Philippines Philippines Armed Forces & Updates

[Saithan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1299716634274394112

 

[Test7]

Philippine A-29 Super Tucano starts delivery flight


On 29 August 2020, the six Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos ordered by the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) started their delivery flight, departing Sao Jose Dos Campos (SJK, Brazil) on their way to Recife (REC), with onwards flight expected to Fernando de Noronha (FEN) on Sunday 30 August 2020.

The aircraft, with an option for another 18 aircraft, were ordered on 30 November 2017. The A-29s will be used in the Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Intercept and surveillance roles. They are expected to join the 15th Strike Wing/16th Strike Squadron "Eagles" at Danielo Atienza-Cavite air base near the capital Manilla. If correct, the OV-10 Broncos are expected to be moved to the 17th Attack Squadron "Jaguars" at the same air base, where they will replace the SF260TPs.

Initially, a Dornier 228 would join the delivery flight to provide logistic support in those uncertain pandemic times. During their delivery flights the aircraft can be followed using their Brazilian test- and delivery registrations PT-ZZM/-ZZN/-ZZO/-ZZQ/-ZZS/-ZZU. PT-ZZM already made its first flight on 4 November 2019.

The delivery flight will continue via Amilcar Cabral, Sal Island (Cape Verde), Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain), Málaga (Spain) and Luqa (Malta). Unfortunately no dates are known at this moment.

Scramble Magazine

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[Nilgiri]

Any Military news concerning the Philippines.

 

[Nilgiri]

Philippine Air Force takes delivery of G280 command and control aircraft

The Philippine Air Force has formally accepted the Gulfstream G280 command and control aircraft during a ceremony held at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

www.airforce-technology.com

 

[Gary]

Fact is these so called command and control aircraft are only Biz jets for the PAF. The same is true for their "command and control" C-295

https://www.facebook.com/117625771741422/posts/1363614393809214

 

[Kartal1]

Philippine Navy arms anti-submarine helicopters with Spike NLOS, Blue Shark weapons

by Ridzwan Rahmat

The Philippine Navy has opted for the Spike NLOS anti-surface missile and the Blue Shark torpedo for its AW159 helicopters. (Getty Images)

The Philippine Navy has opted to arm its two Leonardo AW159 Lynx Wildcat anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters with Spike NLOS air-to-surface missiles, and Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes.


The weapons fit was confirmed by Philippine Navy chief Vice-Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo in comments made to the country’s official news agency, PNA, on 18 September. The weapons were delivered in fourth quarter 2019, the admiral added.


Powered by a solid propellant motor, the Spike NLOS flies at a height of about 2,000 m to achieve its maximum range of up to 30 km. The missile is fitted with a penetration, blast, and fragmentation (PBF) warhead and it can be set to detonate with either impact or time-delay fuses.


Meanwhile, the Blue Shark is a 324 mm torpedo that was jointly developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and LIG Nex1. Details of the weapon are scarce, but it is believed to be capable of speeds in excess of 45 kt, and a range of more than 9,000 m.


The Philippine government signed a PHP5.4 billion (USD110 million) contract signed with Leonardo for two AW159s in 2016. The aircraft were commissioned in June 2019 and now operate with the Naval Air Wing’s Squadron MH-40 at the Danilo Atienza Air Base.


The aircraft’s crew are currently still undergoing training. Once fully operational, the helicopters will serve alongside the navy’s two Jose Rizal-class frigates, the first of which, BRP Jose Rizal (150), was commissioned in July 2020. Its sister ship, which will be in service as BRP Antonio Luna

Philippine Navy arms anti-submarine helicopters with Spike NLOS, Blue Shark weapons

The Philippine Navy has opted for the Spike NLOS anti-surface missile and the Blue Shark torpedo for its AW159 helicopters. The Philippine Navy has opted to arm its two Leonardo AW159 Lynx Wildcat anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters wit...

www.janes.com

 

[Test7]

Philippines proposes new defence procurement law​

by Jon Grevatt



The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking to introduce new legislation to support its military modernisation programme.

AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay said in a press conference in Manila on 13 October that the proposed ‘defence procurement law’ has been submitted to the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives for approval.

The Philippines has recently reaffirmed its plan to procure the T129 ATAK combat helicopter from Turkish Aerospace (TA) under its Horizon Two procurement plan. (TA)

AFP procurement programmes currently progress through open-tendering processes as per the legal requirements laid out in the Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

This requires all AFP tenders to be advertised on the government’s online procurement portal, known as PhilGEPS or the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

Gen Gapay said the PhilGEPS process to invite bidders exposed most AFP modernisation requirements. Such requirements, he said, are “supposed to be confidential and top-secret capabilities … [but] we are not exempted from posting these requirements in our invitations to bid.”

