Philippines Defence Forum

[Cossack25A1]

FA-50PH Need Php 37,6 Mio for Engine Overhaul

14 Juni 2016



PAF FA-50PH (photo : rappler)

PAF in the Market for FA-50PH Engine Assy Service Providers

MANILA (PNA) --- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating the sum of PHP37,602,175.63 for service providers capable of repairing and overhauling the engine assy for the use of its brand-new South Korean-made FA-50PH light-interim fighter jet aircraft.

Pre-bid conference is on Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Air Force bids and awards committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said.

While submission and opening of bids is on July 8, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.

The PAF's first two FA-50PH jet aircraft arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 28, 2015. The rest remaining 10 aircraft, out of a 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion, will be delivered between 2016 to 2017.

The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)'s FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PH.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The FA-50PH uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

(PNA)

My guess is that after PH Air Force pilots gain sufficient skills in piloting modern combat aircraft, the FA-50 will be used as a light fighter-bomber aircraft while a future MRF (multirole fighter) will be the main fighter of the PH Air Force; it is speculated that the Swedish JAS 39 will be the the future PH Air Force's MRF.

 

[yugocrosrb95]

JAS 39 is fine aircraft... Even C/D will have Meteor BVRAAM, hitting a fly up to 300 kilometers away.

 

[Anjo]

Anybody here know if the "Press trust of India" is a legitimate news source? The Article is dated about a week ago which coincidentally is the same time the PQ of HHI in Korea concluded. I wonder if this article just came out late considering GRSE failed its PQ..


GRSE close to sealing deal with Philippines on warship export

Press Trust of India | Kolkata Jun 08, 2016 03:07 PM IST

Inching closer towards finalising a deal with the Philippines Navy, defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has emerged as the lowest bidder for exporting two frigates to the Southeast Asian island country.

"We are the lowest price bidder for the order. Now the government is evaluating other aspects before placing the order. We are hopeful of a positive outcome but things are not final yet," Commodore Ratnakar Ghosh, Director (shipbuilding), GRSE, told PTI.
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Few days ago, a team from the Philippines Navy visited the facilities of the Kolkata-based shipyard and expressed satisfaction at the infrastructure.

"If you look at the infrastructure nobody is better than us. We have been in negotiations with them for the last two years and now they are examining other bidders also," company chairman and managing director Rear Admiral (Retd) A K Verma said.

If GRSE bags the order, it will be India's second export order for delivering a warship and a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign.

The shipyard already has the distinction of exporting India's first warship, an offshore patrol vessel, to Mauritius in December 2014.

Buoyed by the success, GRSE had participated in the bidding process for building two frigates for the Philippines.

As per the specifications laid down by the Philippines government, they want two light frigates of 109 meter length which can run at a speed of 25 knots.

Officials said these are for general purpose use in protecting their maritime boundaries.

GRSE already has the required expertise for making frigates as the Kolkata shipyard has bagged the order of making three advanced stealth frigates from the Indian Navy.

"In between we have the capacity to build these frigates for them," Verma said.

GRSE has also built INS Kamorta, first in its class of four anti-submarine warfare corvettes, which is the first warship ever built in the country with almost 90 per cent of indigenous content.
Ghosh said they are in touch with other nations like Vietnam and Bangladesh for building warships.

 

[Cossack25A1]

Unconfirmed report, but if this is true, the CCs here will celebrate.

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Breaking: Duterte will no longer continue AFP Modernization

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte has announced live on PTV4 that he won’t longer continue the AFP Modernization.

Duterte cites that fighter jets are just decorative planes.

“Fighter jets are good only for ceremonial flybys. I’m not in favor of building up external defense, I will not got to war with China”, Duterte said.

International analyst have noted that the incoming Filipino president may take a softer stance in regards to the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines and China is locked on a bitter dispute in the West Philippine Sea where China claims the whole sea area with overlapping claims against the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

In 2012, President Benigno Aquino signed the Revised AFP Modernization Program, a multi-billion dollar program that aims to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines which has been left behind by its ASEAN neighbors in terms of defense capability.

With China’s increasing aggressiveness in the West Philippine Sea, the Aquino government had seek defense cooperation to numerous allied countries such as the United States, South Korea, Indonesia, Spain, Italy and Japan in a bid to modernize the AFP.

So far, the AFP Modernization under its Phase 1 had successfully implemented 93 projects worth $2.5 billion from 12 FA-50 fighter jets, 3 Hamilton Class Frigates, 15 AW-109 helicopters, 21 Aaeremachi Trainer Aircraft, 3 C-195 medium-lift transport aircraft, 4 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, 21 refurbished UH-1H and many more.

