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Philippines Defence Forum

Next, we should look at other jets like JAS 39 or F/A-18

Getting the Super Hornet is such a no brainer. Not so expensive, twin engines, long legged, can carry harpoons or other AshM for naval strikes. It can later be upgraded to the Advanced Super hornet standard so it's semi-future proof.

ASH070-130827-Boeing-F18F-ASH-125111.jpg

ASH065-130827-Boeing-F18F-ASH-112b.jpg

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Missile-Armed MPACs in the Pipeline for the PN


Combat boat with missile (image : Militaryphotos)

MANILA (PNA) -- In a bid to improve its territorial sea interdiction capabilities, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it will be acquiring missile-armed MPACs (multi-purpose assault craft) to beef up its patrol force.
This was announced by PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar C. Taccad during Tuesday's briefing on modernization.

"It will be armed with stabilized weapon system with fire control complemented with a short to medium range missile system," he added.

The MPACs will be designed for territorial sea interdiction operations with maritime situational awareness and limited credible deterrence in the protection of the country's interest at the West Philippine Sea, Taccad stated
"And it may also be used for internal security operations and humanitarian assistance disaster response operations," he stressed.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that it is allocating Php270 million to acquire three missile-armed MPACs.

The money will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.
The contract includes mission essential equipment.


Mission essential equipment includes day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system and seamanship and ship-handling gears.
The PN currently operates a force of six MPACs.

Three of the PN's MPACs are sourced from Taiwan while the remaining three were ordered from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation, which is based in Subic Bay, Zambales.

These ships are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter and a top speed of 45 knots.
Each one costs around Php90 million. It has a range 300 nautical miles. The hull is made of high-quality aluminum and is crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel. It is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation. It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.

(PNA)

Beware the back blast from those things...


PN Needs Diesel Electric Submarines for Maritime Deterrence


Philippines needs between three to six diesel electric submarine (photo : HDW)

MANILA (PNA) -- The country needs modern and up-to-date diesel electric submarines for maritime deterrence.

"We need submarines for deterrence," Rear Admiral Caesar C. Taccad, Navy vice commander, said Wednesday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization briefing.
However, Taccad clarified that developing a submarine capability requires a long gestation period in order to develop support facilities and the people and technology of operating such a force.

"A rule of thumb is that 10 years is needed to develop such a force," Taccad stressed.
He added that the PN has already started its submarine development studies some three or two years ago.

"Actually, we forced a submarine office in the Philippine Fleet," the PN vice commander said.
Taccad also said that the PN can afford to acquire and operate its own diesel electric submarines.

"If we can afford two frigates that is worth around Php18 billion, we can procure a submarine," he disclosed.

Military studies revealed that the Philippines needs between three to six diesel electric submarines to fully secure its maritime domain.

(PNA)

PAF fighter pilots to undergo training in S. Korea
Posted by Maki Catama on 11:12 PM


KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle Light Attack Aircraft.

MANILA, - Expecting initial delivery of FA-50 lead-in fighter jets late next year, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is sending its fighter pilots to South Korea for a six-month training in handling the brand-new supersonic aircraft.

PAF’s Air Defense Wing chief Col. Ernesto Okol said that aside from three fighter pilots, they are also sending 32 support personnel to South Korea in March for the much-needed flight and maintenance transition training.

“PAF is sending three of our most skilled instructor-pilots with the highest flying time with relative years (in military service) under their belt, to South Korea to undergo a six to seven months’ training,” Okol said.

He said the three pilots have been flying S-211 jets.

Following his trip to South Korea last week where he personally inspected an FA-50 model at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), President Aquino announced the country would be receiving first delivery of the brand new supersonic fighter jets starting next year.

Under the military’s modernization program, the government purchased a squadron of these brand new lead-in fighter jets through a P18.9-billion defense contract with KAI.

“Our pilots will first undergo basic flying training with their South Korean Air Force counterparts for about two to three months, then they will transition to the jets,” Okol said.