Janes understands that the proposed new law stems from Executive Order No. 18 (EO 18), which became effective in April 2017 and empowers Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to “identify and institutionalise” measures that will improve defence procurement.

The EO 18 has prompted a range of reviews and audits of procurement processes undertaken by the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND). Collectively, these measures are an attempt to address the Philippines’ cumbersome defence procurement system, which is prone to significantly delay acquisition projects.

Philippines proposes new defence procurement law

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking to introduce new legislation to support its military modernisation programme.

www.janes.com

 

[Test7]

Philippines Air Force Receives Six Super Tucano Aircraft from Embraer

Six Super Tucano Aircraft arrive in Philippines @Embraer Photo


All six Super Tucano aircraft ordered by The Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been officially handed over today.
The aircraft will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, counter-insurgency missions, advanced training and are part of PAF’s ongoing modernization plan.
“The addition of these close air support aircraft is a great leap in our air power capability as we soar together in our flight to a more capable and credible Air Force for the nation and its people,” Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes AFP, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force said.
These aircraft will be operated and maintained by the 15th Strike Wing, the PAF’s end-user. In November 2017, a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was made after a comprehensive public bidding process.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from improvised runways.
The Philippines has been facing insurgency and theft of its fisheries resources. The low-flying Super Tucanos are effective against lightly-armed insurgents and pirates. They can be used for land and maritime patrol and attack against poorly defenced ground targets.

Defense World

View News at Defense World

www.defenseworld.net

 

[Gary]

Lorenzana eyes acquisition of 6 more attack planes​

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency on October 13, 2020​

‘SUPER TUCANO’ ATTACK PLANES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes lead the blessing and turnover ceremony for the A-29B Super Tucano close air support aircraft from Brazil in Clark Air Base, Angeles City Pampanga on Tuesday (Oct. 13, 2020). The Super Tucano aircraft, which will be part of the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing, will beef up the remaining SF-260 and OV-10 attack aircraft used by the Air Force in strike missions. (Photo courtesy of PAF via PNA)



MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is open to acquiring six more Embraer Defense and Security A-29B “Super Tucano” close air support aircraft to boost the six that are now in the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) inventory.

“I was discussing with the Commanding General (PAF chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes) a while ago (that) having six Super Tucano is good but another six more would be better,” Lorenzana said in his speech during the turnover and blessing ceremony of the six aircraft at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga on Tuesday.

Other attendees to the event were Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay and Brazilian Ambassador to Manila Rodrigo do Amaral Souza.

Lorenzana also thanked representatives of Brazilian defense manufacturer Embraer Defense and Security for their support in delivering the aircraft and expressed hope that the country will have more business with the company in the future.

Four of the Super Tucano close-support attack aircraft arrived last Sept. 19 while the remaining two arrived on Oct. 1.

“The challenge now upon the PAF to effectively utilize, maintain and maximize the utilization,” Lorenzana said.

He said the arrival of the Super Tucano is a reminder of the “indispensability of airpower” in national defense and security.

Embraer company pilots flew the aircraft from the company airfield in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and made fueling stops in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Malta, Egypt, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, and Vietnam before landing in the Philippines.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said the pilot pool for the A-29B aircraft will come from Air Force pilots qualified in the operations of the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 and North American Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” attack aircraft.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong earlier said Embraer pilots will train PAF pilots selected to fly the Super Tucano for two months as part of the agreement under the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee.

The A-29B aircraft were earlier scheduled to be delivered by the end of July but the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and subsequent travel bans have skewed the delivery timetables.

The aircraft, which will be part of the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing, will beef up the remaining SF-260 and OV-10 attack aircraft used by the Air Force in strike missions.

“They are a welcome and much-needed replacement for the PAF’s aged, close air support aircraft, and their mission versatility and capability to carry a variety of ordnance will be very useful in the field,” Andolong said.

The Super Tucano is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter-insurgency, close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training. The contract for the six aircraft is worth PHP4.97 billion and was issued in late 2017.

Lorenzana eyes acquisition of 6 more attack planes | Philippine Canadian Inquirer

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is open to acquiring six more Embraer Defense and Security A-29B …

www.canadianinquirer.net

 

[Saithan]

Got this info from Danish site.

Hurkus:

TAI Hürkuş - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I wonder what the difference in price is. But there is no doubt that Brasils established aviation industry has an influence with regard to recognition.

Also it seems A-29 is capable of carrying more payload.

