Sekilas Info

25 Oktober 2018 BRP Tarlac LD-601 (photo : pitz) MANILA -- Should the Philippine Navy (PN) get another invitation to send its ships overseas for any training or multi-lateral engagements, it has seven vessels in its fleet capable of sailing long distance. "We have the capability. We have seven capable ships that can go to China, can go to Russia, can go to Hawaii (United States), so if invited by the Russian Federation (again), we will surely send ships anytime," Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, said during the welcome ceremony for the strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor on Monday. BRP Tarlac LD-602 (photo : dvidshub) BRP Tarlac, along with her 300-man contingent, is flushed with success over its first-ever port call in Russia and South Korea early this month. BRP Andres Bonifacio PF-17 (photo : USN) The ships capable of long-distance patrolling and travel in the PN inventory are the three Gregorio del Pila...

24 Oktober 2018 2019 DND proposed budget  (image : DND) Strengthening the Philippines’ defense posture is still on top of the reform priorities of the Duterte Administration. For 2019, the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) has gone up to PhP183.4 billion. This translates to a 34.4 percent increase over its 2018 cash-based equivalent budget of PhP136.5 billion. “The DND has the fourth biggest budget allocation for 2019 among the national agencies.” Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said. “This is in line with the government’s 0+10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda to make the country’s safety and security an essential pillar in our sustained economic growth.” For 2019, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy have been allocated Php89.0 billion, PhP24.6 billion, and PhP27.8 billion, respectively. The budget will go to their programs on defense operations to attain the desired level of mission capability of their resp...

23 Oktober 2018 Activation of 6th MID (photo : MID) MANILA – The Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) on Monday formally activated its 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Provisional). Major Gen. Gilbert Gapay served as presiding officer and keynote speaker during the event held at Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. Gapay urged officers and enlisted personnel of the new unit to enhance their individual competencies, level-up capabilities, and adhere to the highest degree of professionalism. MID spokesperson, Maj. Emman Adriano, said the activation of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is in line with Gapay's vision of becoming more capable, more responsive and relevant armor force. The 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Dela Cruz. MID operates the M113A2 vehicle (photo : DND) Also, the unit's activation is part of the goal of Army chief, Major Gen. Macairog Alberto, of turning the PA into a more agile, highly maneuverable, and more effective...

20 Oktober 2018 BRP Malamawi and Kalanggaman (photo : OCEA) The two last OCEA Fast Patrol Boat FPB 72 MKII for the Philippines Coast Guards were loaded onto the cargo going to Subic on October 16, 2018. Following the arrival in Manila of the two first FPB 72 MKII "BORACAY" and "PANGLAO", it was a great emotion for the OCEA teams to load the two last "OCEA FPB 72 MKII" in order they join the Philippines Coast Guards fleet. The training of the crews of the "BORACAY" and "PANGLAO" are already achieved, and the two first OCEA FPB 72 MKII are officially commissioned on the 15th October 2018 in presence of the Secretary of Department of Transportation Arthur P. TUGADE and the Secretary of Department of Finance Carlos G. DOMINGUEZ III. The construction of the OPV 270, Offshore Patrol Vessel of 84 m for the Philippines Coat Guards is still under construction at OCEA shipyard for a delivery in August 2019. ( OCEA ) 

19 Oktober 2018 KUH-1 Surion (photo : Ciaran Hickey) According to MaxDefense Philippines, it received information that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is not in favor of the South Korean KUH-1 Surion for their Combat Utility Helicopter acquisition project. “Apparently the PAF TWG and Senior Leaders are NOT IN FAVOR of acquiring the Korean made KUH-1 Surion despite the juicy offer they made recently, which is for PAF to acquire 10 brand new Surions for the Php12.1 billion budget allocated for the project,” MaxDefense said. According to MaxDefense, the Korean offer includes “2 additional brand new Surions, 7 old MD500 Defender helicopters, and a Pohang-class corvette for the Philippine Navy, as a grant from the Korean government.” PAF commanding general Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar Jr. told the Senate, during the Department of National Defense (DND)’s 2019 budget hearing, that four platforms are being considered for PAF’s Combat Utility Helicopter acquisition project whic...