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http://themaharlikan.info/defense/breaking-duterte-will-no-longer-continue-afp-modernization/
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[Anjo]

Anything from the Maharlikan, update.ph & Manila livewire should never be considered as "news" sources. These sites are basically clickbait which really only offer gossip & misinformation.

Duterte actually never stated the that he will "stop" the AFP modernization. For one it was already passed as a law way back in 2012. It also helps to if one would view Duterte as a neophyte when comes to the military. I'd even argue that his knowledge on anything military is conservatively limited at best. Whether its about strategy, procurement or even modernization. I'd reserve my judgement on Duterte till he actually gets briefed by the AFP after he gets sworn in.

 

[MacanJawa]

So duterte make friends with china now? and philipine give up un south china sea?

 

[Cossack25A1]

So duterte make friends with china now? and philipine give up un south china sea?

His opinion shows that he is friendly towards China, and for the UNCLOS case, no news until the result will be release on July.

 

[Doomfloyd]

Anything from the Maharlikan, update.ph & Manila livewire should never be considered as "news" sources. These sites are basically clickbait which really only offer gossip & misinformation.

Duterte actually never stated the that he will "stop" the AFP modernization. For one it was already passed as a law way back in 2012. It also helps to if one would view Duterte as a neophyte when comes to the military. I'd even argue that his knowledge on anything military is conservatively limited at best. Whether its about strategy, procurement or even modernization. I'd reserve my judgement on Duterte till he actually gets briefed by the AFP after he gets sworn in.

I agree with you, It's hard to say what Duterte is planning right now for the future of our Army. Let us hope for the best that he actually consider's to continue our army's modernization program.

 

[Anjo]

Based on this article, it seems that Digong has already been somewhat briefed by the DND. The good news is that the AFP modernization would go through under this new administration with Lorenzana explicity stating big ticket items like the frigates and patrol aircraft would not be cancelled.


Territorial defense a priority under Duterte admin –DND chief

Published July 1, 2016 2:38pm

Territorial defense will be a top priority under the freshly installed administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, and the acquisition of military assets for this purpose will continue, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

Interviewed at Camp Aguinaldo, Lorenzana said the 15-year modernization plan for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue "as scheduled" amid fears that the procurement of territorial defense assets will be shelved in favor of internal defense requirements caused by the Abu Sayyaf problem.

Territorial defense "is one of the top priorities of the Duterte administration," Lorenzana assured.

"Territorial defense is very important because we have safeguard our territories against encroachments by other parties," the retired Army major general added. "That's important for this administration."

On the territorial defense assets — among them two frigates, two anti-submarines, and two long-range patrol aircraft — that are already in the process of acquisition, Lorenzana said: "The President said yesterday that we will honor contracts, so those in the pipeline will be continued."

However, there will be "redirection" as the Duterte administration vows to crush the Abu Sayyaf, a violent group of Islamic fundamentalists in Sulu and Basilan notorious for bombing and kidnapping activities, including of foreigners.

"It's very important because it's giving us a bad name in the international community. As long as the Abu Sayyaf continues to do mischief, it will continue to erode our credibility in the international community, so we will focus on that," said Lorenzana. -GMA News

 

[BoQ77]

Conglatulation !!! PH for the victory in PCA statement.

 

[Silent Knight]

Any news on the procurement of 20mm ammunition for your FA-50PHs?

Last time I heard, the bid was cancelled and your aircrafts have no ammunition, except the 50 years old AIM-9 previously served with F-5 fighters.

 

[CountStrike]

First MRRV from Japan will Arrive in Manila on August 18

30 Juli 2016



BRP Tubbataha, an MRRV-4401, is leaving the Yokohama shipyard on August 11, 2016. (all photos : Philippine Coast Guard)

PH Coast Guard gets new rescue ship from Japan

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expecting in August a multi-role vessel from Japan that will help in its “various search and rescue and maritime security and law enforcement operations.”

The BRP Tubbataha, an MRRV-4401, will leave Yokohama on August 11, and will arrive at the Port of Manila on August 18. It will be formally turned over by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to the Philippine government on September 1.




The 44-meter vessel was built at the Japan Marine United Corporation Yokohama Shipyard. In a statement, the PCG cited BRP Tubbataha’s special features will be specially helpful in operations. They include fire monitors, night vision camera, radio direction finder, a work boat, and the bullet-proof navigational bridge.

Here are the ship’s particulars, according to the PCG: Length: 44 meters, Breadth: 7.5 meters, Depth: 4 meters, Engine: MTU12V4000M93L, Output: 2,580 kw, Max Speed: Approximately 25 knots, Cruising range: 1,500 nautical miles, Complement: 25 persons.




Japan is building 9 more MRRV’s for the Philippine Coast Guard. They “will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote its significance as one of the navigational aids in the maritime industry.”

