Philippines 48 Fighter Jets, 6 Submarines, Anti-ship cruise missiles: CNAS

[Luftwaffe]

No where in the Article is it mentioned who is going to pay Philippines Armed Force as much as $6B for such a large scale Purchase.

At best it is a dream, it would take Ages for Philippines to train pilots-engineers-technicians considering there is a complete absence-shortage of such Crew. The most weird thing is with out Air Defense how is Air Force going to operate.

Jhungray, Arms Procurement is not as easy as you stated by you it take Years, it takes money, expertise, requirements...Philippines cannot pay $6B or more in next 20+ Years.

The country has so much poverty that needs immediate attention instead of animosity with a big neighbor, the best course of action should be to make peace with China and invite them to invest in Philippines lots of local jobs would be created.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Aquino renews vow to modernize AFP

Pres Benigno Aquino III speaks at the 77th anniversary of the AFP. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III renewed his promise to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the coming years with the procurement of land, air and sea assets and personnel equipment.

Speaking at the 77th anniversary of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, Aquino said the signing of the New AFP Modernization Act, with an additional P75-billioj budget iver the next five years, would make this possible.

"Ibig sabihin, tapos na po ang yugto kung saan, sabi nga po ng iba, puro

‘air’ at walang 'force’ ang Hukbong Himpapawid: Ihanda na ang tarmac para sa mga bagong eroplanong babagwis sa ating papawirin (This means, the chapter is over where, some say, our Air Forces is all ‘air’ and no ‘force’,” Aquino said.

“Tapos na rin po ang araw kung kailan mas pinangangambahan po ng Hukbong Dagat ang tetanus mula sa mga kinakalawang na barko kaysa sa mga banyagang umaangkin sa ating teritoryo. Ihanda na po ang mga daungan para sa mga moderno’t dekalidad na barko ng Navy na magtatanggol sa ating mga baybayin (Gone, too, are the days when our Navy feared tetanus from rusting ships more than foreigners claiming our territory. Let us ready the ports for the modern and quality ships of the Navy that will defend our seas)," he added.

As for the Army, he said: "Panahon na rin para magretiro ang mga antigong trak ng Hukbong Katihan; hindi magtatagal, mas mabibilis at mas makabagong mga tangke, trak, at ambulansya ang inyong sasakyan (It is time to retire the antique trucks of the Army; it will not be long, you will be riding faster and more modern tanks, trucks and ambulances)."

In fact, he boasted that with all the procurement plans lined up for the AFP, the military might appear to be "spoiled."

"Sa sobra nga pong pag-aalaga natin sa ating mga kawal, hindi po ako magtataka kung sa susunod na taon ay pagbibintangan na tayong 'spoiled' sa tuwid na daan ang AFP (With the extra care we show for our troops, I will not be surprised if in the coming years we will hear accusations that the AFP is being ‘spoiled’ under the straight path)," which Aquino has chosen to be the slogan of his presidency.

He said the administration has also lined up 31,200 more housing units for soldiers, policemen, firemen and jail personnel, which will be completed by August 2013.

Aquino praised the military's continuous relief efforts in typhoon-devastated areas as well as operations that he said have resulted in a 20 percent decrease in New People's Army attacks, or from 473 recorded attacks in 2011 to 343 attacks in 2012.

Military operations also led to the arrest of 115 individuals, the surrender of 220 weapons and the confiscation of 175 more firearms.

Aquino also touched on the imminent conclusion of negotiations to end the decades-old conflict in the south, saying: "Matapos ang makasaysayang kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front at sa pagtataguyod ng Bangsamoro, inaasahan po nating matutuldukan na rin ang deka-dekadang alitan sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa at magsimula nang mapitas ng ating mga kapatid na Muslim at Lumad ang pangako ng kanilang lupang tinubuan (After the historic peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the advocacy of the Bangsamoro, we are confident that the decades-old conflict in the south will end and our Muslim and Lumad brothers will begin reaping the promise of their native land).”