The purchase of the FA-50 fighter jets is seen as a major defense procurement of the government to bring the Air Force back to the sky, which for now is basically lacking in air defense capabilities with the retirement of the last seven F5 fighter jets in 2005.

At present, PAF has only three S-211s trainer jets refitted into fighter planes in its inventory.

During their transition training, the Filipino pilots will be flying the FA-50 jets, which rake the sky with speeds of up to 1.5 Mach, compared to the S-211s that only fly at a maximum 667 kilometers per hour.

“Suffice it to say, we’ll be back to supersonic again,” said Okol, himself an F5 fighter pilot.

He added another package worth about P5 billion for the procurement and installation of avionics and armaments will fully categorize the F50-A lead-in fighter jets into a full combat-capable aircraft.

Aside from the three pilots, a team of two officers and 32 crew will also be sent to South Korea to train in order to handle the maintenance aspect of the fighter jets when in full operation in the country.

On top of this, Okol said PAF is also expecting delivery of a squadron of OV-10 Bronco bombers also next year to augment PAF’s current OV-10 Broncos in its inventory as well as brand-new combat AugustaWestland attack helicopters the government purchased from Italy.

PAF fighter pilots to undergo training in S. Korea ~ ASEAN Military Defense Review

Philippine Navy's goal: At least 3 submarines
Posted by Maki Catama on 5:46 AM


The Chang Bogo Class Type 209 diesel-electric attack submarine intended for service with the South Korean Navy and Indonesian Navy. Reports as of May 2011 indicate that the Philippine Navy is eyeing the purchase of its first submarine not later than 2020, although no further details were provided The “Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix” strategy concept publicly released on May 2012 indicates the requirement of at least 3 submarines for deterrence and undersea warfare to be available by 2020.

MANILA, – The Philippine Navy has formed a submarine office to start the decade-long process of developing people and facilities to prepare them for the possible purchase of submarines, Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said in a modernization briefing on Wednesday, December 17.

"Submarines take a lot of gestation period. The rule of thumb in the development of support facilities, the people and technology of operating such a force is 10 years. Now when should we start? We can start now so we can [acquire] 10 years from now," Taccad said.

The first step is the creation in 2013 of a submarine office in the Philippine Fleet "to start developing the necessary skills and infrastructure." It is part of the discussions on what to acquire next after the ongoing P90-billion fresh modernization program is completed.

The second step, Taccad explained, is to have at least 3 submarines. "But if you cannot afford three, get two just like we're getting two frigates and two strategic sealift vessels so they can replace each other during maintenance. If you only procure one and continuously use it, it will only last for 5 years," Taccad said.

One of the weakest in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is modernizing its navy to achieve minimum credible defense in the wake of escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Money is an issue. While China and other neighbors are acquiring submarines, the Philippines is pouring its money into the acquisition of patrol frigates for maritime domain awareness or the ability to monitor what is happening in its waters.

"Maganda sana kung mayroong (It would be great if we could have) submarines, frigates and the multirole fighters. But we need to prioritize so we prioritized the multirole fighters and the frigate," said Taccad.

The Philippine government allotted P90 billion to the military's modernization. The P18.9-billion frigates for the Navy and P18-billion fighter jets for the Air Force are the two big-ticket items that it funded.

"The system of defending the country involves several types of capabilities. The first capability will be what we can afford and yet cover a large space and this will be the patrol vessels. These are low-tech equipment, and low-cost. You can have more and cover a large space," said Taccad

The next stage of modernization is where the submarines can play a role. If the patrol vessels are harassed, for example, the more sophisticated assets like submarines can serve as deterrence to "scare off" intruders.

"If there's a confrontation, we need a capability to protect our patrol vessels so they will not be harassed. These are the high-tech weapon system, which is more sophisticated and therefore costly. We may use frigates with missile capability just to scare off...or it could be the submarines as deterent," said Taccad.

