Armed AW-109Es to Act as 'Air Amphibious Support' Assets

11 Agustus 2015

PN AW-109E "Power" (photo : PN)

MANILA (PNA) -- Aside from providing eyes to its parent frigates, the armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters will also be useful as "air amphibious support" assets, according to Philippine Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna.

The latter is an offensive military operation that uses naval ships to project ground and air power onto a hostile or potentially hostile shore at a designated landing beach.

The commissioning of the two armed AW-109Es on Monday will coincide with the retirement ceremony of PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan who will be leaving the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The aircraft are armed with 20mm auto-cannon pods and rocket launchers.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth PhP 1.33 billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early in 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned on Dec. 22, 2013.

The armed versions of the AW-109s will be equipped with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class, eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. 

(PNA)

Japan May Give Planes to Philippines for Aerial Patrols

07 Agustus 2015

Japan wants to give planes to the Philippines to use to patrol the South China Sea, sources say. (photo : thomasphoto)

Tokyo is looking to offer Manila three Beechcraft TC-90 King Air planes that could be fitted with basic surface and air surveillance radar, four sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The sources said talks within the Japanese government were preliminary and would need to overcome legal hurdles.

Japan has yet to formally propose the planes as an alternative to the more sophisticated Lockheed Martin P3-C aircraft that Manila wants to track Chinese submarine activity, they added.

Senior Philippine military and defence officials in Manila said they had not heard about the possible donation of the twin-turboprop TC-90 aircraft, which Japan uses to train military pilots.

"The Philippines doesn't have enough aircraft to conduct regular patrols over the South China Sea," one of the sources in Japan said, declining to be identified because he was not authorised to talk to the media.

China's defence ministry expressed concern about the plan.

"We hope that military cooperation between the relevant countries can benefit regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite," it said in a statement.

Donating aircraft, even small planes, would represent a military upgrade for the Philippines, which has only a handful of fixed-wing planes it can deploy on maritime patrols.

Tokyo has no claims in the South China Sea, but is worried about Beijing's construction of seven artificial islands in the waterway's Spratly archipelago, which will extend Chinese military reach into sea lanes through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.

Concerns over the islands have dominated regional meetings in Kuala Lumpur this week between South-East Asia and countries including Japan, China and the United States.

Equipping Manila with maritime-capable patrol planes would dovetail with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's more muscular security agenda but likely anger China, which has repeatedly accused Japan of interfering in the South China Sea dispute.

A spokesman for Japan's ministry of defence said working level talks had been set up to explore possible cooperation in defence equipment with the Philippines but that there was no "concrete plan" to give Manila the TC-90s.

Philippine defence minister Voltaire Gazmin said he was unaware of any Japanese plan to supply the aircraft.

Top Philippine generals said they were also unaware of any proposal but welcomed the growing security cooperation with Japan.

(ABC)

Philippine Navy is Expecting to Acquire One More Hamilton Class Ship

06 Agustus 2015

From twelve Hamilton class cutter, six already retired and transferred to the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nigeria. The remaining twelve, the oldest is USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) which commissioned in 1968  and the youngest is USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726) which commissioned in 1972 (photo : pdff)

BRP-Gregorio del Pilar docks in Zamboanga

THE BRP-Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two patrol frigates of the Philippine Navy, arrived Tuesday in Zamboanga City as part of its port visits to different parts of the country.

Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commanding officer of BRP-Gregorio del Pilar or Patrol Frigate (PF)-15, said the port visit is part of the ship’s routine patrol.

Sibala said BRP-Gregorio del Pilar will stay in the city for a week. The next port of call is Davao City.

He added that BRP-Gregorio del Pilar is expected to be upgraded especially its censors equipment.

The ship is one of the two PN’s frigates with the West Philippine Sea as its mainstay. It is manned by 100 personnel, including three female officers and a nurse.

Sibala said the Philippine Navy is expecting to acquire one more similar type of vessel to further boost its capability.

The BRP-Gregorio del Pilar is a high-endurance Hamilton-class cutter named the USCGC Hamilton and has served with the US Coast Guard

(SunStar)

DND Junks P6.5-billion Missile Project for Territorial Defense with Israel

05 Agustus 2015

The SBMS acquisition project will be replaced by higher priority projects (photo : Kongsberg)

MANILA - The Department of National Defense (DND) has junked the Army’s P6.5-billion Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS), a government-to-government negotiated deal with Israel, and realigned this territorial external defense capability to purchase ballistic vests, helmets, and rifles, among others.

“The SBMS acquisition project will be replaced by higher priority projects that aim to provide support and protection for soldiers in the field due to the rising security situation in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) and the continuing terrorist acts by the enemies of the government of the Philippines,” according to a two-page letter from Patrick Velez, Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Installation, and Logistics (ASAIL), to Mr. Avi Felder, president of the Israel Military Industries (IMI).