“Ang kapayapaang magsisimulang umusbong sa Mindanao ay inaalay po natin, hindi lamang sa mga kawal at mandirigmang nagbuwis ng buhay, kundi lalo na sa mga inosenteng sibilyang naipit sa hidwaang sa wakas ay matatapos na (The peace that will begin to flourish in Mindanao we offer not only to the soldiers and warriors who offered their lives but especially to the innocent civilians caught in the fight that, at least, will end)," he added.

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I can't wait to see me some new toys for the AFP

 

[Zero_wing]

Aquino renews vow to modernize AFP

Pres Benigno Aquino III speaks at the 77th anniversary of the AFP. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III renewed his promise to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the coming years with the procurement of land, air and sea assets and personnel equipment.

Speaking at the 77th anniversary of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, Aquino said the signing of the New AFP Modernization Act, with an additional P75-billioj budget iver the next five years, would make this possible.

"Ibig sabihin, tapos na po ang yugto kung saan, sabi nga po ng iba, puro

‘air’ at walang 'force’ ang Hukbong Himpapawid: Ihanda na ang tarmac para sa mga bagong eroplanong babagwis sa ating papawirin (This means, the chapter is over where, some say, our Air Forces is all ‘air’ and no ‘force’,” Aquino said.

“Tapos na rin po ang araw kung kailan mas pinangangambahan po ng Hukbong Dagat ang tetanus mula sa mga kinakalawang na barko kaysa sa mga banyagang umaangkin sa ating teritoryo. Ihanda na po ang mga daungan para sa mga moderno’t dekalidad na barko ng Navy na magtatanggol sa ating mga baybayin (Gone, too, are the days when our Navy feared tetanus from rusting ships more than foreigners claiming our territory. Let us ready the ports for the modern and quality ships of the Navy that will defend our seas)," he added.

As for the Army, he said: "Panahon na rin para magretiro ang mga antigong trak ng Hukbong Katihan; hindi magtatagal, mas mabibilis at mas makabagong mga tangke, trak, at ambulansya ang inyong sasakyan (It is time to retire the antique trucks of the Army; it will not be long, you will be riding faster and more modern tanks, trucks and ambulances)."

In fact, he boasted that with all the procurement plans lined up for the AFP, the military might appear to be "spoiled."

"Sa sobra nga pong pag-aalaga natin sa ating mga kawal, hindi po ako magtataka kung sa susunod na taon ay pagbibintangan na tayong 'spoiled' sa tuwid na daan ang AFP (With the extra care we show for our troops, I will not be surprised if in the coming years we will hear accusations that the AFP is being ‘spoiled’ under the straight path)," which Aquino has chosen to be the slogan of his presidency.

He said the administration has also lined up 31,200 more housing units for soldiers, policemen, firemen and jail personnel, which will be completed by August 2013.

Aquino praised the military's continuous relief efforts in typhoon-devastated areas as well as operations that he said have resulted in a 20 percent decrease in New People's Army attacks, or from 473 recorded attacks in 2011 to 343 attacks in 2012.

Military operations also led to the arrest of 115 individuals, the surrender of 220 weapons and the confiscation of 175 more firearms.

Aquino also touched on the imminent conclusion of negotiations to end the decades-old conflict in the south, saying: "Matapos ang makasaysayang kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front at sa pagtataguyod ng Bangsamoro, inaasahan po nating matutuldukan na rin ang deka-dekadang alitan sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa at magsimula nang mapitas ng ating mga kapatid na Muslim at Lumad ang pangako ng kanilang lupang tinubuan (After the historic peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the advocacy of the Bangsamoro, we are confident that the decades-old conflict in the south will end and our Muslim and Lumad brothers will begin reaping the promise of their native land).”

“Ang kapayapaang magsisimulang umusbong sa Mindanao ay inaalay po natin, hindi lamang sa mga kawal at mandirigmang nagbuwis ng buhay, kundi lalo na sa mga inosenteng sibilyang naipit sa hidwaang sa wakas ay matatapos na (The peace that will begin to flourish in Mindanao we offer not only to the soldiers and warriors who offered their lives but especially to the innocent civilians caught in the fight that, at least, will end)," he added.