Philippine Navy's goal: At least 3 submarines ~ ASEAN Military Defense Review
 
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Attaching some pictures of PH military vehicles I took using iPod.
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I took this last Dec. 16 at Camp Aguinaldo (I took an exam for the DND at that time), they were practicing for the parade for the anniversary of the AFP last Dec. 18.
 
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Attaching some pictures of PH military vehicles I took using iPod.
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I took this last Dec. 16 at Camp Aguinaldo (I took an exam for the DND at that time), they were practicing for the parade for the anniversary of the AFP last Dec. 18.


Looking good, Philippines !
 
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Mabuhay! Merdeka!

Photo exhibition marks anniversary of RI-Philippines diplomatic ties

mabuhay.jpg


The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi (Museum of the Drafting of the Proclamation), will hold a photo exhibition to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The exhibition entitled “Mabuhay! Merdeka!: Snapshots of 65 Years of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship” will feature photographs of important events in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, including exchanges of visits by Indonesian and Philippines leaders, cultural exchanges and humanitarian missions.
 
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Mabuhay! Merdeka!

Photo exhibition marks anniversary of RI-Philippines diplomatic ties

View attachment 177884

The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and Museum Perumusan Naskah Proklamasi (Museum of the Drafting of the Proclamation), will hold a photo exhibition to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The exhibition entitled “Mabuhay! Merdeka!: Snapshots of 65 Years of Philippines-Indonesia Friendship” will feature photographs of important events in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, including exchanges of visits by Indonesian and Philippines leaders, cultural exchanges and humanitarian missions.


Long may the brotherhood between Indonesia and Philippines reign ! Mabuhay! Merdeka!
 
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Russian economic crisis won't hit PH - BSP exec
ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 12/22/2014 9:40 AM | Updated as of 12/22/2014 11:34 AM


MANILA, Philippines - A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas official said the economic woes besetting Russia won't affect the Philippine economy.

Rosabel Guerrero, director for BSP's Department of Economic Statistics, said the impact would be quite minimal, citing Russia's one percent contribution in the country's trade in goods.

"If you look at the different possible transmission channels (such as) direct investments and portfolio investments from Russia or going to Russia… It's less than one percent. Even with respect to trade in goods, it's very relatively small compared with other countries," she said.

She added tourist spending and arrivals coming from Russia are also "relatively small."

The Russian central bank last week surprised markets with a hike in key interest rates, as the ruble continued to weaken.

The move triggered a volatility in global financial markets, which currencies in other regions may have been affected by the sudden increase. - ANC

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Russian economic crisis won't hit PH - BSP exec | ABS-CBN News

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This is the perfect time to axe the 60/40 Economic Restriction that is enforced by the 1987 PH Constitution courtesy of the local oligarchy.
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German business group seeks activities to promote Phl-Germany trade relations
By Louella D. Desiderio (The Philippine Star) | Updated December 22, 2014 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) is undertaking activities next year aimed at further strengthening the trade and investment relations of the two countries.

In a statement, GPCCI president Bodo Goerlich said following activities conducted this year, the group intends to continue activities to promote trade and investments between Germany and the Philippines.

“We are very happy to conclude 2014 on a positive note after achieving some milestones foremost of which is the successful facilitation of the state visit of President Benigno Aquino III to Germany last September, the first in 20 years after the visit of former President Fidel Ramos,” he said.

“The state visit was a very good sign of improvement of the diplomatic ties between Germany and the Philippines. We at the Chamber are very happy to have played a key role in this significant event,” he added.

The prior visit of Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo to Germany, which involved meetings with German businesses, was also seen to have helped in promoting the countries’ trade and investment relations.

For next year, Goerlich said the Chamber’s activities to further enhance the two countries’ trade and investment links will begin with the hosting in January of the meeting of the executive directors of the German Chamber Network in Asia.

The meeting will focus on the enhanced cooperation between and among the German chambers abroad and their plan to further increase trade in the region in time for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) economic integration by the end of 2015.

The Asean economic integration aims to create a region with free flow of goods, services, skilled labor, investments and capital.

