tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270769352023-11-16T22:10:15.558+08:00Philippine Defense TodayPhilippine Defense NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1575125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-37358458032094132712018-05-22T14:31:00.001+08:002018-05-22T14:32:13.170+08:00Saab to deliver Sea Giraffe radars for Philippine Navy frigates<h3>
Defense technology company Saab says it has been awarded a contract to deliver its Sea Giraffe AMB naval radar system to the Philippine Navy.</h3>
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The radars, in addition to the company’s 9LV for radar control and display for enhanced situational awareness, will be installed on two Philippine Navy frigates: BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16). <br />
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The systems are being delivered through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal between the US and the Philippines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr84thNRuLKycoya6ThrDXHGfLk2azgR4eAKeVTyC8GIHgkrnj5LrFmxtcDOumq6lXLWVYAv1eGyTeMXgKooPe_S6alE64LbuJk0gTkL0LEcqC4WkIUfH98owPzetSw6sgIA_f/s1600/PN-PF15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr84thNRuLKycoya6ThrDXHGfLk2azgR4eAKeVTyC8GIHgkrnj5LrFmxtcDOumq6lXLWVYAv1eGyTeMXgKooPe_S6alE64LbuJk0gTkL0LEcqC4WkIUfH98owPzetSw6sgIA_f/s400/PN-PF15-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Philippine Navy</i></span></td></tr>
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BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz are former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters, transferred to the Philippines in 2011 and 2013, respectively. A third Hamilton-class cutter, former USCGC Boutwell, was transferred to the Philippines in 2016 and was christened by the Philippine Navy as BRP Andres Bonifacio. <br />
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“With Sea Giraffe AMB currently part of three separate US Navy programs, this contract further strengthens Saab’s position as a trusted supplier for the US Navy. We are proud that our world-class naval radar meets the USN’s standards and needs,” said Anders Carp, Head of Saab business area Surveillance. <br />
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Saab is currently delivering its Sea Giraffe AMB to five classes of US Navy surface ships as a part of three separate US Navy programs. <br />
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To date, Sea Giraffe has been installed on six littoral combat ships, LCS 2 through LCS 12. Additional systems are in various stages of manufacturing and testing to meet LCS construction schedules. <br />
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In October 2017, the US Navy announced it will deploy Sea Giraffe AMB on the US Coast Guard’s newest class of ship, the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC). Additionally, Saab is developing a derivative of Sea Giraffe AMB, known as AN/SPN-50, to meet the US Naval Air Systems Command’s air traffic control requirements on aircraft carrier and amphibious assault class ships.<br />
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Article Source: <a href="https://navaltoday.com/2018/05/21/saab-to-deliver-sea-giraffe-radars-for-philippine-navy-frigates/" target="_blank">NavalToday.com</a> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-72422915943994454442018-05-20T22:52:00.001+08:002018-05-21T13:47:56.935+08:00Protecting The Philippine Rise (Benham Rise)The Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise, has been the hot topic lately. While the Philippine government is trying to show and assure that the country has sovereignty over the Philippine Rise, the Armed Forces of the Philippines in general is starting to make headway that it is capable of keeping that posture of Philippine sovereignty of the Philippine Rise.<br />
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BRP Gregorio Velasquez committed to help in Philippine Rise studies</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702) is capable of conducting oceanographic and hydrographic surveys. (PNA photo by Benjamin Pulta)</span></i></td></tr>
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The BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702) will commit to help Filipino scientists in conducting further research off the 13-million-hectare Philippine Rise.<br />
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This was disclosed by Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna during the first anniversary of the renaming of the Philippine Rise in Casiguran off Aurora province on May 16.<br />
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Luna said this is in line with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's order that all available support be provided to Filipino scientists tasked to conduct additional studies off the Philippine Rise.<br />
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"I understand (that) the BRP Gregorio Velasquez is already here. She is our research ship. I will tell (Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that I am committing her to you and you can use her anytime," Luna said in Filipino.<br />
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The ship is capable of conducting oceanographic and hydrographic surveys.<br />
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The BRP Gregorio Velasquez (formerly the R/V Melville) is one of the two ex-American ships pledged by then president Barack Obama during his visit to the Philippines during the APEC Leaders Summit in November 2015.<br />
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The other ship is the USCGC Boutwell, which is now renamed to BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) – the third Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine Navy (PN).<br />
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The BRP Gregorio Velasquez was commissioned into the PN service in June 2016. In 1976, then R/V Melville was used in the movie “King Kong” starring Jessica Lange because of its Hypoid propulsion drive capability to move sideways. This type of drive is used on research vessels for station-keeping in the ocean over drill and coring sites.<br />
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As per policy, auxiliary research vessels are to be named after national scientists, hence her namesake, Dr. Gregorio Velasquez – a pioneer in Philippine phycology, a branch of science pertaining to the study of algae and seaweeds.<br />
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Velasquez was named an academician in 1978 and conferred as National Scientist in 1982.<br />
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He was also conferred with a Distinguished Science Medal and Diploma of Honor from the Republic of the Philippines (1956), the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (1956-57), Men of Science, Division of Biological Sciences in 1969, World's Who's Who in Sciences in 1970, and the Republic of the Philippines Cultural Heritage award in 1972.<br />
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While BRP Velasquez is the sole MSR vessel of the Navy, it is not the only one that can assist the team of scientists. The mapping of the area was done by two multidisciplinary vessels – BRP Hydrographer Presbitero and BRP Hydrographer Ventura of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA) while key MSR sorties have been utilizing M/V DA BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources).<br />
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Activities for the first year anniversary of the renaming of the Philippine Rise started with a send-off ceremony for the marine scientists by President Duterte at the mouth of Casiguran Bay and the signing of Presidential Proclamation declaring Portions of the Philippine Rise as Marine Resource Reserve Area.<br />
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These events were highlighted by an on-deck flag raising ceremony at BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), simultaneous with the laying of underwater flag marker at 47 feet below sea level (shallowest part of Philippine Rise). The activities were documented by an underwater video conducted by geologists of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau using a remotely-operated vehicle.<br />
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This was followed by the casting of the first buoy off the Philippine Rise.<br />
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The one-ton buoy was made of fully urethane foam with a stainless body attached to a five-ton concrete anchor by a 40 mm. fully ethylene rope.<br />
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It was designed in Malabon but was fabricated in San Fernando, Pampanga for 10 days from April 2, 2018.<br />
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A transponder costing PHP85,000 was also attached to the buoy to determine its exact location.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035529">Philippine News Agency (May 18, 2018)</a><br />
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Northern Luzon Command Head eyes port improvements to enhance PH Rise patrols</h2>
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In order to enhance the country's capabilities to protect the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) head Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat is looking at the possibility of upgrading the various ports near the above-mentioned territory.<br />
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He made this statement when asked on whether there are plans to construct a naval facility in Casiguran, Aurora, the landmass nearest to the 13-million-hectare Philippine Rise.<br />
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The Nolcom chief was aboard BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the lead ship of the Filipino flotilla tasked to arrange the commemoration of the first anniversary of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 25 which renamed Benham Rise to Philippine Rise on May 16, 2017.<br />
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The BRP Davao del Sur was joined by eight ships from the Navy, Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).<br />
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Two FA-50PH jet fighters, a Coast Guard Islander plane and a Navy C-90 patrol aircraft also made a series of fly-by during the dropping of a buoy where a Philippine tricolor was drawn.<br />
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"As of now, I don't have an idea except that they have a proposal to, I myself have (a) proposal (to) upgrade and capacitate (the) development of our port facilities so that they can sustain (our) rotational presence here in Philippine Rise," Salamat said.<br />
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"Without port facilities, our ships, our maritime (patrol vessels) cannot sustain sustain longer (operations) in the seas," he added.<br />
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He admitted, though, that these proposals, should they near fruition, need a considerable amount of resources.<br />
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The Philippine Rise buoy laying and flag-raising mission, he said, will set the tempo on more patrols in the area.<br />
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"Of course as (soon) as the requirements (we need) are (provided as soon as possible to) Nolcom and (Area Task Force North) in coordination with other maritime agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard, the BFAR, we will continue our rotational presence in Philippine Rise," the Nolcom chief said. <br />
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Article Source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035531">Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2018)</a><br />
