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19 Januari 2019 Blackhawk aircrew training in US (photo : Military Simulation and Training) The training of Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who will operate the 16 Black Hawk helicopters to be acquired from Lockheed Martin Sikorsky will be carried out in Florida, United States, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on January 16 during the plenary discussion on DND’s 2019 budget. The defense chief made the statement when asked by Senator JV Ejercito regarding the training materials and trainors. “Since [the manufacturer is] Sikorsky, will this already be in English? I assume that these (manuals) will not be in Polish,” Ejercito said. Though built in Poland, the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters will be certified by US-based Lockheed Martin Sikorsky. “They will be in English your honor,” Secretary Lorenzana said. “That’s good to hear. Because what I heard from some Air Force personnel before, that the problem with Sokol, since mayrong language barrier, ‘yung mga manuals tapos th...

18 Januari 2019 BRP Kalanggaman and BRP Malamawi (photo : Mer et Marine) The Philippine Coast Guard commissioned the last two 24-meter fast patrol boats with the Department of Budget and Management Secretary, Honorable Benjamin Diokno as guest of honor and speaker and the Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Administration and Finance, Atty. Gary V. De Guzman as the presiding officer at the National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard today, January 16. Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Malamawi (Fast Patrol Boat-2403) under the helm of Lieutenant Commander Rolando l Lorenzana PCG and BRP Kalanggaman (FPB-2404) with Commander Glen B Daraug PCG as its Commanding Officer. The four 24-meter fast patrol boats acquired from France were named after the prominent Philippine islands known for their tourism aesthetic and environmental features. As a tradition, a vessel is being commissioned to grant its identity to belong to a service and to authorize it to perform the mandated m...

17 Januari 2019 PZL Mielec S-70i Blackhawk (photo : Roman N) SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY (PIA) -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) seeks to purchase Blackhawk Helicopters from Poland to further improve its capability in territorial defense and rescue operations. In an interview during the awarding of housing units to Wounded-In-Action soldiersand Wounded-In-Police-Operations at Pleasant View Residences in barangay Graceville, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the procurement is part of the Second Horizon of the New Armed Forces of the Philippine Modernization Program along with various military aircraft and vessels. The planned acquisition of the Blackhawk Helicopters from Poland will replace the cancelled contract of 16 units of Bell 412 EP Helicopters from Canada. Lorenzana added that PAF has experience in operating Polish-made helicopters since the delivery of the eight units of Sokol PZL W-3 Helicopters in 2012. Meanwhile, the official disclosed that two units of Cobra Attack Helicopte...

16 Januari 2019 Czeh's firearm (photo : gunsamerica) President Rodrigo Duterte told the new Ambassador of Czech Republic that the Philippines is looking into acquiring small-arms from Czech. “We are looking into the acquisition of small-arms,” President Rodrigo Duterte said as he welcomed Jana Sediva of the Czech Republic during the presentation of letter of credentials in Malacañang. Sediva said that she is looking forward to further strengthen bilateral ties based on shared interests and mutual respect. ( Mintfo )

15 Januari 2019 FF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : Surigao News) MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), which ran aground off Hasa-Hasa Shoal last August, is expected to be available for operations before the end of 2019. This was confirmed by Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, PN flag-officer-in-command, during a chance interview shortly after the New Year's Call in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday. This is due to the damage sustained by the ship's two propellers from the grounding which required total replacement. "Kailangan kasi makuha pa 'yung propellers (sa US) kasi sira 'yung propellers. So magiging available pa siya mga end of the year pa. Kung mapabilis ung pag-deliver ng propellers, then maaayos namin kaagad. But ang magko-control ng work na yan is 'yung (availability) ng propellers. (We need to get the propellers from the US because these were the ones that were damaged. It will be available by yearend. If the del...

14 Januari 2019 BRP Conrado Yap PS-39 ex ROKS PCC-762 Chungju (image : PN) After all the self-inflicted delays, the transfer of a Pohang-class corvette to the Philippine Navy (PN) is indeed finally happening before the middle of 2019. Aside from the press statement made by the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad confirming that the Pohang-class corvette donated by the South Korean government will be delivered by March or April 2019, MaxDefense was also able to obtain similar information from several defense and naval sources. Based on the FOIC's statements alone, the assigned officers and crew members of the ship will be departing for South Korea before the end of January 2019. MaxDefense sources added that there are still possible delays, although the full deployment of all crewmembers to South Korea will definitely be completed before February 2019 ends. The ship involved, the former ROKN Pohang-class combat corvette ROKS Chungju (PCC-76...

11 Januari 2019 USCGS Midgett will be decommissioned in 2019, and USCGS Mellon WHEC-717 in 2020 (photo : Mike Griffiths) The Philippines will consider accepting United States Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter if offered by the United States. However, the Philippines will not “actively” request for the transfer, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said. “We will not actively ask for it. Pag offer nila sa atin, titignan natin kung pabor sa atin,” Secretary Lorenzana said as quoted by Manila Bulletin. The United States government is in the process of replacing Hamilton-class cutters with Legend-class cutters. Nine Hamilton-class cutters were already decommissioned and transferred to Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Three are already in active Philippine Navy service: BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16), and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17). Three more Hamilton-class cutters are in active US Coast Guard service. “Definitely, hindi tayo hih...