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I can't wait to see me some new toys for the AFP

Yup me too can't wait to the the new jets which am still not sure what it could be TA50/M346/Yak130 or even a Gripen or A Eurofighter or F18 or F16 which is still a mystery to the general public but i know our New (totally newly refurnish ships) are coming the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (with new Equipments and Weapons i hope) and the 4 Italian ships we are getting from Italy but the other two is other mystery it could be a Soldati or Minerva class no official news about it and of course our new C27 Spartans and our New tanks and Armored vehicles from Italy and Europe as well and there is still more coming just can't wait for them its been a long time since we made big items buys.

 

[Zero_wing]

New Navy Chief Eyes ‘Desired Force Mix’ to Defend Territorial Waters

President Benigno Aquino III faces the past and the present of the Navy leadership: incoming Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano, and the outgoing chief, Alexander Pama (R), who was at the Navy's helm in one of the most critical periods in the country's maritime history, especially with the Panatag Shoal standoff with China earlier this year. MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines - Newly-installed Navy flag officer in command Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano wants to retire the country's old and "antiquated" ships and replace them with new ones to better protect the country's territorial waters.


Alano, in his speech at the turnover ceremonies on Wednesday, said these old ships were deemed "excess baggage" for the country's naval force and he vowed to "rationalize current operational assets, review the modernization program, taking a deliberate look at the phase-in and phase-out scheme."

Alano replaced Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.

Alano, who once served as the head of the country's Navy Fleet, said he would recommend equipment that would make the Navy a "relevant" force in defending the country's territory, amid the ongoing dispute with China over islands in the West Philippine Sea.

"I come at an opportune time, when we are fleeting up with new capabilities like WHECs (weather high endurance cutters), frigates, naval helicopters, MPACs (multi-purpose attack crafts), AAVs (amphibious assault vehicles), as well as individual Marine and special warfare combat equipment," he said.

Alano also vowed to review the country's "active archipelagic defense" strategy with an eye at achieving the Fleet's "desired force mix."

According to an article published on Phil Fleet last April, the Fleet's "desired force mix" consists of six frigates for anti-air warfare, 12 corvettes for anti-submarine warfare, 18 offshore patrol vessels, three submarines, three anti-mine vessels, four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts.

President Benigno Aquino III said the recent signing of the New AFP Modernization Act would give the military P75 million in the next five years to procure much-needed land, air and sea assets.

"Dapat lang na maghanda na ang ating Pambansang Tanggulan sa pagdagsa ng ating mga bagong truck, eroplano, mga dekalibreng armas, at iba pang modernong kagamitan para sa buong kasundaluhan (the Armed Forces should be prepared for the arrival of new trucks, airplanes, firearms, and other modern equipment for the entire military)," Aquino said in his speech.

Aquino also said that in just over a year, his administration was able to put in P28 billion for the AFP, allowing the military to procure two Hamilton class cutters (BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz) and the arrival of BRP Tagbanua, the first Filipino-made landing craft utility.


Can any Pinoys tell me anything about this "Desired Force Mix" policy?

Its basically mixing of multiple types of ships to cover the Philippines huge cost line to properly defend it. Because right know we do have a lot of ship but most are older than the people sailing them and very under powered both speed and armaments and Equipment so the Navy plans to buy ships to fill that void with different types of ships mostly corvettes and frigates to cover that huge coastline

 

[nufix]

No where in the Article is it mentioned who is going to pay Philippines Armed Force as much as $6B for such a large scale Purchase.

At best it is a dream, it would take Ages for Philippines to train pilots-engineers-technicians considering there is a complete absence-shortage of such Crew. The most weird thing is with out Air Defense how is Air Force going to operate.

Jhungray, Arms Procurement is not as easy as you stated by you it take Years, it takes money, expertise, requirements...Philippines cannot pay $6B or more in next 20+ Years.

The country has so much poverty that needs immediate attention instead of animosity with a big neighbor, the best course of action should be to make peace with China and invite them to invest in Philippines lots of local jobs would be created.

Actually, their economy is not so much different with Pakistan, given the comparison between their GDP and yours, they should be able to spare their money to buy such weapons like Pakistan do.