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Area Task Force-North to cast first buoy, lay flag marker in PH Rise Wednesday</h2>
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The Area Task Force North (ATF-North) is set to cast the first buoy and lay a flag marker at the shallowest point of the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) on May 16.<br />
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A fleet from the ATF-North, headed by Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, will sail to the underwater feature following President Rodrigo Duterte’s send-off of a team of Filipino marine researchers to the maritime area on Tuesday.<br />
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The event will kick off with a flag raising ceremony onboard the BRP Tarlac which will be simultaneously held with the laying of a flag marker by volunteer Filipino divers at the shallowest point of the undersea region while waving their Philippine flags underwater.<br />
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Various agencies conducting the Maritime Air Patrol will also hold a fly-by of aircrafts. This will be done twice, during the singing of national anthem and at the end of the program proper.<br />
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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the keynote speaker at the event.<br />
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The program will end with the casting of the buoy above the flag marker laid by divers.<br />
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The buoy, which was crafted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was designed based on international standards.<br />
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"This undertaking simply reveals to our fellowmen that in unity, we are strong, and that we are passionate in defense and protection of our sovereignty." Salamat noted.<br />
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"With the grace of Almighty God, we are blessed as a maritime nation, our country the Philippines, and the whole Filipino nation." he added.<br />
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ATF-North is an inter-agency coordinating body in charge of planning and execution of government programs in relation to maritime domain awareness, maritime security patrols and maritime presence over the Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea, Luzon Strait in Batanes Province and the Philippine Rise east of Aurora Province.<br />
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with other government agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Marines, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Governments and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, formed ATF-North to safeguard national interests in the West Philippine Sea. Specifically, the Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines leads the inter-agency organization.<br />
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On May 16, 2017, President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 25 changing the name of the undersea feature to Philippine Rise.<br />
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“The Benham Rise Region is subject to sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines pursuant to relevant provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, national legislation, and the UNCLOS and applicable international law,” the EO 25 stated.<br />
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In 2012, the United Nations, through recommendations of Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, approved the Philippines’ claim that the Philippine Rise is within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.<br />
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The Philippines first sought recognition for its claims to the Philippine Rise on April 8, 2009.<br />
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Article Source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035299">Philippine News Agency (May 15, 2018)</a> <br />
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<i>Corrected as President Duterte didn't jet skied at the Philippine Rise.</i>Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-87769494317484378842018-05-17T14:38:00.001+08:002018-05-17T14:38:56.560+08:00Philippine Navy Contingent Returns Home from Exercise Komodo 2018<h2>
PH Navy contingent returns home from naval exercise in Indonesia</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2K7w9BZsbfHrUtXLDsStZ3sUSig2aPSGO4wBnoieSfWtKq_xMsihl_9HdqcpIE4DLuGEyxqCra-G7tBZaRdP3zG1CTUmvFRFtc15ymNF_Khz4vTtqDFqwV2Ql1DueUNEKWyb/s1600/PN-PF15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2K7w9BZsbfHrUtXLDsStZ3sUSig2aPSGO4wBnoieSfWtKq_xMsihl_9HdqcpIE4DLuGEyxqCra-G7tBZaRdP3zG1CTUmvFRFtc15ymNF_Khz4vTtqDFqwV2Ql1DueUNEKWyb/s400/PN-PF15-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Philippine Navy</i></span></td></tr>
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The Philippine Navy (PN) accorded a fitting arrival and welcome
ceremony on May 16 at Pier 13 South Harbor, Manila for the returning
more or less 200-man contingent onboard BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15)
after the successful participation in the 3rd Multilateral Naval
Exercise codenamed, KOMODO 2018 on May 4 to 9, 2018 at Lombok Island,
West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDo84eI_v1ZLjuRuOHzhJHCoUfc8b0gpN9r-h2dYbO83tasFFr9KL-M9e799F_kWAXPdmxv77SFYRum-Qjt-vy1ackOUlRZeqeaSTOr-0yTw2xkhqz7lgjjhK_Tn56rTjsmfC/s1600/PN-PF15-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDo84eI_v1ZLjuRuOHzhJHCoUfc8b0gpN9r-h2dYbO83tasFFr9KL-M9e799F_kWAXPdmxv77SFYRum-Qjt-vy1ackOUlRZeqeaSTOr-0yTw2xkhqz7lgjjhK_Tn56rTjsmfC/s400/PN-PF15-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by Philippine Navy</i></span></td></tr>
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The PN’s participation in KOMODO
2018 was another big leap in enhancing and advancing the organization’s
core competency and operational capabilities of surface assets in naval
operations to multilateral level, thereby increasing readiness and
interoperability. Further, it was an opportunity to showcase that the PN
can keep up with its counterparts in the conduct of various naval
exercises and maritime operations.Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-7517884358900390972018-05-04T00:40:00.000+08:002018-05-04T00:40:20.262+08:00Philippine Navy receives Spike ER SystemPhilippine Navy gets first missile system for patrol boats<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.israeldefense.co.il/sites/default/files/styles/full_article_image/public/Typhoon.jpg?itok=RHva5bS5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="700" height="228" src="https://www.israeldefense.co.il/sites/default/files/styles/full_article_image/public/Typhoon.jpg?itok=RHva5bS5" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from israeldefense.co.il</span></i></td></tr>
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The Philippine Navy (PN) has received its first-ever missile system from Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong confirmed Wednesday.<br />
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Andolong said the Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles along with its launchers have arrived third week of April.<br />
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Andolong said the weapons are now being "integrated" or installed on the Navy's three brand-new MPACs or multi-purpose attack craft with the guidance of Rafael personnel. The three MPACs were activated in May 22, 2017.<br />
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After the installation, the Spike-ER missile systems will then undergo Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee, Andolong added.<br />
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"The missile-equipped MPACs will greatly enhance the Navy's capability to secure our littoral areas against terrorism and in support of maritime law enforcement operations," the defense spokesperson said.<br />
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The missile system was procured under the Armed Forces' Horizon One modernization program.The Spike-ER missiles are capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor. The missiles will give the PN a much needed firepower in dealing with surface threats whether these are small or large ships.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033900" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br /> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-25135224608201836432018-05-02T13:01:00.001+08:002018-05-02T13:01:45.097+08:00Philippine Navy participates in Indonesia's Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo<h2>
Philippine Navy multilateral capability to be boosted by 'Komodo' drills</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVhu_lTvUjAKdE3IkQD1Fy7h5ApLiP5OiXWwivsbIKUWYhlr6x424M5GCd8qE0WI5Q651iQ60J0-MfyxLdyc-zxMM4FYuSZTXCqN5Wqivr5Uy1WTAOAu9VLQP_YXf_ecg1sTB/s1600/BRP-GregorioDelPilar-gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVhu_lTvUjAKdE3IkQD1Fy7h5ApLiP5OiXWwivsbIKUWYhlr6x424M5GCd8qE0WI5Q651iQ60J0-MfyxLdyc-zxMM4FYuSZTXCqN5Wqivr5Uy1WTAOAu9VLQP_YXf_ecg1sTB/s400/BRP-GregorioDelPilar-gray.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">File photo of PF-15 BRP Gregorio Del Pilar</span></i></td></tr>
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The Philippine Navy’s (PN) ability to operate at the multilateral level is expected to be boosted by its participation in the Indonesian Navy's "Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo" that will take place on May 4-9.<br />
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"The PN’s participation in this undertaking is expected to advance its maritime operational capability to multilateral level, thereby increasing readiness and interoperability and enabling the nation’s premiere maritime force to be more effective and efficient in the conduct of its mandated task," Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said Friday.<br />
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The PN deployed the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15), one of the three ex-Hamilton class cutters in service, and about 300 naval personnel to participate in the "Komodo".<br />
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The same vessel participated in the "Komodo" naval drills back in 2014. It departed Pier 13, Manila South Harbor Friday morning and is expected to arrive at the Port of Lembar, Indonesia by May 4.<br />
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Exercise "Komodo" 2018 is the third multilateral naval exercise that will be hosted by the Indonesian Navy.<br />
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It aims to enhance the relationship and cooperation among participating navies in building common understanding about humanitarian assistance disaster response operations and will also focus on maritime interdiction operation.<br />
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Lincuna said an estimated 30 regional and non-regional navies from different countries will join this naval exercise.<br />
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It will be executed ashore, as sea and air assets, and special operations teams from participating navies will conduct combined maneuvers to address various contingencies at sea.<br />
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Exercises ashore include workshops, sports program, cultural performances, maritime exhibitions, engineering civic action projects, and medical and civic action projects.<br />
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The final day will see a field training exercise and a sail pass.Lincuna said this multilateral naval exercise is a platform on how the PN and other navies in the region can cooperate and work together to address shared maritime security priorities through the development of combined naval tactics, techniques and procedures.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033560" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br /> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-72338029918091161032018-05-02T12:54:00.000+08:002018-05-02T12:54:11.086+08:00Philippine Air Force FA-50's Maintenance Projects<h2>