 

[Test7]

 

[Test7]

Elbit Systems Awarded Contract to Supply Light Tanks and Fire Support Vehicles to The Philippine Army​

The Philippines Department National Defense has awarded the contract for the Philippine Army’s Light Tank and Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Projects to the Israeli company Elbit Systems. According to information released on Army Recognition on October 24, 2020, the Israeli company Elbit Systems has offered its new Sabrah Light Tank for the Philippine Army’s Light Tank Acquisition Project, which is in competition with Hanwha Systems K21-105 and Otokar Arma 105 light tanks, and Pindad Harimau Light Tank. The Elbit Systems Sabrah light tank is available in two configurations including a tracked variant based on the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) ASCOD 2 and a wheeled version based on the Pandur II 8×8 armored vehicle also produced by GDELS.

Elbit Systems’ ”Sabrah” Light Tank

Elbit Systems’ “Sabrah” configurable light tank solution adds highly effective firepower to Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV’s). Based on the success of Elbit fully combat-proven armored vehicles and turrets in use by numerous armed forces around the world, the “Sabrah” series of solutions is the latest generation AFV system developed by Elbit Systems. The modular design enables using the same 105mm turret for tracked or 8X8 wheeled platforms to deliver reliable, high-performance firepower to the battlefield. The Sabrah turret design benefits from the reference of Elbit Systems and the IDF “Merkava” Directorate “MANTAK” combat-proven Armored Vehicles.


ASCOD Light Tank

The ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development) armoured fighting vehicle family is the product of a cooperation agreement between Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG (in 1998 the production of heavy armed vehicles was sold out under the name Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug, which is now the producer) and Spanish General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas (both companies are now divisions of a unit of General Dynamics). The ASCOD family includes the LT 105, a light tank equipped with a 105 mm gun, a SAM launcher, an anti-tank missile launcher, mortar carrier, R&R vehicle, Command & Control vehicle, ambulance, artillery observer, and the light tank model.

Pandur II 8×8 Fire Support Vehicles

The Pandur II 8×8 is an improved modular all-wheel-drive version of the Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armoured vehicle. It was developed as a private venture by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge and is currently in production for the Portuguese Armed Forces. Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is part of General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems, which is also the parent company of MOWAG of Switzerland and Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain. The Czech company Excalibur Army has offered their Pandur 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle for the Philippine Army’s Wheeled APC acquisition project under the Horizon 2 phase.

Elbit Systems Awarded Contract To Supply Light Tanks And Fire Support Vehicles To The Philippine Army - MilitaryLeak.COM

The Philippines Department National Defense has awarded the contract for the Philippine Army's Light Tank and Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Projects to the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

militaryleak.com

 

[Saithan]

Philippines Chooses Israel for Light Tank

The Philippine Ministry of National Defence announced that Elbit Systems won the light tank tender.

en.c4defence.com

193,6 mio USD for 28 is pretty decent sum.

 

[Test7]

First Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters delivered to the Philippine air Force

On 9 November the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) received the first five out of sixteen Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk transport helicopters that were ordered in June 2019.

The Black Hawks helicopters, that are built by PZL Mielec in Poland were transported by an Antonov Design Bureau An-124, registration RA-82072, from Jasionka/Rzeszów Airport (Poland) to Clark Air Force Base with a stop in Kuwait.

The sixteen Black Hawks are intended to replace the UH-1s with the Air Force and will be operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

This Helicopter Wing will also receive 21 surplus UH-1H Huey helicopters from Republic of Korea Army.

The 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing commands three Tactical Helicopter Squadrons (THS) operating the UH-1D and UH-1H. These are:

206th THS Hornets at Edwin Andrews Air Base near Zamboanga City
207th THS Stingers at Manila/Ninoy Aquino Intl.
208th THS Daggers at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base near Cebu

The helicopters are part of a USD 240 million contract for 16 S-70i machines sealed between PZL Mielec and the Philippines in 2019.Dark Delmanowicz/PAP

Five Black Hawk S-70i helicopters from Poland's PZL Mielec aviation plant have been delivered to the Philippines, the Polish Embassy in Manila informed PAP on Sunday. The machines were delivered to their destination by air.

A sixth Black Hawk was delivered in August by sea. The helicopters are part of a USD 240 million contract for 16 S-70i machines sealed between PZL Mielec and the Philippines in 2019.

PZL Mielec is a subsidiary of the Lockheed Martin corporation.

Black Hawk helicopters are in use in more than 30 countries worldwide.

 

[Test7]

Philippine Navy Receives ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Systems​

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally received its first ever, advanced fixed-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS), the ScanEagle UAS in a ceremony held at the Magluyan Hall in Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite today, November 25.