I agree, the pilots training takes time and resource, more so, Philippines air force pilots have no experience with 4th gen fighter. But they have been operating F5, opearting F16s wouldn't be problem with those pilots unless they intend to use the younger generation of their air force pilots who have null experiences with 4th gen jets.

I believe, Philippines will be allowing China to invest in the country, but the problem is, making peace with China means surrendering their claim over some disputed area in S.C.S. Giving away sovereignty is the price that no country would pay, that includes Philippines.

 

[Luftwaffe]

opearting F16s wouldn't be problem with those pilots unless they intend to use the younger generation of their air force pilots who have null experiences with 4th gen jets.

It is not easy to jump from 2nd generation to 4+ generation the conversion takes time complete support and training team however this is part of a long term investment but the issue is IF and why Philippines Air Force retired all F-5s then the question is how do you compare their budget to Pakistan Air Force sounds ridiculous.

There are Air Forces still operating upgraded F-5s then why did Philippines Air Force not go the path of F-5 upgrades [reports suggest most F-5 were never upgraded and were abandoned].

If US were serious, They would have helped developed Philippines a good Air Force/Navy but that is not the case, you have been with a wrong ally it is time people let their ego go lands that are not in the hands of Philippines, the country should let it go and come to peace there is no other option not even US will help you achieve those goals non ever will.

 

[nufix]

It is not easy to jump from 2nd generation to 4+ generation the conversion takes time complete support and training team however this is part of a long term investment but the issue is IF and why Philippines Air Force retired all F-5s then the question is how do you compare their budget to Pakistan Air Force sounds ridiculous.

There are Air Forces still operating upgraded F-5s then why did Philippines Air Force not go the path of F-5 upgrades [reports suggest most F-5 were never upgraded and were abandoned].

If US were serious, They would have helped developed Philippines a good Air Force/Navy but that is not the case, you have been with a wrong ally it is time people let their ego go lands that are not in the hands of Philippines, the country should let it go and come to peace there is no other option not even US will help you achieve those goals non ever will.

Well, the war is not going to happen in the next 1 year is it? Then no, the training is not the main issue.

First, I wasn't comparing their budget and yours, I was comparing their economy and yours. Pak's GDP is $210.566 billion and Phil's GDP is $227.584 billion. If Pakistan could spare some money like USD 5.45 billion a year, then so do they, Pinoy armed forces lack government will and parliamentary supports. How do you think after 1990's, Indonesian armed forces is considered inadequate with other big economy players while its economy holds half of ASEAN economy? If Pinoy finally found a fanatic leader with strong military diplomacy like Pakistan, they may be able to fund their armed forces like USD 6 - 8 billion a year.

Second, sovereignty is not something you can buy with cash, I understand how Pinoys feel about this. Indonesia's Natuna Island was one of the disputed area in SCS with China in 1990's. The different was, Indonesia maintained a "backdoor" diplomacy with all ASEAN members, let's say bribed them to support Indonesia's claim, then build cities, airport, and harbor in there, as well as deploy massive number of military presence. While Pinoys may have no ability and power to do that. But still, sovereignty is worth fighting, it is not about their ego.

 

[jhungary]

Jhungray, Arms Procurement is not as easy as you stated by you it take Years, it takes money, expertise, requirements...Philippines cannot pay $6B or more in next 20+ Years.

lol, how hard it is to sell military hardware? I don't know about anywhere in the world, but in America, if Congress is in session, 3 months.

There are numerous way to have congress approve an arms sale. And judging the ties form Philippine and US, it would be along the same line like US and NATO and US and Australia. Unless there are country that don't really want to see the deal throught, congress will pass the bill in less than 2 meeting which is 2 months apart.

THe article have already said 1 billions per year in the period of 6 years. 1Billions is jut 0.05% of GDP of philippine, 1 billions is chump change if you look at country side budget, even Mercedes Benz uses 10 billions a year to R&D newer and better benz. 1 Billions is doable even to country with crappy GDP.

They can do it within 6 years, no need for 20 years.