10 Januari 2019 South Korean Pohang-class corvette ROKS Chungju (PCC-762) (photo : Reddit) Philippine Navy personnel who will man the donated South Korean Pohang-class corvette, formerly ROKS Chungju (PCC-762), are expected to depart within this month to train in South Korea. Training may be completed March or April. The information was stated by Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said at the sidelines of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 2019 New Year’s Call held at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City January 8. Empedrad said that when delivered, the said corvette may help BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) in patrol missions while BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) is undergoing repairs. “Okay lang naman ‘yung dalawa, gumagana naman yung dalawa. And then this March, makukuha na natin ‘yung corvette [donated] by South Korea so baka ma-deliver na yun. Papunta na kasi ‘yung personnel natin for training by January, so kung March...

09 Januari 2019 PN AW-159 Wildcat helicopter (photo : Maxdefense) MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to receive in March its first two anti-submarine helicopters and four out of eight amphibious assault vehicles it has ordered for the Marine Corps. This was disclosed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during a chance interview shortly after the New Year's Call at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday. "(Aside from the two anti-submarine) helicopters, 'yung (the) amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) ng (of the) Marines. Eight yun (order) pero four ang darating ngayong (but four of them will arrive in) March. Maganda 'yung capability nun (It has good capability)," he added. Empedrad was referring to the AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter, which the PN has contracted for two units worth PHP5.4 billion, including weapons, mission essential equipment and integrat...

07 Januari 2019 PMC LAV-150 Commando (photo : Rhk111) According to confirmation obtained by MaxDefense Philippines, Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Group is the lowest bidder for Department of National Defense (DND)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project for Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force. MaxDefense added that it was informed that the post qualification inspection started late 2018. The acquisition project has an approved budget of PHP711,938,000.00 for the upgrade of Marines’ and Air Force’s Light Armor Vehicles (LAVs). “The Philippine Marine Corps has come up with this project in order to enhance the operational readiness of line units. That LAV vehicle has proven effective in the conduct of armor combat support in amphibious and mechanized operations ashore,” says in the project’s bidding documents. “The importance of light armored assets in urban security operations is clearly manifested in the recent ...

05 Januari 2019 KAAV of the Philippine Marine Corps (photo : Kim Dae Young's) PHL’s ordered amphibious assault vehicle photo surface online A photo of an Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) believed to be one of the eight ordered from South Korean manufacturer Hanwha Techwin for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) was uploaded by Kim Dae Young's on its social networking page January 4. The Philippine Marines is set to receive a total of 8 brand new AAVs ordered from South Korean manufacturer Hanwha Techwin. Four are expected to be delivered in April 2019, while final four are expected August 2019. In October 2018, the PMC personnel undergone training on AAV operation with their Korean counterparts. “The Philippines is the first export market for new-build KAAVs made by Hanwha Techwin (formerly Samsung Techwin) which is a licensed version of the American BAE Systems AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle. 8 units were ordered by the PMC under a Php2.423 billion contract signed in 2015 ...

04 Januari 2019 Two new corvette was needed for Horizon Phase 2 2018-2023 (photo : Hürriyet Daily News) MaxDefense received shoulder taps from people who matter, that the Corvette Acquisition Project for the Horizon 2 phase appears to be pointing towards reducing the number of proponents by eliminating more expensive offers. Currently, the project's budget is placed at Php28 billion (US$528.3 million) for 2 Corvettes, but this includes the ammunition. Thus, the total cost of the ships with weapons is definitely less than the allocated budget. Apparently the project's budget allocation for the ship is being pushed down to a certain amount, in return for more ammunition to be acquired. Based on the information we got, the new budget for the ship only is just some tens of millions of US dollars more compared to the contract price awarded for the Horizon 1 Frigate Acquisition Program from South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries/HHI (which are now called BRP Antonio Luna and BRP ...

02 Januari 2019 Brahmos land based version (photo : defencetalk) Just before the year ended, the Philippine Navy and Department of National Defense had another meeting with officials from BrahMos Aerospace Corporation in Manila, which is related to their offer of the BrahMos land-based anti-ship missile system. This is to fulfill an upcoming requirement for the Land Based Anti-Ship Missile System acquisition project under the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP. Our sources also indicated that President Duterte himself is supportive of this project and also prefers India's offer, as he was presented of the system during his visit to India in 2018. Last August 2018, MaxDefense also reported a workshop held in Manila between DND, PN, and Brahmos officials, still related to their offer to sell the Brahmos LBMS (Land Based Missile System). But this doesn't mean Brahmos is already selected. The project's Technical Working Group and the Navy's leadership will still be e...