Philippine Air Force to acquire radar transmitter for 2nd FA-50PH</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5oRmCfkwXwnQzgqxPFfUk3U-949g6MHkD1IlB7t6fKck3VgNXhal6BwJ-azOS4SI2Mbj0t5rlxvDNpXOBamCVvPpfl8df-fzN7RArrdDI1EKoN9Ob7tBJrm7tWzfCJrtcPR3/s1600/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="959" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5oRmCfkwXwnQzgqxPFfUk3U-949g6MHkD1IlB7t6fKck3VgNXhal6BwJ-azOS4SI2Mbj0t5rlxvDNpXOBamCVvPpfl8df-fzN7RArrdDI1EKoN9Ob7tBJrm7tWzfCJrtcPR3/s400/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">File Photo of Philippine Air Force FA-50</span></i></td></tr>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is setting aside PHP 105 million for the acquisition of a radar transmitter needed for the maintenance of FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light-lift fighter trainer with tail number 002.<br />
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In a bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, submission and opening of bids is scheduled on May 8, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.<br />
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"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Ferynl Buca said in the same bid bulletin.<br />
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The PAF's 12 plane-order with Korea Aerospace Industries is worth PHP18.9 billion.<br />
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The first two aircraft, with tail numbers 001 and 002, were delivered on Nov. 28, 2015 while the last two, 011 and 012, were delivered on May 31, 2017.The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033286" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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Php 23-M allocated for repair of Philippine Air Force FA-50PH</h2>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating the sum of PHP23,216,000 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of the "crew escape system" of an FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light-lift fighter trainer.<br />
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The pre-bid conference is slated April 26, 1 p.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.<br />
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The submission and opening of bids is on May 8, 9 a.m. at the same venue.<br />
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"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Ferynl Buca said in the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.<br />
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The PAF's 12 plane-order with Korea Aerospace Industries is worth PHP18.9 billion. The first two aircraft were delivered last Nov. 28, 2015 while the last two were delivered on May 31, 2017.The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032803" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a> <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-61206375801756066032018-04-19T17:26:00.001+08:002018-04-20T00:13:20.573+08:00Philippine Air Forcce News - April 19, 2018<br />
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Basa Air Force to serve as home base for PAF’s FA-50 fighter jets</h2>
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The Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga will start operating and housing the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s 12 FA-50 PH "Fighting Eagle" light-lift fighter trainers by fourth quarter this year.<br />
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The move is in coordination with the PAF's "Balik Basa" program, 5th Fighter Wing public information officer Lt. Gary Regalado said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.<br />
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"Basa Air base will re-establish itself as the PAF's first line of air defense against all threats both foreign and domestic. Moving the FA-50s back to Basa ensures that we become the center of air defense operations here in the Philippines," he added.<br />
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The 5th Fighter Wing is the PAF unit tasked with fast jet operations and air defense.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCE25enLuKCWPsWRJ0FT5YhcdKbcH2fAE-nggWo1nO9W0H-oI4cpOPzGImuPd1wuBkw2rXmPAT16pFgNw7KPCZq7_1y5JN6OKwF2IhczBzbB-JeXnqd08p70UkBArEVc4wL4j/s1600/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="959" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCE25enLuKCWPsWRJ0FT5YhcdKbcH2fAE-nggWo1nO9W0H-oI4cpOPzGImuPd1wuBkw2rXmPAT16pFgNw7KPCZq7_1y5JN6OKwF2IhczBzbB-JeXnqd08p70UkBArEVc4wL4j/s320/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">file photo</td></tr>
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The first two aircraft were delivered last Nov. 28, 2015 while the last two of the PAF’s 12 plane-order with Korea Aerospace Industries were delivered on May 31, 2017.<br />
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The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.<br />
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Formely, Basa Air Base was the home of the PAF's former fighter mainstays, the Vought F-8 "Crusader" and Northrop F-5 "Tiger" before their decommissioning in 1988 and 2005, respectively.<br />
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At present, Basa Air Base is hosting the PAF's three remaining SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers."So far, the focus will be the FA-50s. This will begin in the last quarter of this year. Projected date would be sometime in October. However these are all subject to change," Regalado said when asked on when the FA-50PHs will be transferred to Basa and whether air assets will be deployed.<br />
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<i>Article from <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032497" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a></i><br />
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4 Philippine Air Force attack planes up for repairs</h2>
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/OV-10_Bronco_in_Lumbia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="500" height="287" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/OV-10_Bronco_in_Lumbia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is looking for suppliers of spare parts needed for the maintenance of four of its Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” attack planes. <br />
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The budget for the project, as stated in the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website, is PHP 52,753,000. <br />
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The spare parts are intended for the maintenance of OV-10 aircraft with tail numbers #136, #139, #145, and #402. <br />
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Submission and opening of bids is on April 26, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Ferynl Buca said in the same bid bulletin. <br />
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The OV-10s are the PAF’s premier ground attack aircraft. Around six to eight units are still in service as of this posting. ( <i>Priam Nepomuceno/<a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031987">PNA</a></i>)<br />
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Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-1381663850707368872018-04-14T23:03:00.001+08:002018-04-20T00:13:37.500+08:00Philippine Air Force earmarks Php 59M for maintenance of 5 C-130 planes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-48amn-bbTjdwB3b0UyhYneSa9BVyH53BlR0qvMKBgl7JGam26yRVHFaf0uqrNsTM1VzSwiN9ndKtos6XP0FJVf4w4aIvUx2ulH-1qus2p3g3Im7mXLlTH-NoUbgJ5XgESjs/s1600/Philippine-air-force-c130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="696" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-48amn-bbTjdwB3b0UyhYneSa9BVyH53BlR0qvMKBgl7JGam26yRVHFaf0uqrNsTM1VzSwiN9ndKtos6XP0FJVf4w4aIvUx2ulH-1qus2p3g3Im7mXLlTH-NoUbgJ5XgESjs/s640/Philippine-air-force-c130.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">File photo from <a href="https://www.paf.mil.ph/aboutus/aircraft/aircraft.html" target="_blank">Philippine Air Force</a></span></td></tr>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is looking for suppliers capable of supplying it with spare parts needed for the maintenance of the environmental systems of five of its Lockheed C-130 cargo aircraft.<br />
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The parts are intended for PAF C-130B/H/T planes with tail numbers 3633, 4704, 4726, 5011 and 5040. Budget for the project, as posted in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, is placed at PHP58,870,000.<br />
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Submission and opening of bids is on April 26, 9 a.m. at the Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.<br />
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"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF BAC chief Brig. Gen. Ferynl G. Buca said in the same bid bulletin. The PAF presently operates five C-130 units in its air fleet. They are often used for troop and supply transport and humanitarian assistance disaster relief missions.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031519" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a>Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-73933834274103117462018-04-07T17:27:00.000+08:002018-04-20T00:13:52.974+08:00The Philippine Navy's Frigate Acquisition Project Update<h2>
Steel cutting for 2 frigates starts April 30</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qYdiHfAtcCD_5crdGSdBigqJhzx-PNSS7srPyM-1DD86hR7bm7RIGypxFHCYzsAN2sPyEhyphenhyphenU1ohVBBex5xCvKXpTZ1uNiz806K5G8yhndjWow1C717LMT9651wScrJwdErhb/s1600/PN+FG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="850" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qYdiHfAtcCD_5crdGSdBigqJhzx-PNSS7srPyM-1DD86hR7bm7RIGypxFHCYzsAN2sPyEhyphenhyphenU1ohVBBex5xCvKXpTZ1uNiz806K5G8yhndjWow1C717LMT9651wScrJwdErhb/s640/PN+FG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by <a href="https://english.hhi.co.kr/biz/special_over#prd_img" target="_blank">Hyundai Heavy Industries</a></span></td></tr>
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The steel cutting for the two missile-armed frigates, which is under contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is expected to start on April 30.<br />
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"The next significant milestone will now be the ceremonial steel cutting, which will likely be held on April 30 at the HHI Complex in Ulsan, South Korea, to be attended by a delegation from DND/PN (Department of National Defense/Philippine Navy) to mark this important milestone," Navy spokesperson, Capt. Lued Lincuna, said Thursday.<br />
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Steel cutting signals the official start of a vessel’s construction.<br />
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The two frigates are capable of engaging air, surface and sub-surface threats. Including their weapons system and munitions, the vessels have a budget of PHP18 billion.<br />
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Earlier, a committee under the DND approved the Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP).<br />
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Lincuna said the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC), headed by Commodore Alberto Carlos, approved the CDR of the project last March 23.<br />
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The CDR, handed to the TIAC last January, will serve as the shipbuilder’s "bible" while constructing the frigates.<br />