Goerlich said the Chamber will also have strong participation in the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit next year by encouraging leaders to explore trade opportunities within the 21-member economies.

He said GPCCI will likewise play a significant role in the implementation of the dual technical vocational training in the Philippine education system next year.

GPCCI’s own dual training program, which is patterned after Germany’s model, establishes cooperation between German companies and Philippine schools and training institutions to provide skills training and expertise to Filipino students that are critical to the needs of German and Philippine companies.

GPCCI which has served as an important partner of German companies with operations here, Goerlich added, will continue to promote the Philippines an investment destination particularly for manufacturing, given the availability of suitable business locations, low labor cost and the highly educated and competitive Filipino workforce who speak good English.

“The GPCCI is happy to be part of the growth of German investments in the Philippines and we hope to continue to promote the Philippines in Germany not as a country with frequent harsh typhoons and calamities but an excellent trade and investments destination,” he said.

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German business group seeks activities to promote Phl-Germany trade relations | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
 
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Looking good, Philippines !
Though we still need a fire support vehicle aside from the incoming M113A2s with 76mm gun. The Swedish Stridsvagn 103 "S-tank" is good as it can be an direct fire-support gun, or simply "assault gun."

pansarmuseum-axvall-1011.jpg



Also, if we have enough funds to develop this variant of M113, then we would not be only stuck with the 76mm gun-armed M113

m113assaulthowitzerfscv_003.jpg

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m113assaulthowitzerfscv_001.jpg


It can be a self-propelled howitzer and at the same time, as direct fire-support vehicle.
 
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Navy to acquire 6 155mm gun tubes for Marine units
December 22, 2014

The Philippine Navy (PN) is acquiring six 155-millimeter howitzers to improve the fire support and attack capability of its Marine units.

“The project will be an additional capability for the Marines especially in the conduct of fire support for its operating forces,” Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said.

Aside from the gun tubes, sufficient stocks of 155mm ammunition will be also acquired, he added.

Six 155mm gun tubes are equivalent to one heavy artillery battery.

The weapon has a maximum range of 14,600 meters. The 155mm battery will supplement the existing 105mm guns of the Marines which only has an effective range of 11,270 meters.

“The artillery system (will be) equipped with fire control computers, muzzle velocity radars, inertial navigation and target acquisition systems. It (will) provide the most responsive and accurate fire support to maneuver infantry battalions with maximum lethal effect and larger target range. As of now, the project is for re-bidding,” Taccad said. (PNA)

Navy to acquire 6 155mm gun tubes for Marine units | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines



Coming soon: More jets, choppers for PH military
By Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News
12/18/2014

MANILA - Troops from all branches of service as well as the Special Forces of the Philippine military stood at attention before their commander-in-chief as the Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated their 79th anniversary today.

Units also paraded the assets they use for the AFP's various defensive and humanitarian assistance activities, displaying their tanks, vessels, weaponry, and other specialized vehicles.

The Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, and the Philippine Air Force joined the Naval Special Operations Group, the Army Special Forces, the Scout Rangers, the United Nations Peacekeepers, and other elite and special units in a pass-in-review before the AFP leadership and President Benigno S. Aquino III.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. highlighted the presence of the military at every crucial juncture of Philippine history including battles against foreign occupation, dictatorship, terrorism and the like.

Catapang also honored the troops for their bravery, mentioning the United Nations Filipino peacekeepers who served in the Golan Heights, Liberia, and Haiti.

He thanked the soldiers for their service in disaster response, and those who defended internal peace and security in volatile regions.

Catapang also announced the headway the AFP was making in its modernization program, particularly in the acquisition of assets necessary to establish a minimum credible defense posture, and to aid in the ongoing pursuit of internal security.