In a letter dated 22 July 2015, a copy of which was obtained by InterAksyon.com, Velez clarified that the SBMS project is not shelved, its implementation only deferred from the 1st Horizon Project (2013-2017) to the 2nd Horizon Project (2018-2023).

But Malacanang has not yet confirmed if President Benigno Aquino has approved the DND decision.

Velez said the decision to use the P6.5 billion for personal protection of soldiers was a result of the 69th Senior Leaders Round-Table Discussion (SLRTD) on the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) on 10 June 2015.

Implications to foreign relations

Expectedly, the Israel Military Industries was shocked over the action of the DND and has been considering the filing of a diplomatic protest.

Aquino and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier promised that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would achieve minimum credible external defense capability before their term ends in 2016.

On 18 December 2014, the DND’s Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 (SBAC1) declared the IMI as the Singled Calculated Responsive Bidder (SCRB) for the project.

The IMI had just been waiting for the issuance of the Notice of Award (NOA) when in May then Army chief and now Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hernando Irriberi sought the realignment of the project.

This after the local representative of IMI filed criminal and administrative charges against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged undue delay of the implementation of at least three ammunition projects worth P97.8 million.

Sources from the Ombudsman said the cases are due for resolution in connection with the supplier’s prayer for a six-month preventive suspension against Irriberi.

According to former National Security Adviser (NSA) and now Paranaque City Representative Roilo Golez, the SBMS project would have been a good move to jump-start Aquino’s promise of minimum credible external defense capability against the aggression of China in the WPS where it was reclaiming coral reefs into artificial islands as part of its expansionist policy in the region.

He slammed Irriberi for recommending in haste the realignment of the SBMS and urged the Commission on Appointments (CA) not to confirm him.

Implementation of the SBMS project, if not realigned, would have started this October and completed during the first half of 2016.

(InterAksyon)

PN Plans to Purchase Submarines from South Korea or Japan over the Next Five Years

04 Agustus 2015

Korean made submarine (photo : US Navy)


Philippines to buy submarines and advanced missile systems for the first time

Manila: For the first time, the Philippines will buy electric and diesel-run submarines, including advanced missile systems, as listed in its $22.11 billion (998 billion pesos or Dh83.166 billion) modernisation plan that was approved in July, to ensure its strength against China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia which have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, sources said.

“The Philippine Navy will buy several submarines and missile systems in the next five years from private manufacturing firms either from South Korea or Japan,” a military source who requested anonymity told Gulf News.

“The ambitious purchase was scheduled after the Philippine economy grew, received good ratings from rating agencies, and allowed borrowing for expensive war materials, but the Philippines could not yet match China’s 26 submarines,” said the same source.

In 2013, the Philippine Navy bought two 1.400 tonne Incheon-class frigates (also called Future Frigate experimental or FFX), manufactured by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and STX Offshore and Shipbuilding for $400 million (18 billion pesos or Dh1.5 billion); two strategic sealift vessels or floating command centres which can transport three helicopters per vessel, soldiers, and supplies at sea, from Indonesia’s PT PAL (Persero) for $85.7 million (3.86 billion pesos or Dh321.6 million). The new frigates and sealift vessels will arrive in the Philippines at the end of 2015 or early 2016, President Benigno Aquino announced recently.

It is widely reported that the Philippine Navy is manned by three US-made refurbished frigates: BRP Tagbanua; BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, but Japan’s defence ministry said the Philippine Navy has 80 warships; China, 892; Malaysia, 208; and Vietnam, 94.

The Philippine Coast Guard also bought 10 40-metre-long multi-purpose response vessels (MRRV) from Japan in late 2013 for $184 million (8.09 billion pesos or Dh674.6 million), in a loan forged with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2014. They will augment the Coast Guard’s 19 rescue vessels, when they arrive in the Philippines at the end of 2015, sources said.

The Coast Guard secured a $20 million (900 million pesos or Dh75 million) loan from the United States’ Defence Threat Reduction Agency (it has a maritime security project with the US’ Weapons for Mass Destruction Proliferation Prevention Programme) for three aerial surveillance radars, two surface sensors and three surveillance planes for the Philippine Coast Guard National Coast Watch Centre in northern Luzon and southwest Philippines.

Recently, the Philippine Air Force bought 12 new FA-50 fighter-trainers made by Korea Aerospace Industries. six Close Air Support Aircraft; seven of 13 AW-109 helicopters; and six of eight Bell-412 combat utility helicopters made by Korea Aerospace Industries. The two fighters will arrive in December 2015 or early 2016, and the rest in 2017.