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Lincuna said TIAC’s acceptance of the CDR marks a significant step forward and a milestone for the project, which consists of the approval of 71 critical detailed design drawings as submitted by HHI.<br />
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These drawings shall be the basis of HHI to proceed with the project.<br />
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It can be recalled that on Oct. 24, 2016, the contract agreement for the FAP was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of the procuring entity, and Kisun Chung, HHI owner and vice president, for the construction of two new 2,600-ton frigates that are missile-capable and equipped with sensors and systems for modern naval warfare.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1031203" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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DND body approves design of Navy frigate project</h2>
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A committee under the Department of National Defense (DND) has approved the Critical Design Review (CDR) of its PHP18-billion Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) which is under contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the Philippine Navy confirmed Thursday.<br />
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PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC), headed by Commodore Alberto Carlos, approved the CDR of the project last March 23.<br />
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The CDR was handed to the TIAC last January. It will serve as the "bible" of the shipbuilder while constructing the frigates.<br />
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Lincuna said the TIAC acceptance of the CDR marks a significant step forward and a major milestone for the project which consists of the approval of 71 critical detailed design drawings as submitted by HHI.<br />
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These drawings shall then be the basis of HHI to proceed with the project.<br />
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The next significant milestone will now be the ceremonial steel cutting which will likely be held on April 30 at HHI Complex, Ulsan, South Korea which will be attended by a delegation from the DND/PN to mark this important event.<br />
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It can be recalled that on Oct. 24, 2016, the contract agreement for the FAP was signed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as Head of Procuring Entity (HOPE), and Mr. Kisun Chung, HHI owner and vice president, for the construction of two new 2,600 ton frigates that are missile-capable and equipped with sensors and systems for modern naval warfare.<br />
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Lorenzana has expressed his utmost desire for the timely completion of the project.<br />
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Indeed, the completion of the CDR phase and the start of the steel cutting show that the FAP is moving forward without delays in accordance with the stipulations of the contract.<br />
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The two missile-armed frigates are expected to be delivered in 2020 which would cement the country's vision of having a strong and credible Navy.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1031022" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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<br />Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-84224770979980750602018-03-27T17:26:00.002+08:002018-04-20T00:14:18.466+08:00Philippine Navy needs to further develop maritime surveillance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://media.pna.gov.ph/category-list/simple-file-uploads/0-02-08-6ef9609e94d268a08e76c26359b46e131ad92ff6ae607fc45e708034cce75c95_full_5ab86bcbea24a5_65247736.jpg" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="415" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol plane. <i>(Photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)</i></span></td></tr>
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With the Philippines having massive maritime domains, the Philippine Navy (PN) needs to further develop its maritime surveillance capability to fully secure its territorial waters.<br />
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This was emphasized by PN flag-officer-in-command Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad during the turn-over ceremony of the three Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft donated by the Japanese government on Monday.<br />
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"One of the major components of the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy (AADS) of the PN, is maritime domain awareness, due primarily to the vastness of our territorial waters and our exclusive economic zone that has a total area of 586,210 square miles bigger than most nations of the world in the world. Having said that, the PN needs to strengthen its maritime surveillance capability to increase the coverage of our massive maritime waters," Empedrad said.<br />
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The Navy chief also stressed that the TC-90 aircraft will greatly boost the Navy's air capability.<br />
"The TC-90 is far more superior than our current inventories in terms of speed, range, loiter time capability, superior search, tracking, imaging and identification; larger capacity for medical evacuation, other utility missions; and can participate in maritime exercises and other engagements internationally," Empedrad said.<br />
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The first two TC-90s were delivered to the Philippines last March 27, 2017. The aircraft has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 226 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.At present, the Navy is operating around six Norman Britten "Islander" patrol aircraft, five AgustaWestland combat utility helicopters and one Robinson R-22 training helicopter.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030030" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency </a>Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-70174518391409941352018-03-17T00:01:00.000+08:002018-03-17T00:01:20.051+08:00Philippine Navy retires BRP Rajah Humabon (PS 11)<h2>
Philippine Navy retires WW II-era BRP Rajah Humabon from service</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />After 38 years of service, the Philippine Navy (PN) has formally retired its oldest warship, the BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11), one of the last World War II-era warships still in active service, during short ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite Thursday morning.<br /><br />This was confirmed by Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. Sahirul Taib in a message Thursday.<br /><br />The retirement of BRP Rajah Humabon is in-line with the Navy's Strategic Sail Plan of "moving to legacy vessels to more and capable and modern vessels," he added.<br /><br />As of this posting, the Navy is awaiting the completion and delivery of two missile-armed frigates from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.<br /><br />The contract is worth PHP18 billion, including weapon systems and munitions, with the delivery of the first ship expected by 2020.<br /><br />Once commissioned in Philippine service, the frigates will give the Philippine Navy an anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare capability.<br /><br />The decommissioning is also in line with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's directive to retire the Navy's remaining World War II-era warships due to their old age which also requires expensive maintenance.<br /><br />"Yes, my directive is to fast track the decommissioning of World War II vintage ships. They are old and uneconomical to maintain," Lorenzana added.<br /><br />Prior to the arrival of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) in 2011 and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) in 2013, the BRP Rajah Humabon together with the three Jacinto-class patrol vessels (formerly the Royal Navy's Peacock class patrol ships) served as the backbone of the PN and acted as its flagship.<br /><br />It also served a ceremonial ship welcoming arriving foreign warships in Manila Bay. BRP Rajah Humabon started life as the US Navy destroyer escort, the USS Atherton (DE-169), in 1943.<br /><br />She was mostly assigned at the Atlantic theater doing patrols and anti-submarine missions.<br /><br />The USS Atherton was credited of having destroyed a German U-boat, the U-853 off the coast of Rhode Island, on May 9, 1945.<br /><br />She served in the Pacific theater in the middle of 1945 until she was decommissioned and placed in reserve on Dec. 10 of the same year.<br /><br />The ship was later was transferred to the Japanese government as JDS Hatsuhi (DE-263) on June 14, 1955. Together with her sister ship JDS Asahi (DE-262), they became one of the first warships of the newly-organized Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.<br /><br />As new ships became available to the JMSDF, both ships were decommissioned and returned to the US Navy on June 1975.<br /><br />Laid-up in Japan, she was transferred to the Philippine government on Sept. 13, 1976 and was sold as an Excess Defense Article on Dec. 23, 1978.She was then renamed as the RPS Rajah Humabon (PS-78), and was towed to South Korea for an extensive refit and modernization in 1979.<br />
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Article Source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1028840" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-36666519431352495352018-03-12T12:46:00.000+08:002018-03-12T12:46:17.591+08:00Philippine Air Force acceptance of ScanEagle UAV's and spare parts for the Sikorsky S-76A<h2>
Philippine Air Force to get US ScanEagle UAVs Tuesday</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo of a US Marine ScanEagle UAV by <a href="http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2005417115454" target="_blank">Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Arledge of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing</a> - <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1684335" target="_blank">Public Domain</a></span></td></tr>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) acquired from the US through foreign military financing on Tuesday.<br /><br />Major Aristides M. Galang, PAF spokesperson, said the UAVs will be formally accepted, blessed, and turned over to the PAF in simple ceremonies at the 250th Presidential Airlight Wing Hangar in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City as the primary venue and the 505th Search-and-Rescue Group Hangar as alternate venue.<br /><br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the guest of honor at the event.<br /><br />Other US government officials who will attend the turnover include Sung Y. Kim, US Ambassador to the Philippines, and US Army Col. Ernest C. Lee, Chief of JUSMAG-Philippines.<br /><br />The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance, low-altitude unmanned UAV built by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing, and is used for reconnaissance.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1028259" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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Philippine Air Force looking for S-76A helicopter parts worth P9.5-M</h2>
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The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is setting aside PHP9.5 million for the acquisition of spare parts and services needed for the maintenance of one of its Sikorsky S-76A search-and-rescue utility helicopters.<br /><br />In the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, bid opening and submission is slated Tuesday, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.<br /><br />"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria said in the above-mentioned bulletin.<br /><br />The PAF is known to operate three to nine S-76A units. The aircraft has a crew of two and is capable of carrying 13 passengers. It is powered with two Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 turboshaft, 922 shp (688 kW) each, and has a maximum speed of 155 knots (178 mph/ 287 km/h).<br />
