Spratly islands.

Lawmakers will this week conclude formalities to send to the former U.S. colony another cutter, the Dallas, Representative Ed Royce and senior Pentagon official Peter Lavoy told a congressional hearing.

“It should soon be on its way to Manila,” said Royce, a Republican from southern California whose district has a significant Filipino American community.

“The U.S. and the Philippines want peace and stability in this region, which is key to the global economy,” Royce said as he chaired the hearing of a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee.

The Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries have accused China of bellicose behavior over disputes in the South China Sea. Despite historical sensitivities about U.S. troops, the Philippines has said it would welcome further rotations by U.S. forces on its soil and more joint exercises.

Lavoy, the top civilian at the Pentagon handling East Asia, said that the U.S. was “considering a range of military capabilities” as it helps the Philippines move from “an inward focus on domestic threats to an outwardly focused military that needs to be reorganized to address external concerns.”

But Lavoy was noncommittal when asked whether the U.S. would be willing to provide F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, saying it was critical to look at affordability and other factors.

Kurt Campbell, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said that cooperation also depended on human rights. Congress has blocked $3 million due to concerns over extrajudicial killings by the Philippine military.

“Although the pace of killings has declined, trying and convicting perpetrators remains an ongoing challenge,” Campbell told the hearing.

But Campbell praised Philippine President Benigno Aquino for addressing human rights and other U.S. concerns, including human trafficking.

(Defense News)

DND, Armed Forces Eye Italian Weapon

29 Januari 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Business Mirror)

PAF to Get First Delivery of 4 of 8 Brand-New CUH Bought from Poland Next Month

28 Januari 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PNA)

Military Eyes P70-billion in Acquisitions Over Eight Years

27 Januari 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Interaksyon)

PAF to Get 2 Reconditioned C-130 Planes

12 Januari 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PhilStar)

DBM Wants New Plane for Noy

05 Januari 2012

PAF Fokker 28 for VVIP (photo : PAF)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippine Air Force in May 2006.

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

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

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

(PhilStar)

DND Wants to Reduce Number of Military Battalions

02 Januari 2012

Philippines Army (photo : Army Recognition)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PhilStar)

DND Orders Military to Look Into Possible Acquisition of Anti-Ship Weapons

02 Januari 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PhilStar)

US Willing to Help Philippines Get F-16 Jets

26 Desember 2011

F16 jet fighter (photo : Militaryphotos)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PhilStar)

PNoy to Buy PAF 2 More C130 Planes for Relief Goods Transport

22 Desember 2011

C130 Hercules (photo : Vaclav Kudela)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PIA)

Philippines Wants to Acquire F-16 Fighter Jets from US

18 Desember 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Air Force has five S-211 jets.

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

It is meant to be and air superiority fighter.

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

(Business Mirror)