In 2015, the following will be delivered to the AFP:

  • 28 ARMORED VEHICLES
  • 3 MEDIUM LIFT AIRCRAFT
  • 2 LIGHT LIFT AIRCRAFT
  • 8 COMBAT UTILITY HELICOPTERS
  • 8 ATTACK HELICOPTERS
  • 2 NAVAL HELICOPTERS
  • 10 AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLES
  • 2 FIGHTER PLANES
Twenty-eight officers, enlisted personnel, civilian employees and cadet reservists were also given awards for their excellence in service, ranging from successful operations against the Abu Sayyaf and New People's Army, to UN peacekeeping, to humanitarian assistance work and even successfully trimming down the AFP's tax liabilities.

The anniversary celebration was held in Camp Aguinaldo instead of at the Quirino Grandstand, which was being renovated for the papal visit.

The celebration ended with the much-applauded landing of the AFP's skydiving teams in front of the grandstand.


Coming soon: More jets, choppers for PH military | ABS-CBN News
 
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EU grants Philippines zero tariffs on strategic exports

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MANILA, Philippines - The European Parliament on Thursday night (Manila time) completed the last stage in the process to grant the Philippines GSP+ that will provide duty free entry to the EU for some of the most important Philippine exports.

The GSP+ preferences cover over 6,200 tariff lines including fruit and foodstuffs, coconut oil, footwear, fish and textiles.

EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux called the development "a very good news for the Philippines."

"It will bring tariffs to zero percent for two thirds of tariff lines including strategic products that the Philippines is already exporting to the EU," Ledoux said. "This will immediately translate into savings of tens of millions of euros per year in foregone customs duties."

"Apart from giving a dramatic and immediate advantage to Philippine exports, the EU concession significantly improves the attractiveness of the Philippines as a destination for new agricultural and manufacturing facilities for products that will now enjoy duty free access to the EU," the ambassador added.

He said the grant gives the Philippines a comparative advantage and represents very tangible EU support to the Philippine strategy to increase exports and investments, and diversify its industry.


"The bottom line is more jobs for Filipinos in the Philippines," Ledoux said.

The Philippines is already a beneficiary to EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP). Total exports to the EU that were eligible under GSP in 2013 amounted to €1.69 billion or 33 percent of total exports to the EU.

Actual utilization has been around 64 percent or €1.08 billion but this figure is set to rise as a result of GSP+.

The greatest benefit that is likely to be gained from GSP+ is the attraction of new industrial investments in sectors where relatively high tariffs are being slashed to zero under GSP+.

These include established Filipino exports that are labour intensive such as pineapple juice (currently 28.5 percent), garments (currently 5-9 percent), preserved fruits (currently 6-9 percent), tuna (currently 20.5 percent), fruit jams and jellies (currently 20.5 percent) and footwear (currently 11.9 percent).

The European Union provides GSP+ preferences to create economic benefits that will help the Philippines to assume its responsibilities under core international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance

The EU, a party to the conventions, said it will keep under review their effective implementation by the Philippines, as well as its cooperation with their monitoring bodies.

EU grants Philippines zero tariffs on strategic exports | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

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DND seals deal on 28 Israel-made armored infantry fighting vehicles

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MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense has signed a P882-million contract with an Israel-based firm for the purchase of 28 armored infantry fighting vehicles.

DND Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said in an interview on Thursday that the deal was signed last week with Elbit Systems Land and C4L for the "very capable" vehicles.

Velez declined to divulged the vehicles' specifications citing security reasons.

He said that four of the 28 armored vehicles are recovery models to be used to tow damaged units and those incapacitated in the battlefield.

Fourteen of the new acquisitions, meanwhile, will be used as fire support vehicles equipped with 76mm cannons taken from decommissioned vehicles.

The delivery of the vehicles are expected to be completed by January 2015.

The Philippine Army is so far equipped with 343 armored fighting vehicles for its 10 infantry divisions.

The 28 armored infantry fighting vehicles are among the the department's planned acquisitions this year for the Army. The list includes a shore-launched anti-ship missile system, various grenade launchers, 155mm Towed Howitzers and a few other trucks.

DND seals deal on 28 Israel-made armored infantry fighting vehicles | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com


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Harris Corp. awarded $18M radio order from Philippines

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Harris Corp. announced a second big contract award on Friday, this time an $18 million Falcon III radio order from the Philippines.