Actually, their economy is not so much different with Pakistan, given the comparison between their GDP and yours, they should be able to spare their money to buy such weapons like Pakistan do.

I agree, the pilots training takes time and resource, more so, Philippines air force pilots have no experience with 4th gen fighter. But they have been operating F5, opearting F16s wouldn't be problem with those pilots unless they intend to use the younger generation of their air force pilots who have null experiences with 4th gen jets.

I believe, Philippines will be allowing China to invest in the country, but the problem is, making peace with China means surrendering their claim over some disputed area in S.C.S. Giving away sovereignty is the price that no country would pay, that includes Philippines.

Basically pilot training took 6 months, and usually the price include the first batch pilot training then those pilot will train the local pilot, usually 8 is the number of the first.

but things could be easier ahead as Philippine again willing to lend Subic Bay and Clark field back to the US. If US take up the offer, US could train Philippine Pilot locally and don';t need to go thru all the Visa and stuff to fly them to the US.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-f...hilippines-sees-subic-port-vital-us-interests
Philippines divided over US return to Subic Bay

And regarding Philippine and Trade, Trading partner should be abandon as Philippine is a relative safe place in the region. Granted, it may take some time to reboot the economy but it is doable in the near future.

It is not easy to jump from 2nd generation to 4+ generation the conversion takes time complete support and training team however this is part of a long term investment but the issue is IF and why Philippines Air Force retired all F-5s then the question is how do you compare their budget to Pakistan Air Force sounds ridiculous.

There are Air Forces still operating upgraded F-5s then why did Philippines Air Force not go the path of F-5 upgrades [reports suggest most F-5 were never upgraded and were abandoned].

If US were serious, They would have helped developed Philippines a good Air Force/Navy but that is not the case, you have been with a wrong ally it is time people let their ego go lands that are not in the hands of Philippines, the country should let it go and come to peace there is no other option not even US will help you achieve those goals non ever will.

F-5 as i know have passed Terminal Upgrade, the only upgrade pack available in the world i believe is the Iranian indigenous F-5 upgrade. Which i very much doubted they will tarnsfer them to an US Allied. MNostF-5 Service in the world (Excluding the US service) are now current made by putting 1 aircraft part to save another.

upgrading F-5 is very expensive if you do not know how, that's the idea why the US stopped the F-20tigersharkger development as nobody in the right mind would go for a lv 3 upgrade with almost the same price with a F-16. Most country using F-5 today (Excluding Iran and African nation) Are either for display or stop gap service. Not too many are used for line service.

We are not talking about comparing Pakistan defend budget to Philippine budget, this is ridiculous as one country is peaceful nation without much war and one is a nuclear armed unstable nation that literally risk war everyday with its neighbor. Who will attack Philippine suddenly tomorrow? But i can name a few who would want to attack Pakistan tomorrow if thigns go sour.

Thing is, 1 billions is very much "affordable" in erm of military defence budget and GDP. I am actually suprise to see that why Philippine would not have more money allocated into their budget.

Pilot training is easy woith Visit force agresment and it will be even more easier if Philippine allow US Subic bay and Clark field again. In turn, US could providd the F-16 and training as part of payment, which is exavtly how pakistan got the f-16 from the states in the first place.

US actually indeed wanted to help the philippine but it is not the US won't help, but rather Philippine, for some derangd reason, refused to let US help and kick US out of Philippine all together. I don't know how or why this happen, you can ask people from philippine of their congress in 1992.

Infact there are even more help to Phillipine after we got kicked out and there were already talks 3 times to sell F-16 to philippine, but one way or another the proposal is rejected by the philippine congress. And as part of Co-op agreement, we have Seebees and SEALs stationed in Philippine indefinitely.

I don't know why you said the US-Philippine relation is not good.....

Well, the war is not going to happen in the next 1 year is it? Then no, the training is not the main issue.