18 Oktober 2018 Keel laying ceremony for first frigate (photo : PN) MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that the keel-laying ceremony for one of two missile-armed frigates, contracted to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), formally took place in Ulsan, South Korea Tuesday. Commander Jonathan Zata, Navy spokesperson, on Wednesday said the ceremony, which took place at 10 a.m. (Korea time), was attended by PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad; Defense Acquisition Office director Leodegario Decena Dela Paz; Naval Sea Systems chief, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo; Offshore Combat Force head; Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia; and PN project supervisor, Capt. Sergio Bartolome. Also present was HHI senior vice president Yun Kong Yong. The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition. Projected delivery date of the first frigate is by 2020 while the sec...

16 Oktober 2018 Saab Gripen at ADAS 2018 (photos : United Defense of the Philippines) MANILA – After a thorough study and research, the Department of National Defense (DND) is most likely to buy the Swedish-made Gripenmulti-role supersonic jet fighter for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on the sidelines of the book launching of former President Fidel V. Ramos at the Manila Hotel on Sunday. Lorenzana said aside from being cheaper and less expensive in maintenance cost, the Gripen has been proven to be an excellent supersonic fighter aircraft with a top speed of Mach 2 or 1,236 kilometers per hour, or twice the speed of sound. The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration and is powered by the Volvo RM12. It is being used by various countries in Europe and the Middle East. The PAF has been scouting for over a decade of what jetfighter aircraft it would buy to rep...

15 Oktober 2018 PA has requirements to acquire MANPADS (photo : Army Technology) The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing to fast track the acquisition of air defense systems for Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippines Navy, and Philippine Army under Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program Horizon 2. “The Department of National Defense reiterates recently the need to fast track the acquisition of Ground Based Air Defense Systems (GBADS) for the Philippine Air Force, as well as for other air defense requirements from the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP,” MaXDefense Philippines said on October 14. PN to acquire surface-to-air missile systems (photo : MBDA) “This is based on the DND’s recent action plans, which determines the urgent projects that needs prioritization of implementation,” it added. MaxDefense noted that PAF has a GBADS acquisition project, the Army has requirements to acquire man-portable...

12 Oktober 2018 AW159 Wildcat ASW helicopter (photo : Yeovil Press) Four Philippine Navy Naval Air Group pilots are now in United Kingdom to train for the upcoming AW159 “Wildcat” anti-submarine helicopters ordered from Leonardo, formerly AgustaWestland. According to Pinoy Aviators, the Filipino naval aviators are at AgustaWestland Training Academy in Yeovil, South West of England (UK). “These four Naval Aviators started their AW159 Wildcat Training on Monday. They will be the first breed of AW159 Wildcat Anti-Submarine helicopter pilots in the country. They will be flying the most expensive bird in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inventory,” Pinoy Aviators said. The Philippine Navy is expecting the delivery in March 2019. The contract for the two anti-submarine helicopters was signed March 2016. The contract is worth PHP5.4 billion and includes munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support. ( Mintfo )

12 Oktober 2018 F-16V fighter at ADAS 2018 (photo : Maxdefense) US reiterates offer to sell F-16 jets to PH: Lorenzana MANILA -- The US government reiterated its offer to supply the Philippines with the Lockheed Martin F-16. The offer took place during Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's visit to Washington D.C. last September where he met with US Secretary James Mattis. "Yes, he offered to sell the (F-16)," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters Tuesday. The DND chief, however, said these fighters are too expensive for the Philippines along with the attack helicopters which are also being offered by the US. "He also offered their new attack helicopters but they are also expensive," he added. Also discussed in the said meeting were bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. AH-1Z helicopt...