With the latest order, Harris Corp. will modernize the Light Armored Division of the Philippine Army with the latest Falcon RF-7800V Combat Net Radio, which provides in-vehicle voice and data communications and secure tactical network connectivity.

"This order will accelerate tactical radio modernization for the Philippine Army by providing soldiers with enhanced command and control and situational awareness for real-time decision-making," said Brendan O'Connell, president of international business for Harris RF Communications.

Harris Corp. earlier today announced that it had been awarded a $50 million order from an unnamed Middle East country.

Melbourne-based Harris Corp. (NYSE: HRS) is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. The company has $5 billion of annual revenue and about 14,000 employees.

Harris Corp. awarded $18M radio order from Philippines - Orlando Business Journal


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PH Navy seeks military aid from Japan

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MANILA - The Philippine Navy is seeking Japan’s assistance to boost security over its maritime territory.

Navy vice commander and Navy Modernization Board chairman Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said a list of equipment that will be requested from Japan is currently being prepared.

This comes on the heels of Japan’s decision early this year to reinterpret its Constitution and allow the military to exercise a right to
“collective self-defense.”

This move gained criticisms, especially from China, which has been in a tug-of-war with Japan over the East China Sea.

"We need enough vessels to patrol those maritime areas. So the list would probably include patrol vessels and (other) vessels that we can use for HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) for government-support activity,” Taccad said.

Both the Philippines and China have insisted on jurisdiction over areas in the resource-rich South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. The other claimants are Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Navy spokesman Col. Edgardo Arevalo said: "We in the Philippine Navy are the ones preparing the list and seeks Japan's benevolence."

"The list is comprised mostly of HADR equipment like logistics, transport ships, and sea planes, among other capacity-building equipment," he added.

PH Navy seeks military aid from Japan | ABS-CBN News



Getting the Super Hornet is such a no brainer. Not so expensive, twin engines, long legged, can carry harpoons or other AshM for naval strikes. It can later be upgraded to the Advanced Super hornet standard so it's semi-future proof.

ASH070-130827-Boeing-F18F-ASH-125111.jpg

ASH065-130827-Boeing-F18F-ASH-112b.jpg

ASH041-130827-Boeing-F18F-ASH-0231.jpg

Totally agree with you, f-16's has reach it's prime and can no longer be upgraded. Gripen and the Hornet are only the two logical choice for the country's next MRF Fighter. Gripen is cheap to maintain but falls short on capabilities the hornets can offer.
 
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Navy spokesman Col. Edgardo Arevalo said: "We in the Philippine Navy are the ones preparing the list and seeks Japan's benevolence."

:tup:

Best of Luck in this process !

Though we still need a fire support vehicle aside from the incoming M113A2s with 76mm gun. The Swedish Stridsvagn 103 "S-tank" is good as it can be an direct fire-support gun, or simply "assault gun."

pansarmuseum-axvall-1011.jpg



Also, if we have enough funds to develop this variant of M113, then we would not be only stuck with the 76mm gun-armed M113

m113assaulthowitzerfscv_003.jpg

m113assaulthowitzerfscv_002.jpg

m113assaulthowitzerfscv_001.jpg


It can be a self-propelled howitzer and at the same time, as direct fire-support vehicle.


These would be high quality additions to the Philippine Army's inventory, no doubt. I would also convey that the Philippines , as an archipelago, and with potent high ground, is not suitable for tank warfare. In fact, any offensive drive by an enemy with use of tanks can be easily inhibited with rapid hit and run strategy. I would encourage practicality , given the Philippines' military defensive strategem.

I would suggest the acquisition of anti-tank guns, perhaps even acquiring a modified M40 platform, just like this Australian Army Land Rover Series 2 with M40:

106mm_land_rover[1].JPG
 
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First SSV to be in service by Q2 of 2016 - Philippine Navy
Posted by Maki Catama on 5:33 PM



Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) designed for the Philippine Navy.