Japan’s defence ministry said the Philippines has a total of 26 combat aircraft, compared with China’s 2,582 combat aircraft.

The Philippine government also allotted $22 million (1 billion pesos or Dh83.33 million) for the development of three new naval bases that will protect its 36,000 kilometre coastline facing the South China Sea.

In 1995, Congress approved an $8.08 billion (364 billion pesos or Dh30.3 billion) military modernisation plan for 15 years. But only 10 per cent of the approved budget was secured by a loan 15 years later, in 2010, the budget department said.

China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim the whole of the South China Sea and several parts of the oil-rich Spratly Archipelago. Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines claim their respective exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea and parts of the Spratly Archipelago.

(GulfNews)

Philippine Coast Guard Capability Progresses

31 Juli 2015

MRRV for PCG was designed by Marubeni (image : Marubeni)

The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project took a major step forward after the government awarded a contract to a Japanese shipbuilder for ten 44m patrol boats.

With 7,107 islands and 10.2% of the world’s coastline the Philippines faces daunting challenges such as human trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, criminal activity, piracy, terrorism and smuggling. Oil companies estimate US$500 million annually is lost to smuggling.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) ordered the vessels from Japan Marine United (JMU) on 4 June. Jun Abaya, the DOTC secretary, declared, ‘These ten new vessels will help the coast guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas.’

Considering that the PCG surface fleet currently comprises only 22 vessels, these new Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) will contribute greatly to a more rapid response to maritime security incidents.

The PCG told Shephard: ‘With the increasing volume of maritime traffic and trade the risk of maritime incidents has likewise risen proportionately. With increasing commerce and movement of people, the probability of crime on the high seas also threatens the country’s security and the safety of various stakeholders.’

The PCG said the new MRRVs will be used as primary rescue vessels, marine environment protection, enforcing maritime laws (e.g. illegal fishing and sea patrols), disaster relief operations and transportation. They will be stationed in Manila, La Union and Puerto Princesa amongst other PCG bases.

The ten boats and associated spare parts will be delivered over a 24-month period beginning in late August 2016. Being implemented as an Official Development Assistance project, the procurement is being funded under a $161.7 million loan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with the Philippine government investing the balance of $31.5 million.

The PCG boats are manned by 25 crewmen, and an artist’s depiction indicates the design is based on the Bizan class used by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). Powered by two MTU 12V 4000 M93L engines, the MRRV’s cruising speed is 15 knots and it has a range of 1,500 nautical miles. JMU has extensive experience building vessels for the JCG, while Marubeni Corporation will assist their introduction into the PCG.

The PCG possesses 7,590 uniformed personnel and 287 civilians. The organisation acknowledged to Shephard it has a ‘formidable task of protecting the country’s maritime jurisdiction and economic interests…In internal challenges we have limited numbers of surface and air assets and limited numbers of personnel.’

The PCG plans to recruit 1,000 personnel in 2015 to man vessels and field stations, as well as acquire two new helicopters.

(Shephard)

Navy Flagship to be Equipped with Missile System

30 Juli 2015

PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : pdff)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The BRP Gregorio del Pilar Patrol Frigate (PF) 15 will be equipped with missile system for long range threats, according to official.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, one of the two Philippine Navy (PN) flagships, arrived in this city as part of its routine patrol in southern Philippines.

Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, commander of BRP Gregorio del Pilar said the main firepower of his warship is the 7mm Oto Melara cannon and other armaments which are still working with upgraded sensors.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a mainstay in the West Philippine Sea is also equipped with long range radar system that can detect other crafts in the sea.

Sibala said additional guns and sensors are already in the pipeline of the Department of National Defense (DND).

The missile system however is not yet installed.

“But we are looking forward that we will have missile capability soon,” Sibala said. “Because the trainings of our personnel and their performance we are already up to far. Kayang-kaya na po nila yong mag-acquire ng missile.”

Sibala maintained that they strictly follow the trust of the Philippine government not to escalate the situation at the West Philippine Sea.

“We are here for peace and not basically to fight for a war,” Sibala said. “We should be ready but as much as possible, we try to avoid it.”

Sibala cited that they follow the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), an agreement signed by 21 countries, including the Philippines and China, which aims to deescalate naval encounters.

(PhilStar)

Two Navy Vessels Arriving Next Week from Australia: Three More to be Procured

28 Juli 2015

BRP Ivatan (AT298) and BRP Batak (AT299) will arrive next week (photo : snipview)

The Philippine government will purchase remaining three decommissioned Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels from the Australian government. This was confirmed by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA) July 27 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

“We plan on buying three more, once all the paperwork has been put in order, the processes to procure them will begin,” Aquino said in Filipino. The said vessels are part of five recently decommissioned Australian Balikpapan-class LCVs. Two were donated to Philippine Navy and are expected to arrive next week.