First, I wasn't comparing their budget and yours, I was comparing their economy and yours. Pak's GDP is $210.566 billion and Phil's GDP is $227.584 billion. If Pakistan could spare some money like USD 5.45 billion a year, then so do they, Pinoy armed forces lack government will and parliamentary supports. How do you think after 1990's, Indonesian armed forces is considered inadequate with other big economy players while its economy holds half of ASEAN economy? If Pinoy finally found a fanatic leader with strong military diplomacy like Pakistan, they may be able to fund their armed forces like USD 6 - 8 billion a year.

Second, sovereignty is not something you can buy with cash, I understand how Pinoys feel about this. Indonesia's Natuna Island was one of the disputed area in SCS with China in 1990's. The different was, Indonesia maintained a "backdoor" diplomacy with all ASEAN members, let's say bribed them to support Indonesia's claim, then build cities, airport, and harbor in there, as well as deploy massive number of military presence. While Pinoys may have no ability and power to do that. But still, sovereignty is worth fighting, it is not about their ego.

6-8 billions per years is actually pretty cheap, it's loose money even to the economic of Philippine..........

But this is just the baby step they need to do to rebuilt their armed force.

 

[Luftwaffe]

Jhungary...You could have supported Philippines before such a bad situation in the Region reached. US sold them worthless 1960's equipment including to Navy. US could have kept their Air Force air worthy by upgrading-modernization various Aircrafts.

Such Articles have popped numerous time in the past since 86, nothing materialized. The real operational readiness of Philippines Air Force is almost non existent. I can remember F-5 modernization plans that went to scrap yard spent millions on procurement from here and there and in the end grounded the entire Fleet in 2005.

I wouldn't want to reply to rest of your post it is difficult to make you understand I know... if I start explaining the technical side of F-5 its modernization across the globe you would again counter with illogically. You suggestion of Pilot training being easy is completely wrong notion,Pilot training is vigorous needs the most attention, you need Pilots to master Aircrafts not sit and fly.

F-20G was privately funded program, not official USAF upgrade program.

Brazil, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan and various other F-5s went for upgrades in 90's early 2000s-mid 2000s. RSAF has as many as 90-110 F-5s withdrawn from active service they could be sold for very cheap to supplement spares.

 

[jhungary]

Jhungary...You could have supported Philippines before such a bad situation in the Region reached. US sold them worthless 1960's equipment including to Navy. US could have kept their Air Force air worthy by upgrading-modernization various Aircrafts.

Such Articles have popped numerous time in the past since 86, nothing materialized. The real operational readiness of Philippines Air Force is almost non existent. I can remember F-5 modernization plans that went to scrap yard spent millions on procurement from here and there and in the end grounded the entire Fleet in 2005.

I wouldn't want to reply to rest of your post it is difficult to make you understand I know... if I start explaining the technical side of F-5 its modernization across the globe you would again counter with illogically. You suggestion of Pilot training being easy is completely wrong notion,Pilot training is vigorous needs the most attention, you need Pilots to master Aircrafts not sit and fly.

F-20G was privately funded program, not official USAF upgrade program.

Brazil, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan and various other F-5s went for upgrades in 90's early 2000s-mid 2000s. RSAF has as many as 90-110 F-5s withdrawn from active service they could be sold for very cheap to supplement spares.

Set aside all the talks on F-5 first. You do not understand the situation in Philippine at all, seems to me you do not realise how or why the US got totally, i mean TOTALLY kicked out of Philippine in 1992?? You may know a lot of stuff about F-5, but you MOST definitely have no sense at all with US-Philippine relation

Not that we don't want to help Philippine PER SE, nor not that the president Aquino don't want. But Times and place just put in a wrong time. The problem with Philippine Armed Force started with it formation in 1947, when they allow us to station the biggest Naval base in the world in Philippine and a sizeable Air Force.

During Vietnam war, Clark AFB was used "Substancially" by US to support the Vietnam war, and so does the Subic Bay NS was invilved sustancially for USN for Vietnam. Basically during the stretch of 1960-1980. Even without a functioning Air Force and Navy, Philippine is the safeest place on earth..