11 Oktober 2018 PAF AW-109 AH (photo : PAF) An air base, that may cost around PHP 974,569,400.00, for Philippine Air Forces (PAF) strike aircraft will be rising in Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City. This is after PAF launched an acquisition project for the design and build of site, operational and support facilities for the 15th Strike Wing in above mentioned location. The deadline of submission of bids and the opening of bids is set on November 9, 2018 at PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The 15th Strike Wing MD-520MG and AW-109AH armed helicopters, and OV-10A/C and SF-260TP aircraft. The upcoming 2 used Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters donated by Jordan are also expected to be operated by 15th Strike Wing. Jordan AH-1F Cobra (photo : Mildom) Among the functions of 15th Strike Wing are to: 1. Provide close air support to surface forces 2. Conduct limited interdiction and counter – Air operations in support to designated forces 3. Organize, tra...

09 Oktober 2018 Hermes 900 UAV (photo : Israel Defense) The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be building hangars in Palawan and Nueva Ecija for its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). A number of acquisition projects have been initiated for these developments. The deadline of submission of bids and the opening of bids, for the Palawan project, is set on November 7, 2018 at Marquez Hall, Tactical Operations Wing, Antonio Bautista Air Base, Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Meanwhile, deadline of submission of bids and the opening of bids, for the Nueva Ecija (Fort Magsaysay) project, is set on October 16 at PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. According to MaxDefense “these facilities are in anticipation of the arrival of the PAF’s Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE UAS), in which the PAF bought several systems consisting of the Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 from Elbit Systems of Israel.” ( Mintfo )

08 Oktober 2018 BRP Tarlac LD602 and Kilo 877 submarine (photos : PN) The Philippine Navy contingent currently in Russia for a goodwill visit headed by Naval Task Force 87 head Captain Florante N. Gagua visited one of the Russian Pacific Fleet diesel submarines on October 3. The Russian submarine, Komsomolsk-on-Amu 877 was positioned near the location where the BRP Tarlac (LD601) was docked. “Some Philippine Navy personnel were able to witness how the said submarine was positioned into her present station,” the Philippine Navy said. “Together with the selected and privileged members of the PN contingent are the media personnel from the Philippines who were also allowed to visit the submarine. The event started around 2:00 O’clock and ended at 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon (local time). A total of 24 personnel (16 military and 8 civilian) benefited the said tour,” it added. They were toured in different places of the submarine and the last place that was visited was the officers’ dining...

06 Oktober 2018 BRP Davao del Sur (LD602) and USS Ashland (LSD48) conduct simultaneous launching and recovery of Amphibious Assault Vessels (AAVs) at the waters of San Antonio, Zambales in connection with KAMANDAG 02-18 Exercise  (all photos : Davao del Sur LD602) US Marines and Armed Forces of the Philippines Launch Exercise Kamandag 2 Subic Bay -- The 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Armed Forces of the Philippines opened exercise KAMANDAG 2 with a ceremony at the Subic Bay International Airport on Monday. KAMANDAG 2 will take place October 1 to 10, 2018, at multiple locations on the island of Luzon. KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States which also features participation from Japan. The Philippine-led exercise will include military-to-military exchanges between the AFP and U.S. forces with a focus on counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities. KAMANDAG 2 will enhance cooperation and interopera...