The Japanese Coast Guard has also conducted sea drills with its Philippine counterpart since their two countries signed a Declaration for a Strengthened Strategic Partnership and its Action Plan in June 2015.

(Rappler)

 

[CountStrike]

PAF MD-520MG Attack Helicopters up for Maintenance

04 Agustus 2016



PAF MD-520MG attack helicopter (photo : pdff)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating the sum of PHP3,200,000 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of its McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG "Defender" attack helicopters.

Pre-bid conference is on Wednesday, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

While submission and opening of bids is on Aug. 16, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.

The PAF is known to operate between 12 to 16 models of the MD-520, according to military sources.

The PAF affair with the MD-520 started in the early 90's when 25 units of these excellent aircraft were delivered to country.

It was used with great effect against New People's Army (NPA) rebels and lawless elements like the Abu Sayyaf Group for the past few years.

The MD-520 is derived from the MG-500 light utility helicopter.

It can be armed with .50 caliber heavy machines and air-to-ground rockets.

The aircraft carries a crew of two and is capable of flying to speeds up to 160 miles per hour (257 kilometers per hour), making it ideal for close air support work.

(PNA)

 

[CountStrike]

President Duterte Plans to Convert Presidential Jet to Air Ambulance

09 Agustus 2016



Fokker 28 Philippine Presidential aircraft (photo : Global Aviation)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday announced his plan to convert the presidential plane into an air ambulance, saying that he’s already “comfortable” with commercial flights.

“I have also requested (National Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana to make the arrangement because I am giving up the presidential plane, convert it into an air ambulance,” he told the 500 soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division at Camp Lukban in Catbalogan, Samar late Monday afternoon.

The President also asked the Defense chief to study converting some Fokker planes of the Armed Forces of the Philippines into air ambulances as well.

“You’ll have about so many planes for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tutal ako komportable na ako sa PAL (Philippine Airlines) pati itong Cebu Pacific. Matagal namang walang nahulog diyan so okay na siguro ang mga eroplano nila (nobody has fallen from their planes for a long time so they must be okay),” he added in jest.

The Chief Executive said it’s up to the next President to acquire a presidential plane after his term.

During his 15-minute speech, he also bared his plan to use a small private plane for his travels.

“Sometimes I can use a jet plane, a small one kung may pang-gasolina. I just pay the gasoline, air, pati operational costs,” he said.

The President reiterated his campaign promise on converting presidential aircraft after detailing his plans for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center.

“Anything that can help you, we will give it to you,” he added.

The Air Force’s 250th Presidential Airlift Wing has been used for the air mobility of the President as well as the first family and visiting dignitaries.

(Update)

 

[Cossack25A1]

Japan to fund $2.4-B railway to ease Manila's hellish traffic
Agence France-Presse
Posted at Aug 12 2016 03:43 PM

Japan on Friday announced it is pouring a massive $2.4 billion into a new railway in the Philippines aimed at easing Manila's notorious gridlock.

Japan, Philippines' top trading partner and source of aid, said the 38-kilometer (24-mile) elevated commuter line would connect Manila to nearby Bulacan province to decongest the capital and help spur economic activity.

"This is one of the biggest projects Japan has ever embarked upon using the yen loan," Masato Ohtaka, deputy press secretary for Japan's foreign ministry, told reporters in Manila.

"Railways are one of our fortes ... We sympathise with the Filipinos that this is a project that needs to be done very, very quickly."

Ohtaka said Japan was also open to building a railway in the southern region of Mindanao, a project Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had previously said China offered to fund.

The Philippines has sought to strengthen ties with former World War II foe Japan as it faces a tense maritime dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea.

The railway was among the topics visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida discussed with Duterte on Thursday in the southern city of Davao.

Duterte, who assumed office on June 30, has said reducing traffic congestion and fixing the deteriorating transport system are priorities for his administration.

Manila's traffic problems cost the Philippines an estimated $64 million a day in 2015, a Japanese-funded study found.

In Manila, railway commuters endure long lines and overcrowding is common in trains that sometimes stop between stations or even overshoot their tracks.

Duterte has even declined invitations for engagements in Manila, saying he wants to avoid worsening the congestion.

The Japanese loan is for the Philippine transportation department, payable over 40 years, though Ohtaka did not give a timeline for the project.

Japan is also donating coast guard vessels and leasing aircraft to boost the Philippines' weak military and maritime capabilities.

Japan faces a separate dispute with China over uninhabited islets in the East China Sea.

Philippine foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay said Thursday Manila and Tokyo shared the same experience of dealing with Beijing's "intimidation" at sea.

Yasay and Kishida urged Beijing to observe the rule of law after an international tribunal rejected its claims to most of the South China Sea.

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http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/12/16/japan-to-fund-24-b-railway-to-ease-manilas-hellish-traffic
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