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Article Source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1028257" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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<br />Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-28900663599251152572018-03-06T10:59:00.002+08:002018-03-06T10:59:43.438+08:00Philippine Air Force FA-50PH spare parts and Philippine Army to recruit more<h2>
Philippine Air Force earmarks P15-M fund for FA-50PH jet spare parts</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(File Photo) Credits to the owners of the photo</td></tr>
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<br /> The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating the sum of PHP15,289,000 for the acquisition of spares and components needed for the maintenance of its Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.<br /><br />The submission and opening of bids is scheduled on March 13, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.<br /><br />"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF BAC chair Brig. Gen. Erickson Gloria said in a post at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1027325" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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Philippine Army to recruit 6,100 troops this year</h2>
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The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday announced that it is opening 6,100 slots in line with efforts to strengthen its field units.<br /><br />"The Army recently approved the opening of 3,600 annual regular quota and an additional 2,500 for 2018. There is now a total of 6,100 slots opened. Out of the total number of recruits, 5 percent is allocated for female recruits and another 5 percent from the indigenous peoples," PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.<br /><br />He added that additional recruits will be filling up the troop requirements for the conceptualized activation of 10 new Infantry Battalions and one Scout Ranger Battalion.<br /><br />"As of today, seven out of the 10 Infantry Battalions and the Scout Ranger Battalion have already been activated. These additional Army units aim to further strengthen the Army’s capability in addressing the various threats, particularly terrorism besetting the country," Villanueva pointed out.<br /><br />The recruitment is now on-going and the training will start not later than June 2018. Interested applicants may visit the Army recruitment centers located in Cagayan De Oro City, Cebu City, and Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Also, interested individuals may also browse the PA website or visit the nearest Army base in their respective localities for inquiries and other details.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1027399" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-31400705862524525182018-02-28T19:12:00.000+08:002018-02-28T19:12:35.489+08:00New Naval Station to rise in Sulu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Philippine Navy is constructing a new naval station to boost the security in the province of Sulu.<br /><br />The new naval station will soon rise in Barangay Bual, Luuk, a third class town of Sulu province.<br />
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<br />The municipal government of Luuk headed by Mayor Allayon Arbison Jr. donated three-hectare property to the Philippine Navy, which will be used as the site for the naval station in the area.<br /><br />A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation was signed by Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, Mayor Arbison, and Sulu second district Rep. Munir Arbison, to formally turn over the property.<br /><br />The NFWM said in a statement that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the naval station was held last Friday, February 23.<br /><br />The signing of the MOA and Deed of Donation as well as the groundbreaking ceremony was held together with the “All-In-One Medical and Dental Mission” organized by Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 (MBLT-1) in partnership with Joint Task Force Sulu and other concerned stakeholders.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://ptvnews.ph/naval-station-rise-sulu/" target="_blank">PTV News</a>Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-35030783000677584522018-02-27T12:11:00.004+08:002018-02-27T12:11:37.866+08:00Hyundai selects SMASH 30 mm naval gun system for Philippine Navy frigates [old news]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hyundai selects Turkish 30 mm naval gun system for Philippine Navy frigates</h2>
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The Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) new frigates will be equipped with the SMASH 30 mm remote controlled stabilized naval gun system from Turkish defence systems provider, Aselsan, an official from the company confirmed with Jane’s on 20 November.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="img_right" style="max-width: 394px;"><span class="caption">A
mock-up of Aselsan's SMASH 30 mm remote controlled naval gun system on
display at LIMA 2017 in Langkawi. (IHS Markit/Ridzwan Rahmat)</span></span></td></tr>
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Each frigate will be equipped with one SMASH 30 mm system as a secondary weapon, and the system will be fully integrated with the platform’s combat management system (CMS), said the official. Jane’s understands that the weapon will be situated in the platform’s stern section, facing its flight deck.<br />
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South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) won a contract in 2016 to supply the PN with two 2,600-tonne frigates that derive its design from the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) Incheon (FFX-I) class. Besides the <b>30 mm gun system</b>, the warship is also expected to be equipped with an <b>eight-cell vertical launching system (VLS)</b> installed at the forward section, and a <b>76 mm naval gun</b>.<br />
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According to specifications provided by Aselsan, the SMASH system is fitted with a <b>30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster-II cannon</b> that can fire up to 200 rounds/minute, and can be operated either via an operator console or in automatic tracking mode.<br />
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The system can be equipped with an electro-optic sight package containing a thermal camera, a video camera, and laser range finder, and also operate in surveillance mode to improve the platform’s situational awareness. The turret can be fed via two separate ammunition stowage lines.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://www.janes.com/article/75871/hyundai-selects-turkish-30-mm-naval-gun-system-for-philippine-navy-frigates" target="_blank">Janes.com</a>Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-55804150437621668722018-02-12T21:42:00.000+08:002018-02-12T21:42:07.760+08:00Philippines to scrap P12-B helicopter deal with Bell Helicopter and Canadian Commercial Corporation<br /><br />The Department of National Defense (DND) is now preparing the letter for the cancellation of the purchase of 16 Bell EPI combat utility helicopters (CUHs) worth PHP12 billion from Canada. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hukbongsandatahanph/" target="_blank">Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas Fb page</a></td></tr>
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<br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday he will sign the letter anytime this week. <br /><br />“The formal letter cancelling the contract is being prepared and I will sign it this week. We are looking at Korea, Russia, China and Turkey and other countries for our the medium lift helicopters in lieu of the Bell 412,” Lorenzana emphasized. <br /><br />But he admitted that the cancellation will affect the DND project to acquire medium-lift helicopters as this has set the process “back to square one”. <br /><br />The cancellation came in wake of the Canadian government’s move to review the deal after receiving reports that the Philippines is planning to use the helicopters against rebel forces, a claim strongly denied by the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).<br /> This prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to order the DND and AFP to cancel the deal with Bell Helicopter and Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) which is licensed to manufacture the Bell 412 EPI being ordered by country. <br /><br />Earlier, the DND chief said that they are more than enough suppliers to meet the Philippine requirement for CUHs should the country’s contract with Bell Helicopter and CCC fall through or be terminated. <br /><br />“Are there other suppliers if the Canada deal will not push through? Yes, there are,” Lorenzana stressed. <br />
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<br />Earlier, AFP deputy chief of staff for plans Major Gen. Restituto Padilla said from the onset both Bell Helicopter and CCC are aware that the soon-to-be acquired 16 Bell 412 EPI choppers will be utilized as “combat utility helicopter”. <br /><br />“The AFP deal for the acquisition of the Canadian Bell 412 as a combat utility helicopter is a very transparent one. From the very onset, the contract has specified that we are acquiring a CUH,” he added. <br /><br />“It’s intended use as combat utility helicopter is for the transport of troops especially combat casualties and for troop sustainment. It is not an offensive platform and not armed as such. We have dedicated attack helicopters as offensive platforms for such operations,” the military official pointed out. <br /><br />And since the Philippines lies in the path of the Pacific Rim of Fire, a disaster prone area, Padilla said the nation’s disaster response plan had tasked the AFP to take the lead in undertaking humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) during such times of contingencies. <br /><br />On Dec. 29, 2017, Lorenzana and representatives of Bell Helicopter and CCC signed the deal for the purchase of the helicopters worth PHP12 billion. Representing Bell Helicopter in the contract signing was James Williamson and Yvonne Chin, CCC Director for Asia. <br /><span id="goog_681611854"></span><span id="goog_681611855"></span><br />Delivery of the first Bell 412 EPI helicopters units are supposed to start by the first quarter of 2019 while the last batch will be handed over by the second quarter of 2020. <br /><br />Acquisition of these helicopters is part of the AFP Modernization Program Horizon 2 and will be use in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and other-related missions. <br /><br />These aircraft are fully configured and equipped with advance features, which includes an electronic engine control, a glass cockpit display system and Garmin touchscreen navigation system. Generally, these helicopters are capable of carrying 14 passengers and flying at a maximum speed of 140 knots (around 259 kilometers), cruise speed of 122 knots (226 kilometers per hour) and a range of 402 nautical miles (745 kilometers). It is powered with an enhanced Pratt and Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac.<br />