We sold the F-5A to Philippine back when they are in peak service in 1966. At that time, the F-5 A were even still used by the USAF. After that we do not sell anything to Philippine anymore until today. YOu need to realise one thing, Philippine was our Biggest Oversea force in any proportion in any scale. We have the whole fleet based in Subic Bay (That's 2 aircraft carrier) and 2 Fighter and 1 Bomber Wing in Clark AFB. And philippine, a small Nation with not high Nominal GDP, of course they are going to lag behind in their own defence.

Things changed rapidly in 1990 when the Volcano what-its-name erupted in philippine and US Forces are force tp withdrew as far back to US West Coast , at that point. Heavily Damaged Clark AFB and a almost total wiped out Subic Bay NS were closed for the first time. Talk have beens negotiate as US want Philippine to clean up and restore the base into operation (Also pay for it) and this is the first time the Philippine say no. What follow is limited used of Clark and Subic Bay and eventually in 1991, Philippine senate decided to Not continue the least of both base as well as all military structure to the US.

By end of 1992, all the US military unit (Combat or logistic) was completely withdrew from Philippine. And now philippine enter one ear which they have to start fending for themselve. What the senate do not realise is they do not have enough money for it. It was almost 30 years since they first buy stuff from oversea.

By 1995, Philippine issue a Moderization program. Which involve US selling 18 F-16A/B Fighter aircraft to Philippine, US senate passed it, and Philippine signed it. But things got to a bad turn in 1997 when global financial collaspe and Philippine do not have money to pay for the contract. And hence the contract were left in void.

Over the year. Philippine are always looking for Military Hardware. The thing is, what Philippine want is very hard to satisify as they want an entry grade fighter/trainer which can equally serve both role but similiar to their F-5. Which we got none of them in the US. in 2012, PAF ultimately purchased (I don't know if it's pay for tho) 12 TA-50 Golden eagle over F-16 purchase because of the training role and also because they are more rapidly available and is a entry grade trainer/fighter.

Philippine still wanted F-16, but currently, they cannot afford it now and the F-16 is not readily available (As they wanted USAF ex, we can't just retire our airframe and transfer it to them beucase they wanted it...........) and hence the TA-50 is a stop gap.

Also 12 TA-50 only worth less than 600 millions. Which is chum change for their defence budget for acquiring F-16 ultimately.

Philippines Orders South Korean TA-50 Jets | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News
Philippines Looking to Buy Non-USA Combat Aircraft | Defense Update - Military Technology & Defense News
The Exciting Centennial of Philippine Aviation: PAF seeks 12 F-16 fighter jets from US

Now let's move to your territories.

F-5, no doubt is a capable fighter, but as i said, you cannot get even new parts for F-5 as the COmpany that make it does not exist anymore (Northrop makes F-5 not Northrop Grumman) The problem with F-5 is, either you can make your own spare, like Iran, or you cannabilize other F-5 to make your other F-5 effective. This is the exact reason why Philippine do not continue with the operation of F-5.

Philippine, is a small country but they are not as cheap as you think. Unlike african country. But to a point upgrading a standard F-5E is plain stupid. THe latest upgrade of F-5 is done by Singapore in 2001 which is to Upgrade to F-5T status (Taiwan last upgrade is mid 1990s to RF-5E, Thai also upgraded to F-5T, Brazil start upgrading thiers in 2000)

Why would Philippine pay 6 millions a pop to upgrade their own Inventory F-5 if they can get 4th Generation TA-50/FA-50 for just another 15 millions a pop.

Also you cannot work up to F-16 (Which is considered the ultimate goal even after the purchase of TA/FA-50 from Korea) from F-5 Straight up, you will need a stop-gap anyway. As you said it. So why bother spend 6 millions each to upgrade each F-5 when you can spend the similar amount of money to get 3 squad of entry 4th generation fighter?? Can you answer me that??

By the way, F-20 tiger Shark is not as "Privately funded" as you think, yes, Northrop funded the whole program but they are part of FX competition that looks at exporting cheapper version of F-16. Which eventually the whole FX program were killed by the F-16 and combined this, and the ATF program, Northrop gone busted.

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we...page=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Northrop F-20&f=false

You should see, China push Philippine back to us, we should thank them, now they are ready to let US to re-occupy Subic Bay and Clark field. You know what US will give the Philippine in return if US choose to re-occupy it?? It will be brand spanking new F-16 Fighter Aircraft.