“By next week, two Landing Craft Heavy will arrive from Australia,” the President said.

He added that the turnover of these vessels was very generous. “They even came with spare parts and generators.”

“These vessels will reduce our dependence on the kindness of other nations; we will be able to accelerate delivery to different parts of the Philippines, and more promptly send aid, supplies, and other heavy equipment such as bulldozers, which are needed for clearing and relief operations,” Aquino said.

The Department of National Defense previously said remaining three Australian LCHs will be procured at a giveaway price of PhP726 million.

(AngMalaya)

Experts Apprehensive About Prospects of AFP 'Minimum Credible Defense Posture'

27 Juli 2015

Shore-based Missile System (photo : Nafomag)

MANILA - Can the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) attain a "minimum credible external defense posture" as promised by President Aquino before he steps down in 2016?

Aquino is set to give his fifth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) this coming Monday, and part of his report, as expected, is to update his "Bosses" on the current state of the AFP in the face of China's aggressive reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In some of his previous SONA, Aquino assured the nation of the highest level of security from the external defense establishment. But, up to now, he has not yet signed the proposed revision of the AFP Modernization for 2013-2017 with a total budget of P60.1 billion, which is also riddled with realignments, most especially the P6.5 billion worth of Shore-based Missile System (SBMS).

"[The] remaining time is too short. Big-ticket items take a long time to implement," former AFP chief of staff Alexander Yano responded when asked of his personal opinion.

Yano was chief of the military during the time of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Reached through his mobile phone for reaction, Parañaque City Representative Roilo Golez concurred with Yano, although he said Aquino's concern for the AFP, one of the weakest in the region, is very much appreciated.

"In fairness, he (Aquino) did much better than the other presidents before him," Golez said.

But former AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu said the failure to achieve minimum credible external defense posture can also be blamed on the "weak defense leadership."

"Well, simply because the AFP Modernization got stalled in the first place," he said, adding the observation that the AFP "doesn't even seem to know its priorities" in terms of capabilities needed to attain it.

"Worse, corruption has apparently attended the procurement of major items that the AFP urgently needed. Also, personal interests over organizational needs characterized the defense decision-making process. National security and defense are in the back-burner," Mapagu said.

Golez said he believes a minimum credible defense posture is not realizable under Aquino's term.

"No shore-based missile, no flotilla of missile boats and no missile frigates and no combat-ready fighter jets with well-trained pilots, how can you say you have a minimum credible external defense posture?" Golez asked.

He pointed out that, while there are 12 FA50 fighters worth P19.8 billion on order from the Republic of Korea (ROK), these are not combat-ready.

"There are two frigates to be ordered with funds already but will be ready only after three, maybe 4 years. Then we have the two former US Coast Guard cutters, the BRPs Gregorio del Pilar and Ramon Alcaraz, better than previous Navy ships but not fit even for joint operation with the US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force," Golez said.

He said the SBMS is big step to jump-start the territorial defense posture, but the project is in peril after then Army chief and now AFP chief Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri shelved it in favor of infantry helmets and body armors, instead.

"Iriberri is to blame for canceling the shore-based missile system. He obviously does not understand external defense and is unfit to lead the AFP when we are facing a grave external threat. I urge the Commission on Appointment not to confirm him," Golez said.

But Iriberri denied that the missile project has been shelved, because the acquisition is only deferred from the 1st Horizon (2013-2017) to the 2nd Horizon (2018-2023), which is already beyond Aquino's term.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Cesar Garcia Jr. has been repeatedly saying in public that the biggest and categorically clear and present danger to our national security is the aggression of China, which the President and the military leadership do not seem to consider.

In the last five years of the Aquino administration, the government has, so far, not acquired any military asset for addressing external threats.

Golez said the SBMS could be the only credible weapon system to thwart off potential aggression. However, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Iriberri have recommended to Aquino the realignment of the SBMS.

If Aquino approves the realignment of the SBMS and/or deferment of the project implementation beyond his term, defense and security experts said they shudder at the thought of its possible implications for the country's external defense capability.

The government also risks the diplomatic backlash from Israel, which has been a long-standing ally of the Philippines and where 30,000 undocumented Filipinos are currently staying yet enjoying favors from the Israeli government.

A military source disclosed that Israel Military Industries (IMI) is considering the filing of a diplomatic protest on the issue of the supply contract for the SBMS.