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Article source: <a href="http://ptvnews.ph/ph-scrap-p12-b-helicopter-deal-bell-ccc-lorenzana/" target="_blank">PTV News</a> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-69574253501671964192018-01-22T22:57:00.002+08:002018-01-22T22:57:47.378+08:00Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Flies the FA-50, Vows Support To PAF Modernization<br /> The Philippine Air Force conducted an FA-50PH Tactical Capability Demonstration Flight with General Rey Leonardo B Guerrero, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Air Defense Alert Center, Clark Air Base, Pampanga on January 18, 2018. <br /><br /> Upon his arrival, the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R Kintanar Jr AFP, together with the City Council of Commanders received the CS, AFP in front of Haribon Building. He was then escorted by the Commander of Air Defense Command and Wing Commander of 5th Fighter Wing to Bay 1 Hangar where he was welcomed by the corps of fighter pilots. <br />
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General Guerrero, who was flown aboard a FA-50 jet by one of the PAF pilots who saw action in Marawi, was joined by LtGen Emmanuel B. Salamat, NOLCOM Commander in the activity which validated their high regard to the capabilities of PAF's newest acquisition. General Guerrero also gave his commitment to PAF's future big ticket acquisitions after observing a simulated bombing activity that spotlighted the accuracy of the aircraft's on board aerial firepower, fighting capability and technology. <br /><br /> After the flight, the FA-50PH aircraft recovered at Clark International Airport and taxied to park at Haribon Building for a ceremonial and beer toasting in honor of the CS, AFP. He was then awarded with a Mach 1+ patch, Mach Buster Plaque, and FA-50PH patch as a proof that he flew a speed of Mach 1.2 or around 1, 482 kilometers per hour flight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>World of Tanks - Play Here!</i></span></td></tr>
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<br /> The modernization of the country's air power has gained another strong endorsement after General Guerrero urged to continue the modernization of the PAF during the said activity. <br /><br /> The acquisition of FA-50, one of PAF's workhorses that was considered by AFP ground commanders as the game changer during the Marawi campaign, will soon be sharing attention with multi-role fighters that are planned to be acquired by the Philippine Air Force.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Original article by <a href="https://www.paf.mil.ph/press/2018/AFPCHIEFFliesFA50.html" target="_blank">Philippine Air Force</a>. </i></span><br />
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Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-53800529058447843272018-01-17T16:00:00.000+08:002018-01-17T16:00:20.645+08:00Philippine Soldiers receive 3000 protective eyewear for combat<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero (right) through Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana (third from left), receives the protective eyewear from Mr. Sabin Aboitiz (second from left) who donated a total of 3,000 for soldiers in combat operations in a handover ceremony Monday, 15 January 2018 at the DND Social Hall. (Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan/PAOAFP)</span></span></i></div>
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Department of National Defense (DND) received the second batch of protective eyewear meant for soldiers engaged in combat operations on the ground.<br />
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Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero received the Delta Plus safety glasses from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. led by Mr. Sabin Aboitiz in a ceremonial handover ceremony held today, 15 January, 2018 at the DND Social Hall here.<br />
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Some 700 pieces were initially turned over to soldiers in Marawi City at the height of the battle against Deash - Maute terrorists to protect frontline troops from eye injury resulting from IED explosions, debris, and shrapnel.<br />
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A total of 3,000 safety eyewear were turned over to the Philippine Army for use of soldiers in combat operations.<br />
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“We in the Aboitiz Group appreciate very much the sacrifices made by our soldiers. We can never thank them enough for their service and sacrifice that they have done for the country,” Mr. Aboitiz said. "On behalf of our One Defense Team, I thank the Aboitiz Group for giving protective eyewear for our frontline troops...<br />
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It should be noted that this donation demonstrates the strong cooperation and collaboration that has always existed between the private sector and the government. Aside from being a tangible and visible indicator of our joint efforts, it demonstrates our concern and love for our valiant soldiers who continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and who continuously face threats at sea and on land,” Lorenzana said.<br />
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The DND notes that in modern combat operations, the risk of soldiers incurring damage to their eyes is very high, leading to either partial or total blindness or a lifetime of disability and suffering, not just for the soldiers but for the families as well. This was evident in places like Marawi and in other areas where soldiers operate.<br />
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The Aboitiz Group’s donation is not only timely but significant as well because it will augment our current efforts to boost the AFP’s capability to conduct focused, surgical, and sustained military <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Source: <a href="http://www.dnd.gov.ph/PDF2018/DNDPR011518Soldiersreceive3000protectiveeyewearforcombatfinal.pdf" target="_blank">DND Press Release 1/15/2018</a></i></span> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-68640323954897924092018-01-13T01:36:00.000+08:002018-01-13T01:36:09.254+08:00Recovered Marine Soldier in Marawi battle gets Military Honors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) on Wednesday accorded military honors to a fallen comrade who earlier went missing-in-action last June 9 during initial government efforts to retake Marawi City from the Maute Group terrorists.<br /><br />Capt. Maria Rowena Dalmacio, PMC spokesperson, identified the fallen Marine as Pvt. Alejandro A. Balean who was reported missing after an encounter with undetermined number of Maute Group terrorists commanded by Abdulla Maute at the vicinity of Mapandi Bridge, Barangay Daguduban of the above-mentioned city.<br /><br />She added Balean's remains arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City from Iligan City Tuesday night.<br /><br />Dalmacio said Balean was a member of 7th MC, Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 and was among the Marines who fought together with the late 1st Lt. John Frederick Savellano and 1st Lt. Raymund Abad.<br /><br />The five-month battle for Marawi resulted in the deaths of 920 terrorists and 165 troopers and 47 civilians.<br /><br />Accounts from the survivors said that Balean fell into the Agus River while their platoon was maneuvering against the enemy. Attempts by his fellow Marines to rescue him proved futile against the strong current and strong enemy gun fire.<br /><br />Balean's fate was eventually determined after a senior police officer in Marawi City on Aug. 3 informed his unit that an unidentified and badly decomposed cadaver wearing a "PBDU" lower pants, olive drab shirt, tactical belt, black pouch, and wooden beads bracelets with "Kamay ni Jesus" markings was recovered at Barangay Rurog Agus, Marawi City.<br /><br />Dalmacio said that Balean's unit immediately coordinated with the PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives and resulted in the cadaver being brought to Capin Funeral Homes, Iligan City for forensic examination and DNA identification.<br /><br />Subsequent DNA testing, with results released on Dec. 4, indicated that the body was the missing Balean. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Original article by <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1021116">Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency</a></span></i> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-64706017204804940362018-01-10T21:21:00.000+08:002018-01-10T21:21:07.251+08:00Philippine Coast Guards Fast Patrol Boats this 2018I've chance upon today an article shared by a Facebook page named "Defense Review", contents was about the selection of OCEA to supply 4 fast patrol boats and 1 offshore patrol boats to the Philippine Coast Guard. So I was looking for the source article but it wasn't on the FB post. I tried searching online and it pointed me to an article posted January 8, 2018 at NavyRecognition.com entitled "<i><a href="https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/january-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/5840-ocea-to-supply-patrol-boats-and-opv-to-philippines-coast-guards.html" target="_blank">OCEA to Supply Patrol Boats and OPV to Philippines Coast Guards</a></i>". <br /><br />So I said to myself, Cool! I have the source article, but something was still bugging me with the article, since I haven't encountered any news from our local media outlets regarding this purchase. So I went back to the google search results and all of the articles were from 2014, except for 1, the article was from the <b>Diplomat</b> dated September 13, 2017 and entitled "<i><a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/when-will-the-philippines-get-its-new-french-vessels/">When will the Philippines Get its New French Vessels?</a></i>" <br /><br />So this project was really from 2014. According to the <b>Diplomat</b>, the project was formalized with a contract signing between the Department of Transportation and French shipbuilder OCEA in September 2014. The Philippines was expected to receive 5 ships - one (1) 82 meter Offshore Patrol Vessel and four (4) 24 meter fast patrol boats. It also includes a five-year preventive maintenance, spare parts for five years, and technical assistance and training for the crew.<br /><br />The project moved along even with the change of administration back in 2016. Sometime around April, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade visited the OCEA shipyard in Sables d’Olonne, France to inspect the four 24-meter fast patrol boats.<br /><br />Then on September 6, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs Felipe Judan and OCEA’s director of maritime safety and security, Fabrice Weinbach, signed the contract effectiveness agreement for the acquisition of the vessels. The signing was witnessed by Secretary Arthur Tugade and French Embassy representative Laurent Estrade.<br /><br />The first fast patrol boat is expected to be delivered to the Philippines after eight months, with remaining ones arriving in succession after a 45-day delivery gap, and the OPV arriving up to 23 months following the signing of the contract, according to the Diplomat.<br /><br />After reading the <b>Diplomat</b> article, I tried to look again for the source of the January 8, 2018 article that was posted in the <b>Navy Recognition</b> website, so I went to the <a href="http://www.ocea-ssm.com/">OCEA SSM</a> website which is the website for <b>OCEA's Maritime Safety & Security</b>. And there I found the source, the manufacturer themselves. The article was entitled "<a href="http://www.ocea-ssm.com/news/world-premiere-84-meter-opv-aluminium">World Premier - an 84 meter OPV in Aluminum</a>". It highlighted a portion of the project and as well as the capabilities of the ships.<br /><h3>
FPB 72MKII</h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from <a href="http://www.ocea-ssm.com/">OCEA SSM</a> website.</span></i></div>
<br /> The 24 meter fast patrol boats model name is FPB 72MKII. OCEA already delivered a number of these to Nigeria (2) and Suriname (1). The Philippines will be its 3rd user with the most number of ships for this model.<br /><br /> According to the manufacturers website, the FPB 72MKII will have a speed of 20-35 knots and a range of 600NM @ 12 knots. Crew of 8 plus an additional 3 personnel. The FPB is designed to operate in territorial waters and EEZ's <br /><br /><h3>