You will see when US congress again in session in Jan 2013. If we do reoccupy the Subic Bay and Clark Field, chances are we will gift the New F-16 to Philippine for no or virtually no Cost at all. Kind of the same deal Pakistan get from the Afghanistan deal back in 1983.

 

[Luftwaffe]

All you posted is based on "might be" 'shall be" "when" "soon" "will see". Let us wait for something to materialize in the Future so far these are plans on the paper that pops up every 5 Years or so...like I said it is like that since 86 every now and then circus takes place by Philippines government.

 

[Knight of Tang]

Well, phillipine AF surely do need some real "Force" but not just "Air".

 

[jhungary]

All you posted is based on "might be" 'shall be" "when" "soon" "will see". Let us wait for something to materialize in the Future so far these are plans on the paper that pops up every 5 Years or so...like I said it is like that since 86 every now and then circus takes place by Philippines government.

dude, a lot of thing is we'll see but there are one thing for sure.
Filipino already ordered and set aaside funding for 12 KA/FA-50. Which considered an entry grade gen 4 fighter from Korea, for 580 millions.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

PCG Not Expecting New Ships in 2013
26 Desember 2012

Ten 40-meter MRRVs to be used by the Philippine Coast Guard expected to arrive in 2014 (photo : Militaryphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday it is not expecting to receive additional ships in 2013, but the Aquino administration is purchasing at least 10 new vessels that are scheduled to arrive at least by 2014.

“Since all of the ships to be purchased by the Coast Guard are brand new, it would take some months to construct. So hopefully, by 2014 they would start arriving,” PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said.

When he took over as PCG chief last Dec. 14, Isorena said one of his priorities is to improve the agency’s capabilities.

He said Malacañang has given its approval to procure 10 40-meter search and rescue vessels from Japan that will be delivered within three years, from 2014 until 2017.

There are also plans to procure an 82-meter ship and four 24-meter vessels from France, but Isorena said these are not yet final.

(PhilStar)


Contract for Acquisition of Naval Helicopters Signed
27 Desember 2012

AW-109 Power helicopter (photo : HoverControl)

DND Office for Public Affairs | 27 December 2012 - The contract of agreement for the acquisition of three naval helicopters was signed at the Department of National Defense last December 20, 2012.

With a contract price of PhP 1, 337,176,584.00 and signed between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A, the acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 9184.

“The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said.

On November 28, 2012, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project (NHAP) Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement.

The Italian Ministerio Della Difesa conducted a review of AugustaWestland’s proposal for the procurement of AW 109 Power Helicopter, including related logistic support and found out that the price per helicopter “seems to have been progressively reduced”, meaning they were sold cheaper.

Upon the recommendation of the DND Bids and Awards Committee, the Secretary of National Defense issued a notice of award last December 4, 2012.

“With the other projects in the pipeline and our planned acquisition, we are now louder and clearer in our intent to upgrade the capability of our AFP to address its constitutional duty to “secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory’,” Gazmin said. ***

(Phil DND)

More news from the Philippines

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

AFP Adds Military Trucks from KIA
29 Desember 2012

Kia KM500 5,0 tonnes 6x6 truck (photo : Timawa)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine’s defense chief says the government has signed separate contracts worth 163 billion pesos (about $39 million) with Italian and South Korean companies to supply helicopters and trucks as part of efforts to modernize its poorly equipped military.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Thursday the Philippines will purchase three multi-purpose AW 109 helicopters for its navy from AugustaWestland SPA of Italy amounting to 1.33 billion pesos ($32 million).

He says Kia Motors Corp. will supply 60 field ambulances and 12 trucks all worth 300.78 million ($7.33 million) pesos.

Kia KM451 field ambulance (photo : top81)

Gazmin says the purchases show the country’s “louder and clearer” intent to modernize its military.

The Philippine military is fighting a decades-long communist insurgency and battling Islamic militants while facing increasing tension over territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

AFP to acquire helicopters, trucks | Inquirer Global Nation