(InterAksyon)

Philippines Seeks to Upgrade its Arms Manufacturing Capability

24 Juli 2015

The Philippines is set to develop a Defence Economic Zone that will soon house the best international weapons manufacturers, with profits going straight back into the armed forces' modernisation fund. (photo : ChannelNewsAsia)

BATAAN: The Philippines is set to develop a 370-hectare Defence Economic Zone - one that will allow international manufacturers to set up in the country to help it become self-sufficient in defence requirements.

Aside from welcoming these companies, the Philippines will also be able to benefit from enhanced manufacturing capabilities as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernisation programme.

General Arsenal, a unit under the Department of Defence which is tasked with manufacturing weapons and ammunitions, will serve as administrator of the economic zone.

All profits made from the facility will go straight back into the armed forces' modernisation fund, which will be used to develop new local manufacturing facilities and technology.

The aim, according to Jonathan Martir, director of General Arsenal, is for the country to become self-sufficient in terms of ammunition and weapons by 2017.

A number of ammunition companies from South Korea, South Africa and the United States have already expressed their interest in setting up manufacturing facilities to take advantage of the strategic location and tax breaks the zone would offer.

"Some manufactures see us as a hub,” said Martir. “We will manufacture their goods in the Philippines rather than so far away in South Africa. The Philippines is in a perfect political position, some manufacturers see that as well."

Currently, the Philippines only manufactures ammunition and some small-calibre weapons.

During his leadership, President Ferdinand Marcos launched a self-reliance defence programme, where the country manufactured its own M16s as well as jeeps and tactical radios. However, with little funding, defence technology and manufacturing capability were lost over time.

To upgrade and modernise the armed forces, President Benigno Aquino has embarked on a five-year programme totalling US$1.68 billion, equivalent to 75 billion pesos. The plan will see annual defence procurement rising from US$273 million this year to US$500 million in 2021.

The modernisation effort comes at a time when tensions continue to rise between the Philippines and China over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

According to government officials, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and the security of the West Philippine Sea will be the focus for this year's procurements, while internal security operations will take a back seat. 

(ChannelNewsAsia)

Philippines Navy Commissions 2 Landing Craft Heavy Ships from Australia

23 Juli 2015

One of the ships will be named BRP Ivatan after an indigenous group in Batanes while the other will be called BRP Batak after a tribe in Palawan. (photo : PN)

MANILA, Philippines — The Navy on Thursday commissioned into service the two ships donated by Australia in a development seen to boost the Philippines's disaster response capabilities.

The two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels were formally handed over to the Philippines in a ceremony held in Cairns, Australia, Navy public affairs chief Commander Lued Lincuna said.

A memorandum of understanding transferring the two ships to the Philippines was signed by Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan and Royal Australian Navy chief Vice Adm. Tim Barret.

The LCH vessels are expected to arrive in the Philippines in the first week of August.

In his acceptance speech, Millan thanked the Australian Navy for donating the ships to the Philippine military, one of the weakest in the region.

The two LCH vessels are expected to enhance the Philippines's capability to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

"The vessels will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another,” Lincuna said.

The two ships will be named after indigenous tribes of the Philippines. It is a tradition of the Navy to name landing craft ships after tribes.

One of the ships will be named BRP Ivatan after an indigenous group in Batanes while the other will be called BRP Batak after a tribe in Palawan. The two former vessels of the Royal Australian Navy used to be known as HMAS Tarakan and Brunei.

In an earlier interview, Millan said the Navy has five LCH in its inventory but only three of them are operational.

The Australian government announced its plan to provide the two transport ships to the Philippines in January. The donation will include a package of spare parts, according to the Australian defense ministry.

The two vessels were turned over to the Philippine Navy after being refurbished with new safety and navigation equipment.

The vessels were decommissioned from Australian service at a ceremony in Cairns on Nov. 19, 2014.

The Australian Embassy previously said the lack of sealift capability hampered efforts to help Philippine coastal areas hit by typhoon "Yolanda" (international name "Haiyan") in 2013.

The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to disasters because of its location. About 20 typhoons, five to seven of which are destructive, enter the country every year.

(PhilStar)

Php75-B Budget for AFP Modernization in 2016 to Undergo Strict Scrutiny

22 Juli 2015

Php25 billion of the Php75 billion will be used to acquire two frigates, two twin-engine long range patrol aircraft, three aerial surveillance radars, and pay for the amortization of 12 FA-50 light fighters. (image : Navantia)

MANILA (PNA) -- The proposed Php75-billion military modernization budget for 2016 “sticks out like a sore thumb” and will undoubtedly be subject to greater scrutiny in the House of Representatives, a party-list lawmaker said Wednesday.