OPV 270</h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from <a href="http://www.ocea-ssm.com/opv-270">OCEA SSM website</a>.</span></i></div>
<br />The OPV 270 is an 84 meter vessel designed to patrol exclusive economic zones. It can stay on patrol for 30-45 days and has a range of 4,500-8,000NM @ 12 knots. Ship speeds will be in the 20-30 knots. Crew size of 44, plus an additional 26 personnel, and can carry another 35 survivors during rescue situations.<br /><br />According to OCEA the vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2018 for the 4 FPB 72MKII and in 2019 for the OPV 270.<br /><br /> <br />Can we add more OPV 270's for the coast guard? What do you think?<br />
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3 MPAC mk3's with Spike ER System </h2>
<i>This has been discussed already in the <a href="http://philippinestoday.blogspot.com/2017/12/afp-modernization-2017-highlights-and.html#MPAC3_upate" target="_blank">AFP Modernization 2017 </a>Highlights article. </i><br />
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First among the deliverables is the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd's Spike ER (extended range) missile systems which will be fitted on three of the Navy's brand-new multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC) which was activated last May 22.<br />
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The weapons are on anti-ship mode meaning it can engage surface vessel targets and is capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a maximum range of five miles. And while not giving the exact dates for the delivery of the missiles and its platforms for security purpose, Andolong said the weapons would be delivered to the country "very early in the first quarter of the year."<br />
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The missiles and launchers were supposed to be delivered by December but this did not materialize due to some transportation issues. <br />
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AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat"</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/63265270/68151114/body_focus_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Philippine Navy AW-159" border="0" src="http://www.leonardocompany.com/documents/63265270/68151114/body_focus_r.jpg" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="800" height="278" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from <a href="http://www.leonardocompany.com/en/-/aw159" target="_blank">Leonardo Company</a></i></td></tr>
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Second on the deliverables for the Philippine Navy are two brand-new AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters which are expected to arrive the <b>last quarter of 2018 and early 2019</b>, Andolong added. He did not further elaborate on what weapons and surveillance systems the AW-159s would be carrying for security reasons.<br />
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The above-mentioned helicopters will be based on the two frigates on order from Hyundai Heavy Industries. </blockquote>
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The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter. It has a crew of two, has a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with an auxiliary fuel tank).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6YlT75ldXE" width="480"></iframe>
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Original article from the <a href="http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020257" target="_blank">Philippine News Agency</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-70311910374168532382017-12-31T01:55:00.001+08:002018-01-19T12:45:22.948+08:00Philippine military deter NPA harassments, and Marawi City 30 percent cleared from IED's<h2>
AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/30/afp-troops-deter-harassment-of-communities-by-npa-units/" target="_blank">File photo by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN</a></i></span></td></tr>
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Combat troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to protect and defend village communities against harassment perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists, disclosed regional Army spokesman on Saturday.<br />
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In a statement to The Manila Bulletin, Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, regional Army spokesman of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), said the NPA terrorists attempted to harass some far-flung village communities in Compostela Valley (ComVal) and Davao Oriental provinces but were prevented by the combat maneuvering battalions of the 10th ID.<br />
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Combat maneuvering troops of the 71st Infantry Battallion (71st IB) recovered 2 units (Anti-Tank) of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), weighing 30 kilos each, believed to be emplaced by members of SECOM 27 and SRC 2 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at the vicinity of Sitio Lower Mahayag, Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, ComVal province at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday(Dec, 27), the 10th ID spokesperson claimed.<br />
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At 1:50 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 28), elements of 66th IB were deployed to respond and verify the information from the local residents that there were armed men believed to be NPA terrorists roaming around in their community, prompting the security patrol to proceed to the reported area. They encountered an undetermined number of NPA terrorists for 20 minutes at vicinity Sitio Mabugnao, Barangay Las Arenas, Pantukan town of the same province, the regional Army spokesman said.<br />
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As the situation progressed, at 4: 35 p.m. on the same day (Dec. 28), another section of 28th IB encountered some 10 NPA terrorists at the vicinity Sitio Bato-bato, Barangay Tubaon, Tarragona, Davao Oriental, he said.<br />
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At about 7:45 p.m. of the same day (Dec. 28), a team of 28th IB on board a Military Utility Elf, while traversing Tarragona-Barangay Tuboan road to fetch the slightly wounded soldier was land mined at vicinity Sitio Guibaan, Barangay Tubaon of that same town. The Elf Truck was slightly damaged at the rear portion, he said.<br />
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At around 7:50 p.m. on the same day, one Platoon of 67th IB encountered another 10 NPA terrorists believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command 8 (PBC 8), SRC 1 of the CPP-NPA-SMRC while reinforcing the beleaguered troops of 28th IB onboard the Elf truck that was land mined, he said.<br />
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The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes. At about 10:45 p.m. on the same day, another one Platoon of 67th IB cleared the road from Maitum area of that same province to the encounter site and linked-up with the Scout Platoon at location of the land mined Elf truck, he said.<br />
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“All of the troops are still in the area to prevent or thwart any hostile plan of the enemy to go to the center of the community,” Capt. Lamosao added.<br />
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Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commanding general of the 10th “Agila” Division condemned anew the harassments by the NPAs.<br />
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This post has been compressed, for the original article - <a href="https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/30/afp-troops-deter-harassment-of-communities-by-npa-units/" target="_blank">AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units - Manila Bulletin</a><br />
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30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, IEDs</h2>
Soldiers have already cleared 30 percent of the battle zones of Marawi City from booby traps and other improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by Maute gunmen.<br />
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Maj. Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, the chief engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the clearing operation was being undertaken as part of the rehabilitation process of the affected areas of Marawi City which was devastated by five months of gun battle.<br />
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The military’s Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG) is continuing with its rehabilitation efforts in the city.<br />
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“The JETG continues its main mission of clearing explosives completing around 30 percent of the whole most affected area,” said Depakakibo.<br />
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Military data disclosed that as of December 15, a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices were recovered by the JETG.<br />
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The JETG, he said, is being assisted by Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Company and K-9 Teams from the Philippine Army and Philippines Air Force.<br />
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Depakakibo said the JETG also completed the clearing of more or less 20 kilometers primary and secondary roads, three major bridges, a school, and three places of worship immediately after the liberation of Marawi.<br />
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As a result, the official said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was able to conduct timely post-conflict needs assessment in Marawi City.<br />
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“We also continue our limited construction support to government agencies involved in supporting the maintenance of evacuation centers,” said Depakakibo.<br />
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Aside from construction support, the JETG also assisted the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in the construction of 500 temporary shelters for the evacuees.<br />
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More than 500 military engineers are currently deployed in Marawi City as part of the JETG. The task group is supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation operations being led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.<br />
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This post has been compressed, for the original article - <a href="https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/30/30-percent-of-marawi-city-cleared-of-booby-traps-ieds/" target="_blank">30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, EID's - Manila Bulletin</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-65532172599212603322017-12-29T21:45:00.002+08:002017-12-29T21:45:31.036+08:00Philippine Navy Aids Stranded Passengers in Matnog, Sorsogon<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Central Command thru Philippine Navy Aids Stranded Passengers in Matnog, Sorsogon</h2>