MANILA, -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that one of its two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) will be in service by the second quarter of 2016.

This was confirmed by Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad in a press briefing, saying the contract price for the two SSVs is PhP4 billion.

"The first unit is expected to be delivered on the second quarter of 2016 and the second unit is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017," Taccad said.

"These ships can be used for military and non-military operations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, sealift, logistics, rescue operations or as a floating government center platform," the PN vice commander stressed.

He added that the SSVs carries a crew of 126 officers and enlisted personnel. It can also transport a battalion of troops (500 soldiers) and their equipment.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL confirmed Friday that it has signed the contract to supply two strategic sealift vessels to the Philippine Navy.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal signed the contract for the SSVs last July.

"The SSV is an integral part of the PN's Service Force (logistic) and is needed to accomplish the Navy's missions in different areas," the Navy earlier said.

The ships are estimated to weigh around 7,300 gross register tons.
The SSVs will also be used to improve the PN's transport and lift capabilities.

These missions are needed especially in times of natural disaster of which the Navy is one of the responders.

The ships are capable of acting as mini-helicopter carriers as it is capable of carrying two helicopters at its flight deck and another at its enclosed hangar area.

"SSVs must have helideck capacity for two 10-ton helicopters (based on Sikorsky Black Hawk) and an enclosed hangar for another 10-ton helicopter (also based on the Black Hawk)," a DND supplemental bulletin on the SSVs stated.

With the capability to carry three helicopters, the SSV has the capacity to conduct long range patrol and conduct rescue work.

The DND supplemental bid bulletin also said that the two ships must have a beam of 21 meters and a propulsion system consisting of two diesel engines coupled to two controllable pitch propellers giving it a minimum speed of 13 knots and a maximum of 16 knots.

It should also have a cruising range of 7,500 nautical miles and a crew of 100 to 130 officers and men.

The SSVs must be also capable of carrying two landing craft mechanized/utility at floodable well decks, two RHIB or LCVP on boat davits.

The SSVs must be also equipped with navigation, surface and air search radars, electronic warfare suite, electro-optical fire control system and combat management systems.

It must be armed with one main gun between 40mm to 127mm in caliber and two 30 mm automated cannons and from four to six light machine guns.

Money for the SSVs is sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Act Trust Fund.
 
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:tup:

Best of Luck in this process !




These would be high quality additions to the Philippine Army's inventory, no doubt. I would also convey that the Philippines , as an archipelago, and with potent high ground, is not suitable for tank warfare. In fact, any offensive drive by an enemy with use of tanks can be easily inhibited with rapid hit and run strategy. I would encourage practicality , given the Philippines' military defensive strategem.

I would suggest the acquisition of anti-tank guns, perhaps even acquiring a modified M40 platform, just like this Australian Army Land Rover Series 2 with M40:

View attachment 178144

I did mention before that we should consider other weapons, particularly the Panzerfaust 3 to replace the Armbrust, the Mk. 153 rocket launcher or Carl Gustav recoilless gun to complement the RPG-7 and at a few ATGM missiles, either Type 01 LMAT or Spike ATGM because I am pretty sure the Javelin is expensive.
 
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Well the idea first is to repleace all of the recoilless rifles first then anti tank weapos i think the army would go for vechicle mounted anti tank missiles like the spikes or tow missiles
 
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PMC to Acquire SMAW Rocket Launcher


PMC will use SMAW to destroy bunkers and lightly armored vehicles (photo : combatindex)

PN to set up maritime domain awareness centers; to acquire new weaponry
MANILA - The Philippine Navy (PN) announced on Friday that it will establish coast watch centers and related facilities in the northern part of the country.

The move is in line with the objective of boosting its maritime situational awareness capability.

Furthermore, in a related development, The Navy also announced that it is acquiring "shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapons" (SMAW) to give its Marine units the capability to neutralize bunkers and lightly armored vehicles.
Maritime domain awareness capability refers to the ability of a nation's armed forces to detect, monitor, and, if needed, drive away intruders from its territorial waters.