“We have yet to see the actual budget proposal, but based on what the Department of National Defense has announced yesterday, the AFP Modernization Program will get a substantial bump in the 2016 budget, from the current P20 billion to P75 billion. That’s a substantial increase, and if DND and the AFP think this proposal can get a free pass from Congress because they’re using the West Philippine Sea issue as justification, then they’re wrong,” Kabataan Party-list Rep Terry Ridon said.

According to DND, Php25 billion of the Php75 billion will be used to acquire two frigates, two twin-engine long range patrol aircraft, three aerial surveillance radars, and pay for the amortization of 12 FA-50 light fighters.

“While the DND is keen on emphasizing the need to strengthen our nation’s maritime defense, we have to put this budget request in context. Since the enactment of the AFP Modernization Act in 1995, Congress has been appropriating billions for military modernization annually. It’s already 2015, and we still have weak maritime defense and creaking World War 2 era ships. So we need to ask the DND and the AFP to report on where the billions sunk into the modernization program went,” Ridon explained.

As bulk of the budget request of the DND will be for the procurement of new military equipment and facilities, Ridon also said that the budget request is “highly vulnerable to corruption.”

“The AFP is still reeling from the Php1.2 billion defective chopper deal. And when it comes to financial accountability, the military is not exactly a shining example,” the youth lawmaker said. “This is why we cannot just let the military to get its budget approved in toto. Every item will be scrutinized and debated on, and we’ll leave no stone unturned,” he added. 

(PNA)

Defense Budget Reduced by P2b

21 Juli 2015

The First batch of 6 Upgraded APC's delivered to the Philippine Army mechanized infantry division has been already in the country (photo : AFP will rise)

THE government has slashed to P25 billion the 2016 budget of P27,752,655.774.55 being proposed by the Department of National Defense, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad confirmed on Monday.

He said the appropriation would be used to buy modern equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one of the weakest in Asia.

The P27.7 billion defense budget for 2016 is part of the proposed Revised AFP Modernization Program dated Oct. 29, 2014, with a total amount of P90,858,912,364.56 including P31,106.003,531.90 in 2015 and P18,589,184,038.45 in 2017.

The Defense Department said that of the P90.8 billion budget for 2014-2017, it had P13,410,026,020.06 allocation in 2014 but it has yet to itemize the money.

The Budget Department must be more transparent in releasing figures because Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in his letter to President Benigno Aquino III dated March 5, 2015, said it appeared that the P90.8 billion defense budget for 2014-2017 for 33 projects had further been slashed to P60,143,404,181.90 with 28 projects.

Gazmin said Aquino “approved in principle” 28 projects under the with a total budget of P60.1 billion during a meeting that the latter presided over on Feb. 17, 2015. Abad and all the AFP Major Service commanders, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, among others, were also in the meeting.

In his letter, Gazmin said the proposed P60.1 billion budget was for 2015-2017 that he submitted to Abad on Feb. 23, 2015.

Meanwhile, the P25 billion defense budget for 2016 reportedly will be used to buy two frigates, two twin-engine long-range patrol aircraft and three aerial surveillance radars to boost the military’s capability to defend the West Philippine Sea from China’s aggression in the area.

(ManilaStandardToday)

Philippines Proposes Record $552 Million Defence Spending Next Year

20 Juli 2015

Spending needed for AFP modernization (image : Wall Street Journal)

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines is proposing to spend a record 25 billion pesos ($552 million) next year to purchase frigates, surveillance planes and radars to improve surveillance and detection in the disputed South China Sea, officials said on Monday.

The funds to modernise the military are part of President Benigno Aquino's 3 trillion pesos ($66.24 billion) budget bill in 2016, his last year in office. Aquino is no longer eligible to run for a second term.

The budget proposal is 15.1 percent more than the current appropriation of 2.606 trillion pesos, according to Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, adding the about 80 percent of the proposed government spending "will be eaten up by the forward estimates or the cost of ongoing programmes and projects".

"In 2016, our proposal to Congress is 25 billion pesos for the modernisation programme," Abad told Reuters saying this would be the highest-ever spending for military modernisation in two decades.
Abad said the government's proposed budget, including the defence spending plan, would be submitted to Congress next week after the president delivers his last State of the Nation Address on July 27.

A senior military general, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the press, told Reuters the funds would be used to acquire two frigates, two twin-engine long range patrol aircraft and three aerial surveillance radars.

The rest of the money would be for annual amortization of 12 FA50 light fighters ordered from South Korea. Two planes are due for delivery this December. ($1 = 45.2900 Philippine pesos)

(DailyMail)

Navy's Armed AW-109Es Now Undergoing Technical Inspection, Assessment

18 Juli 2015

PN's AW-109E helicopters (photo : pdff)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Navy (PN)'s two armed AgustaWestland AW-109Es are now undergoing "technical inspection and assessment."