The event was graced by the AFP deputy chief of staff, Vice Adm. Erick Kagaoan who represented the Secretary of National Defense (SND) Delfin Lorenzana as the guest of honor and speaker. He was joined by the Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo together with the Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Loumer P Bernabe and other senior leaders of the PN.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly Kelly and representatives from the U.S. Embassy turned over a ScanEagle UAS to the PN which will be utilized by the recently activated squadron under the Philippine Fleet’s Naval Air Wing, the Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (MUARS-71).

“Transferring the ScanEagle system for operation by the Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron represents the steadfast commitment by the United States to our partners in the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Kelly.

In the SNDs remarks delivered by Vice Admiral Kagaoan, Secretary Lorenzana said that “this new assets will complement the same kind being operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing at the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, which is very close to the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea that needs our consistent attention.”

This advanced UAS composed of eight air vehicles, two launchers, skyhook and ground control station was acquired through the Maritime Security Initiative Program of the United States requested by the PN in 2017 and was formalized in February 2019, after series of dialogues with Philippines Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG-Phil). It has an estimated cost of 14.79 million US dollars.

The ScanEagle UAS is a product of Insitu Inc., a subsidiary of the Boeing company. It is a small, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle primarily used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) of the PN since it provides near real time coverage and can be launched from both land and aboard Navys capital ships.

With its longer range and prolonged flight time, it will improve our ships coverage in protecting our maritime waters acting as the “Eye in the Sky” which are also useful during the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, and search and rescue missions.

“Aside from its primary use for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), the ScanEagle UAS will greatly aid our organization in the effective assessment of the subject areas, timely decision-making, and prompt action in the conduct of territorial defense, internal security operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” said Philippine Fleet Commander Bernabe.

The implementation of this project manifests the steadfastness of the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to sustain its development and modernization to better fulfill its mandates even being at the forefront of our battle against the COVID19 pandemic, and the ongoing disaster response and relief operations in light of calamities.

Philippine Navy receives ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Systems

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally received its first ever, advanced fixed-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS), the ScanEagle UAS in a ceremony held at the Magluy

www.mintfo.com

 

[Test7]

Philippines postpones purchase of BrahMos missiles​

The government is putting on hold plans to purchase the country's first cruise missile system from an Indian-Russian joint venture.

This was supposed to be part of the military's long-term modernization program to boost the country's defense capabilities.

the reason?

Depleted funds due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

[Madokafc]

They are lacking in fiscal disciplin though and put defense spending as the lowest priority

 

[Test7]

Philippines officially took delivery of six S-70i​

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept into service on Thursday six Polish-made Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters delivered last month.

The acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga, PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said in an advisory.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the guest-of-honor, Galang said.

The first five units of S-70i were delivered via the Antonov An-124 heavy aircraft to Clark Air Base last November 9 while the sixth arrived aboard a ship on November 27.

The six helicopters are part of 16 units acquired from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o and manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA for a contract price of USD241 million.

The helicopters were procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland. The negotiations were completed in 2019.

The acquisition of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters is part of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Earlier, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the remaining 10 units of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawks would be delivered in early 2021.

"The remaining 10 units are expected to be delivered within the first quarter of 2021," he added.

Andolong added that the S-70i would boost the AFP's capability to conduct various operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, and help in the government efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The Black Hawk, designated as a medium transport helicopter, is capable of flying at speeds of 224mph/361kph and has a range of 290 miles/460 km. (PNA)

PAF to accept 6 brand new combat choppers

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept into service on Thursday six Polish-made Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters delivered last month.The acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base,...

www.pna.gov.ph

 

[Saithan]

December 15, 2020

The Philippine Armed Forces will buy armoured personnel carriers worth about US$47 million from Brazil. In total, the Philippines will purchase 28 VBTP-MR/ Guarani 6×6 front line wheeled armoured vehicles.

Developed in partnership with the Italian company Iveco, the Guarani have a body that is resistant to light weapons and shrapnel.

The armoured personnel carrier variant, which the Philippines will buy, has a 7.62 machine gun and REMAX remote command weapons station developed by CTEx and Ares companies.

Philippines to Buy Armoured Vehicles from Brazil - C4 Defence

The Philippine Armed Forces will buy armoured personnel carriers worth about US$47 million from Brazil.

www.c4defence.com

 

[Saithan]

Is Italy's Leonardo involved in engine supply for T129B Attack Helicopters for the Philippine Air Force?

Previous posts we made confirmed that the Department of National Defense (DND) already released the Notice of Award (NOA) for the Philippi...

maxdefense.blogspot.com