These were announced by PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad without divulging exact figures and locations for security reasons.

Taccad said the strategic goal of maritime situational awareness, "as stipulated in our Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy, is to ensure effective maritime information support in order to facilitate effective decision-making for credible deterrence and support to national and regional cooperation for maritime security and development and governance."
This project, he disclosed, is now undergoing pre-bidding, the PN vice commander added.

The SMAW, on the other hand, "is to fill the gaps in the direct fire support weapons capabilities of the Marines against different bunkers, concrete walls, light armor and other hard and 'soft' targets," PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said.

It is defined as a "rocket weapon with a maximum range of 1,500 meters. It will be issued to special Marine units who accompany fellow Marines in possible encounters with heavily-armed or fortified adversaries.
The weapon can be used for internal security and territorial defense operations.

Taccad added that SMAW is now undergoing evaluation and study by the Defense Acquisition System ad hoc committee.

(InterAksyon)

National Defense has 3rd Largest Pie in 2015 Budget

26 Desember 2014


P144.5 billion allocated for 2015 defence budget (photo : PN2020)

President Benigno S. Aquino III enacted the P2.606-trillion 2015 General Appropriations Act.

“We are at the doorstep of the Administration’s penultimate year, and the GAA duly reflects President Aquino’s development priorities for 2015. We’re pouring even more investments into the Administration’s anti-poverty and economic growth programs, as well as strengthening governance reforms we’ve helmed so far,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

Social services gets the largest pie in the said 2015 budget which according to DBM chief, shows the current “administration’s continuing pursuit of its antipoverty goals.” These include provisions for basic education and universal health care.

Economic services also have a major share with PhP700.2 billion allocated fund towards this sector aiming for the President’s inclusive growth campaign.

Top 3 departments with big share in next year’s budget are the Department of Education (DepEd) with P367.1 billion, P303.2 billion for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and P144.5 billion goes to Department of Nation Defense (DND).

(AngMalaya)

Military eyes 2 more naval bases in Palawan
Philippine Star – Fri, Dec 26, 2014
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Aside from the Ulungan Bay naval base in Palawan, defense and military officials are eyeing construction of two more naval bases that could accommodate various types of vessels to help secure the West Philippine Sea.

The planned naval base is expected to be the home of new warships that would arrive starting next year from defense contractors abroad.

Aside from the guided missile boat Pohang Class corvette that South Korea is giving to the Philippine Navy (PN) for free, the government is also expecting delivery of two brand new frigates from the South Korean government and two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) and other vessels it procured from Indonesia.

“To avoid port congestion in the future, we are building more naval bases in Palawan,” an informed source bared, adding the military leadership is now looking to Japan to supply the Navy with patrol vessels after the country relaxed its export ban on military equipment.

At present the Navy is developing the Ulugan Bay Naval Base that would be home to its Naval Forces West (Navforwest) and transform the nearby Oyster Bay into a modern naval facility.

Ulungan Bay is directly facing the West Philippine Sea where tension has been mounting due to the massive maritime claim by China in line with its “creeping invasion” of almost the entire South China Sea.

The Philippines, with a weaker military, could only oppose China’s action through legal measures before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) that Beijing has rejected.

For security reasons, the source declined to give the location in Palawan of the planned additional Navy facilities that would soon rise.

The source said once the naval facilities become operational it would be much easier for the Navy to respond to any kind of maritime disaster and security emergencies in the region.

The Ulugan Bay naval station is near Oyster Bay, an area facing the West Philippine Sea and one of the sites that the military wants to develop.

The AFP wants to offer Oyster Bay as a possible site for the US facilities to be built under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Military officials are hopeful that the EDCA, which provides US troops greater access to Philippine bases, will facilitate the development of the site.

The government has allotted P500 million to develop the Ulugan Bay base, including P313 million to improve the pier, harbor and support facilities at Oyster Bay.

Military eyes 2 more naval bases in Palawan - Yahoo News Philippines
 
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