This includes the airframe and weapon systems.

Weapon systems of the AW-109Es consist of rocket and machine gun mounts which arrived in the second week of Maylast year.

This procedure is the final part before the aircraft is accepted and commissioned with the Naval Air Group.

The latter will determine whether there are any defects or deficiencies in the AW-109Es.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland in early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.

The armed versions of the AW-109s will be equipped with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries. 

(PNA)

BRP Nueva Vizcaya up for Dry-Docking, Structural Repairs

17 Juli 2015

BRP Nueva Vizcaya SARV-3502 (photo : Timawa)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has allocated the sum of Php14,522,622.02 for the dry-docking and structural repairs of the BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502), one of its rescue ships.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the service within 45 calendar days.

Bid opening is scheduled this coming July 30, 09:00 A.M at Philippine Coast Guard Conference Room, 2F Admin Building, 139 25th St., Port Area, Manila.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The PCG reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The BRP Nueva Vizcaya is a 35-meter (115 foot), all-aluminium patrol boat designed by Tenix Shipbuilding in Australia, based on the company's Pacific-class patrol boat.

The PCG has four units of such vessels. 

(PNA)

Philippines Reopens Subic Bay as Military Base to Cover South China Sea

17 Juli 2015

Fighter planes and frigates to be stationed at sprawling former US facility, allowing quicker response to Chinese moves in disputed waters (photo : mst)

The Philippines will station new fighter jets and two frigates as it reopens the former US naval base in Subic Bay to military use in a further response to Chinese expansionism in the disputed South China Sea.

Once one of the biggest US naval facilities in the world, Subic Bay was shut in 1992 after the Philippine Senate terminated a bases agreement with Washington at the end of the cold war.

Manila converted the facility, which was never home to the Philippine military, into an economic zone.

Defence undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino told Reuters the Philippine military signed an agreement in May with the zone’s operator, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, to use parts of the installation under a renewable 15-year lease. It marks the first time the massive installation has functioned as a military base in 23 years.

US warships have called regularly at Subic Bay since 2000 but only to dock during exercises with the Philippine military or to use its commercial facilities for repairs and resupply.

Using Subic Bay would allowing the Philippine air force and navy to respond more effectively to Chinese moves in the disputed South China Sea, security experts said. Subic Bay’s deep-water harbour lies on the western side of the main Philippine island of Luzon, opposite the South China Sea.

“The value of Subic as a military base was proven by the Americans. Chinese defence planners know that,” said Rommel Banlaoi, a Philippine security expert.

Officials said once Subic Bay was a military base again the US navy could have much greater access to it under a year-old agreement that gives US troops broad use of local military facilities, although that deal is on ice after it was challenged in the Philippine supreme court.

Using Subic would be the latest Philippine military move to combat China’s maritime ambitions.

PAF F/A-50 (photo : PAF)

Besides beefing up security co-operation with the United States, Japan and Vietnam, the military plans to spend $20bn over the next 13 years to modernise its armed forces, among the weakest in south-east Asia.

China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea, said it was aware of reports of the arms buildup.

“We hope that the Philippines does more to benefit regional peace and stability,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

Two FA-50 light attack fighters made by Korea Aerospace Industries, the first among a dozen ordered last year, would be based at the former Cubi naval station in Subic Bay from early 2016, two Philippine generals said. The two planes arrive in December.

The full squadron of FA-50s would be based at Subic, as well as the 5th Fighter Wing, which would relocate from a rundown base in northern Luzon, said the generals, who declined to be identified.

Two naval frigates would be stationed at Subic Bay’s Alava Port.

The generals cited proximity to the South China Sea and the ease in making the base operational as reasons for the move.

“There are existing facilities in Subic Bay. We need only to refurbish them,” one officer said.

Security experts noted that Subic Bay is only 145 nautical miles (270km) from Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from Manila in 2012 after a three-month standoff with the Philippine navy.

The disputed Spratly islands, where China is building seven artificial islands, some with military facilities, lie further to the south-west of the shoal.

China might one day also turn Scarborough Shoal into an artificial island, which could make it harder for the Philippines to protect its 200 nautical mile (370km) exclusive economic zone off Luzon, said Patrick Cronin, a regional expert at the Centre for a New American Security in Washington.

“New Korean-built light fighter aircraft could reach Scarborough Shoal in just minutes, and maritime patrol aircraft or drones could eventually provide persistent coverage of Chinese movements in the area,” Cronin said.

“A return to Subic Bay, this time led by the Philippine air force, would seem to be a prudent defensive response.”