05 Oktober 2018 Leonardo AW-139M (photo : Leonardo) The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is eyeing at least four models of military helicopter that can fit for its combat utility helicopter (CUH) requirement. First, the Bell 412EPI from Bell Helicopter Textron USA. Second, the Leonardo AW139M from Italy. Third, the S-70 Black Hawk from US. Lastly, the Russian Mil Mi-171. These options were revealed by PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar Jr. during the Senate hearing on Department of National Defense (DND) budget for 2019. Regarding the Black Hawk offer, the military will be studying the totality of the package being offered. ( Mintfo )

04 Oktober 2018 AFP will acquire 9 anti drone jammer (photo : Aselsan) The Department of National Defense (DND) – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an acquisition project that will acquire 9 units of shoulder fired directional jammers. The acquisition project has an approved budget for contract worth PHP33,750,000 as part of AFP Modernization Program Horizon 2. A pre-bid conference is scheduled on October 11. The deadline for submission of bids and opening of bids is on October 25. These directional jammers will be used against drones, and will probably be used by the AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM). According to MaxDefense, “these directional jammers will be used against drones, and will probably be used by the AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM).” ( Mintfo )

04 Oktober 2018 PAF V-150 (photo : Wiki) The Department of National Defense (DND)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an acquisition project that will upgrade light armored vehicles through Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force. The acquisition project has an approved budget of PHP711,938,000.00. “Delivery of the Goods is required within 540 calendar days upon Notice to Proceed. Bidders should be Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of V150 and V300 Light Armor Vehicle or OEM Authorized Upgrader who have completed within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project,” the DND said in its invitation to bid. “Bid opening shall be on October 16, 2018 at 1:00 PM at DND-BAC Conference Room, Basement, Right Wing, DND Bldg., Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City,” DND said. PMC V-300 (photo : wolfwolf) “The Philippine Marine Corps has come up with this pro...

03 Oktober 2018 Pandur II 8x8 (photos : Excalibur Army) Czech Republic's Excalibur Army (EA)was among the exhibitors in the recently concluded ADAS 2018. MaxDefense was able to exclusive information from the their representative during ADAS 2018 regarding projects they are pursuing with the AFP Modernization. First, Excalibur Army has offered their Pandur 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle for the Philippine Army's Wheeled APC acquisition project under the Horizon 2 phase. EA mentioned that the PA has requested for options of either a manned or unmanned 25mm or 30mm turret, or an RCWS with 50cal. heavy machine gun. EA is also participating in the Philippine Army's M113 Firepower Upgrade project, offering either 25mm or 30mm manned turret with co-axial 7.62mm machine gun, or RCWS system depending on PA requirements. Apparently for this project the PA prefer a manned turret solution. They also made a pitch for the M113 Mortar Carrier Upgrade project, offering a 120mm mortar system. ...

02 Oktober 2018 A model of the MPAC Mk III on display at the 2018 Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defence exhibition. (photo : Jane's) A fourth batch of multipurpose attack craft (MPAC) on order for the Philippine Navy (PN) will largely inherit the design of the Mk III vessels that were commissioned in 2017, an industry official has told Jane’s . The official, who spoke at the Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defence exhibition on the condition of anonymity, described the fourth batch as featuring mostly internal modifications to accommodate more equipment such as troop-carried firearms, and ammunitions. “The MPACs will not have the assault ramp found on earlier boats. Like the Mk III boats, the fourth batch will also be designed to deploy missiles,” the official said, in reference to the Rafael Defense Systems’ Spike Extended Range (ER) surface-to-surface missiles found on hulls 488, 489, and 491. The PN currently operates a fleet of nine MPACs, which have been ordered in...

02 Oktober 2018 IDF UH-60A Black Hawk (photo : Military Edge) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which participated in the recently concluded Asian Defence, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference – ADAS 2018, is eyeing to offer refurbished Black Hawks to the Philippine Air Force. “IAI came up with an innovative approach – acquisition of modernised pre-owned Black Hawks. This approach will enable the air force to operate the most modernised upgraded platform at a much lower cost,” Eli Alfassi, VP of marketing at IAI, told ADAS Daily News. “We are glad to report that IAI has been very active and successful in the Philippines in past years. During this time, we leveraged our relationship to promote cooperation with local industry and customers,” Alfassi added. “In view of the stronger relationship between the two countries and the recent visit of President Duterte, we are confident that both countries can go a long way in reinforcing our collaboration and reap mutual...