31 Desember 2018 KIA KLTV (photo : Steel Bamboo) The Philippine Army now has the three Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs) reportedly provided by Kia Motors Corporation as “freebie” units for evaluation. The Department of National Defense (DND) made several acquisitions of military truck from Kia for the Philippine Army and Marines. “We received confirmation with evidence (aside from the photos below) on the delivery of 2 new KIA KLTV to the AFP, which is part of the previously reported “freebie” evaluation units sent by KIA in anticipation of possible orders from the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps,” MaxDefense said on December 27. The first KLTV was reportedly received by the Philippine Army early this year. The Army and the Marines are expected to launch acquisition projects for their respective LTVs. ( Mintfo )

29 Desember 2018 IAI Elta EL/M 2288ER AD STAR radar (photo : IAI) Gen Kintanar revealed that the Philippine AIr Force is expecting the remaining 2 IAI Elta EL/M 2288ER AD STAR Extended Range Air Defense Radar from Israel .  It is actually delayed already since the 2nd radar should already be delivered before the year ends but still undelivered as of this writing. It is known already that these is the fault of the suppliers themselves and it is expected for the Department of National Defense to impose punishment according to our law.  These has been the reason why the PAF are considering looking into new suppliers of additional Air Defense Radars slated for acquisition for the Horizon 2 in which the US through Lockheed Martin is known offering the AN/FPS-117 while Japan also offered an Upgraded Variant of J/FPS-3. While there has been offers, it is expected for the PAF to still consider the AD STAR again for commonality of systems. The Philippine Air Force received the first AD...

27 Desember 2018 SPYDER air defence system (photo : RSAF) The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has chosen the SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) air defense system developed by Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, MaxDefense Philippines confirmed citing sources. During the PAF change of command ceremony on December 21, former PAF chief Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. said that among the major acquisition projects that are nearing conclusion in early 2019 is the project for acquisition of 3 ground based air defense systems (GBADS) from Israel. “SPYDER is a quick reaction, low level surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks by aerial threats,” Rafael says in SPYDER product webpage. It added that the system provides effective protection of valuable assets, as well as first-class defense for forces located in the combat area. “PYDER incorporates RAFAEL’s most advanced, proven performance air-to-air missiles: the I-Derby active radar (RF) missile and Pytho...

26 Desember 2018 MPAC Mk III with Spike-ER missile (photo : PN) MANILA -- 2018, which will end in a few days time, can be considered as a banner year for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially the Philippine Navy (PN), as it formally entered the missile age and demonstrated its capability to sail beyond its territorial waters during deployments to the US, South Korea and Russia. The PN's formal entry to the missile age took place off Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan last Nov. 21, when three of its multi-purpose assault craft (MPACs) fired the newly-acquired and installed Rafael Advanced Defense Ltd. Spike-ER (extended range) surface-to-surface missile during a capability demonstration witnessed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad. During the exercise, the MPACs fired two Spike-ER missile rounds, which hit two surface targets. The said craft also utilized remote-controlled .50 caliber machine guns to neutralize anoth...

25 Desember 2018 JASDF F-15 (photo : hyakuri ) Japan wants to sell old F-15s to US to fund F-35 purchases TOKYO -- The Japanese government is considering selling some F-15 jets to the U.S. to raise funds for purchases of cutting-edge F-35 stealth fighters, Nikkei has learned, with Washington in turn weighing the sale of those outdated planes to Southeast Asian countries. Several Japanese officials have revealed that discussions are underway for what would be the nation's first sale of used defense equipment to the U.S. Tokyo sounded out Washington on the possibility of such a sale as part of negotiations to purchase 105 F-35 jets from the U.S. The two sides are trying to iron out such details as the number of F-15s to be sold and their prices. By arranging such a sale with Washington, Tokyo hopes to quell public criticism of expanding defense spending amid efforts for fiscal consolidation. Turning to Washington would also help Japan, as it lacks experience in selling defense equipm...

22 Desember 2018 PAF in final negosiation for Israeli weapons : radar system, Hermes UAV and GBAD (photo :  IsraelDefence) Former Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. who relinquished his post Friday, December 21 announced several Air Force assets set to be delivered in 2019. Among the assets he mentioned, in his speech, are 2 Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan, 6 Super Tucano close air support aircraft from Brazil, 2 fixed wing Command and Control aircraft, 2 radar systems from Israel, 13 Hermes unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel. He also said that next year the United States government is expected to turnover 2 C-130 cargo planes and 4 OV-10 attack aircraft. The US government is also expected to turnover PHP721 million worth of engineering equipment for humanitarian assistance and disaster response and developmental work. “2019 is particularly sweet, a giant leap in our quest to defend our precious skies, and keep our nation free,” h...

21 Desember 2018 AFP soldier with US rocket launcher (photo : UPD) The Department of National Defense is looking to spend P35 billion for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2019, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday. Lorenzana said P25 billion is allocated under the P3.757-trillion national budget while P10 billion will be from the revenues of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the agency in charge of transforming former military bases and properties into centers of economic growth. “The government has allocated P25 billion,excluding 'yung kikitain natin sa BCDA which is at P10 million. 'Yung P35 billion ang ating gagamitin next year. We have to live with that, kasi nga napakahirap mag-procure eh,” Lorenzana said in an interview. Lorenzana said the DND had to live with the allocations under the national budget and the BCDA proceeds for 2019. "So we submitted a proposal for the procurement of equipment for the next five year...