(The Guardian)

UH-1D Flight Aimed at Disproving Claims that Aircraft is Defective

15 Juli 2015

Three of the 21 UH-1H Philippine Air Force's newly-acquired helicopters go on a demo run at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday, July 14. (photos : GMANetwork, PAF)


MANILA (PNA) -- The decision to fly selected media personnel aboard the UH-ID "Huey" combat utility helicopters was aimed at disproving allegations that the aircraft are not airworthy and mission capable.

This was stressed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Tuesday morning.

Seven UH-IDs, two UH-IHs along with their pilots and crew were deployed to Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to disapprove allegations that the aircraft is defective.

Selected members of the media were flown aboard a UH-ID and UH-IH which took off from Camp Aguinaldo at 11:07 a.m. and made a short flight to San Mateo, Rizal.

The aircraft and its passengers arrived at the military base at 11:46 a.m. safe and sound.

"(The flight demonstration and briefing) aims to correct allegations coming out in the media (that the UH-IDs) are defective and not flyable. We thought it prudent to bring the helicopters here and let the media know about their capabilities and difference from the UH-IHs," Gazmin said in Filipino.

He added that UH-IDs are very safe and capable as he was able to fly it many times without encountering any untoward incident.

The Defense chief also denied claims that he and other officials were asking for 15 percent commission for the UH-ID project.

"Those are all lies," he stressed.

The acquisition for the 21 UH-IDs, which is worth Php1.26 billion, have been wracked in controversy after claims of bidding irregularities and the aircraft being defective.

It was partially terminated last March 25 after suppliers Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copters Ltd. failed to deliver the rest of the aircraft.

"In compliance with Section 88, Rule XXII of the IRR of RA 9184 (Philippine Procurement Law), the contract agreement between the DND/AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the Joint Venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc. and Eagle Copters Ltd. for the supply and delivery of 21 UH-I helicopters for the PAF with corresponding contract price of Php1,263,000,000 shall be partially terminated for exceeding the 10 percent maximum liquidated damages," the DND order signed by Gazmin said.

There are 20 UH-IH and seven UH-1Ds at the Air Force inventory as of this time.

"Both aircraft have the top speed of 124 KIAS (knot indicated airspeed) but when you are flying UH-IH model, you can feel the aircraft starting to shake or shiver when you are approaching speeds up to 82 to 90 knots. But in the UH-ID, you can feel no vibration and even if you are cruising at speed of 110 KIAS," said Major Aristides Galang, 210th Tactical Squadron operations officer and the test pilot involved in the acceptance test of UH-IDs.

"It (UH-ID) also climbs very fast compared to the UH-IH," the PAF official pointed out.

Galang, who has 1,900 flying hours to his credit, also stressed that during acceptance tests of the aircraft, either the UH-ID performs up to standard, as specified in the PAF checklist, or it will not be accepted for service until.

During the so-called "maintenance test flights" (which are done during the pre-acceptance phase), all forms of maneuvers, are conducted to ensure that the aircraft has no major discrepancy which could cause it to fail or crash while in PAF service.

This includes air and ground handling and various emergency procedures, the pilot said.

On claims that major discrepancies were encountered during initial tests of the aircraft, Galang said this is only natural as all aircraft are prone to wear-and-tear while flying.

Galang said the same holds true for all aircraft in every Air Force in the world and dealing with such discrepancies is the job of maintenance crews and officers.

PAF spokesman Col. Enrico Canaya earlier said the "D" designation in the UH-1 means that it was manufactured by Dornier, a German aircraft manufacturer that started construction of the UH-1 during 1967 to 1981.

Around 350 units were build by the German aircraft manufacturer.

Canaya said that all seven UH-IDs are deployed to Central Luzon and Manila PAF units.

"The PAF, however, opted to deploy these newly turned over units to Central Luzon and Manila areas for endurance flights, training and other missions to make it accessible to technical representatives and take advantage of warranty claims," he added.

The PAF spokesman also clarified that the UH-1Ds and UH-IHs, still in Philippine service, are similar models but made by different manufacturers.

"Their airframes are old but once they are refurbished and maintenance manuals they are reliable to perform missions. The PAF has a wealth of experience operating and maintaining UH-1 helicopters since the 1970s," he added.

Canaya also dismissed reports that UH-1D spare parts are no longer available in the market.

"Their parts are not obsolete and available in the market just like the parts for the existing fleets of UH-1Hs the PAF is currently maintaining. The UH-1H helicopters are still widely use in other countries," he added.

Canaya also said that the PAF does not accept aircraft with technical issues.

"The PAF only receives and operates units that passed the Technical Inspection And Acceptance Committee," he pointed out.

The PAF spokesman stated that the newly arrived UH-IDs are more superior to the UH-1Hs as it features composite main rotor blades which have a better performance and safety feature that the latter aircraft. 

(PNA)