<br /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://scontent.fmnl4-4.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26060131_1489949337797169_8134446898743583820_o.jpg?oh=d615985d883f6599471cbef83c12a25f&oe=5ABEC6BE" width="640" /><br /><br /> Report received by higher headquarters revealed the congestion of stranded passengers at Matnog Port, Matnog, Sorsogon and a 7-km long queue of vehicles along the highway leading to Matnog, Sorsogon going to Allen, Samar. <br /><br />Central Command immediately responded thru Naval Forces Central by sending BRP AGTA (LC 290) to Matnog, Sorsogon, with a mission to ferry the stranded passengers and vehicles to Allen, Samar in order to help decongest the port of Matnog until such time that the RORO transport operation can absorb the influx of passengers and vehicles. BRP AGTA departed Captain Veloso Pier, Naval Forces Central on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 arrived in Matnog Port the next day (December 28, 2017).<br /><br /> After series of coordination with the local government units, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, BRP AGTA ferried one hundred nine (109) passengers to Allen, Samar. They were generally referred to as “chance passengers” and they were the ones who commuted from Manila thru buses in the hope of spending the holidays with their families. Unfortunately, upon their arrival in Matnog Port, tickets were no longer available for them to be ferried to Allen, Samar.<br /><br /> The Navy vessel and the passengers were ably assisted by personnel of 803rd Infantry Brigade, 8ID, Philippine Army. The prevailing weather condition made the ferry mission challenging and difficult as strong winds and current affected the ship’s movement. Nevertheless, BRP AGTA safely arrived in Allen, Samar that same afternoon.<br />
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Originally posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalForcesCentral/posts/1489953691130067">Naval Forces Central Facebook Page</a> Philippine Defense Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00492779871521342182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-23602246188174145562017-12-28T22:20:00.000+08:002017-12-28T22:20:52.248+08:00Special Forces Assault Boat and the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation<h2>
Special Forces assault boats to beef up patrols in Davao Gulf</h2>
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Special Forces assault boats will soon patrol Davao Gulf to detect and deter piracy and terrorist threats in southern waters.<br /><br />Two of these boats were formally turned over by Special Forces Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey to Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal in Davao City on Tuesday, the EastMinCom said in a statement.<br /><br />Madrigal said the boats will be “an additional capability in securing the municipal waters in the area of responsibility, particularly Davao Gulf, to preempt terrorists, piracy and other security threats from using the sea lanes in their terrorist and criminal acts. It can also be used for water search and rescue operations.”<br /><br />The boats have counter/anti-terrorist capability and will be manned by Special Forces Riverine troopers.<br /><br />The boats will be initially deployed with Joint Task Force Haribon which has the jurisdiction of Mega Davao, the Eastern Mindanao Command said.<br />
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Original article posted at <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955524/special-forces-assault-boats-to-beef-up-patrols-in-davao-gulf-special-forces-davao-gulf-security-naval-piracy" target="_blank">Inquirer.net</a><br />
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Aerospace dev’t firm may face axe in GOCC rationalization</h2>
The Philippine Aerospace Development Corp. (PADC) will be among the government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) which may be shut down next year.<br /><br />Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, an ex-officio member of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), said that the agency has not fulfilled its mandate.<br /><br />“We just had a GCG meeting. One was Philippine Aerospace Development Corp.,” Mr. Dominguez told reporters earlier this month when asked what GOCCs are being considered for rationalization in 2018.<br /><br />“They are supposed to design a plane. It’s been 45 years already, and they have not designed a plane yet. Their record is unblemished by accomplishment,” he added.<br /><br />The agency was created in September 1973, under Presidential Decree No. 286.<br /><br />The PADC is tasked with developing the Philippine aerospace industry by designing and manufacturing aircraft, while developing domestic capability in aircraft maintenance and repair.<br />
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Original article posted at <a href="http://bworldonline.com/aerospace-devt-firm-may-face-axe-gocc-rationalization/" target="_blank">Business World Online</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076935.post-79647540647714550492017-12-27T21:40:00.000+08:002017-12-31T14:49:54.149+08:00AFP Modernization 2017: Highlights and ReviewThe modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was on a roll this year, as we've seen a few big ticket items having completely delivered this year. Game changers as they say, these new assets have proven their capabilities both in combat and humanitarian missions.<br />
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Here's a brief on everything what we know about the AFP modernization this 2017.<br />
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Philippine Air Force </h2>
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FA-50PH</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Swxy7Eekfl-TsGHZQnKuvcDu3MGzkNMIqnFUNmXf6rbr0j1Y7tyF96DtJk1TWosA5ja3cvUXlpXoWYd6QVCO7ME2NOwJM6Hol574dnMSXjpR6JhozDbMLRy-j1cnn9BbjNyk/s1600/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Philippine Air Force FA-50" border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="959" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Swxy7Eekfl-TsGHZQnKuvcDu3MGzkNMIqnFUNmXf6rbr0j1Y7tyF96DtJk1TWosA5ja3cvUXlpXoWYd6QVCO7ME2NOwJM6Hol574dnMSXjpR6JhozDbMLRy-j1cnn9BbjNyk/s640/ec762c206f2dfd35880f6a70670033e8.jpg" title="Philippine Air Force FA-50" width="640" /></a></div>
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The final batch of the FA-50PH Lead-In Fighter Trainers have been successfully delivered by the Korean Aerospace Industries last May. The last batch of 2 arrived on <a href="http://www.janes.com/article/71047/south-korea-s-kai-completes-deliveries-of-fa-50ph-aircraft-to-philippines" target="_blank">May 31st at Clark Air Base</a>. The contract consist of 12 FA-50's at the price of Php 18.9 billion. AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla mentioned on a <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/883190/afp-final-batch-of-fa-50-fighter-jets-delivered-by-may" target="_blank">March 23 article in Inquirer</a> that there are plans to purchase 6 more additional FA-50's if the funding allows it and if the performance is good.<br />
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FA-50PH Weapons - AIM-9 Air-to-air Missiles</h4>
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Aside from the aircraft itself the <a href="https://www.update.ph/2017/09/ph-acquires-air-to-air-missiles-for-fa-50ph-jets/20531" target="_blank">Department of National Defense also ordered AIM-9</a> "<i>Sidewinder</i>" missiles from German manufacturer Diehl Raytheon with a contract price of Php 1,016,734,088. The notice to proceed was issued on August 31st. Department of National Defense Public Affairs Office Chief Arsenio Andolong said that these missiles are going to be "<i>factory fresh</i>".<br />
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FA-50PH Flight Simulators</h4>
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The Department of National Defense also ordered flight simulators for the FA-50PH from its manufacturer, Korean Aerospace Industries. The package will consist of a cockpit system, navigation system, video system, manuals, repair parts and support equipment. The delivery is expected in 2019 and contract price is Php 376 million.<br />
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<h3>
6 Super Tucano's for Close Air Support</h3>
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<a href="https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/rvL9TKQkN8e-chwWPqPF6X76NBc=/1200x0/filters:quality(100)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-mco.s3.amazonaws.com/public/XIG545PLUFGFDKX5DAOAB5LO7M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Philippine Air Force Super Tucano" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/rvL9TKQkN8e-chwWPqPF6X76NBc=/1200x0/filters:quality(100)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-mco.s3.amazonaws.com/public/XIG545PLUFGFDKX5DAOAB5LO7M.jpg" title="Philippine Air Force Super Tucano" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last November the <a href="http://philippinestoday.blogspot.com/2017/12/philippine-air-force-orders-super-tucano.html" target="_blank">DND awarded Brazilian aircraft manufacturer</a> Embraer Defense and Security for the contract to supply 6 light attach aircraft with a contract price of Php 4.968 billion. Expected delivery will be on 2019. Aside from close air support missions the aircraft's will also be used in surveillance and counter-insurgency missions.<br />
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Philippine Navy</h2>
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Delivery of second Strategic Sealift Vessel</h3>
The Philippine Navy's second amphibious landing dock vessel <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/895506/navy-sets-welcome-ceremony-for-brp-davao-del-sur" target="_blank">BRP Davao Del Sur LD-602 arrived in May</a>. Based on the Makassar class ships, the <a href="http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/tarlac-class-strategic-sealift-vessels/" target="_blank">Tarlac-class</a> BRP Davao Del Sur was built by PT PAL Indonesia. Contract price for the 2 ships is Php 4 billion. The Tarlac-class of ships can carry up to 500 troops, 2 landing crafts, 3 helicopters, and 2 rigid-hull inflatable boats. Both 601 and 602 have been used in both humanitarian missions and in support of combat operations.<br />
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5 TC-90 Beechcraft surveillance aircraft</h3>
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Five refurbished TC-90's was donated to the Philippine Navy after bilateral talks with the Japanese Government during the sidelines of the ASEAN summit last November. 2 of the TC-90's are already being operated by the Philippine Navy since March and the remaining 3 will be delivered in the first quarter of 2018.<br />
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<h3>
Additional 3 MPAC Mk 3 </h3>
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Last May the Philippine Navy activated 3 Mk 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Craft into its inventory. The Php 270 million project was undertaken by Propmech Corporation and Taiwan-based Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation. <br />
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<h4>
Spike ER Missile System for the MPAC</h4>
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd will install Spike Missile systems on an undetermined number of the Navy's MPAC. Scheduled to arrive this December but was postponed and rescheduled for delivery this coming January 2018. The delivery was postponed due to the unavailability of transport assets from the Philippine Air Force as it was focused on humanitarian missions ferrying relief supplies to typhoon affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao.<br />
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<b><i>[<a id="MPAC3_update">UPDATE</a>: added on December 31, 2017] </i></b><br />
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The MPAC (Lot 2) Weapons System and Missiles Acquisition Project worth P594,319,550.<br />
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According to Defense Update, the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will make each Remote Weapon System (RWS) operate 12.7 heavy machine guns also and mount Spike-ER launchers. This will extend the boat’s firepower to more than 8 kilometers. These acquisitions are significant because, for the Spike ER, it will be the very first missile system ever to officially enter service with our PN ships.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0qjXXjZZE0Afq0jH5XsUM7Aa9H44TgTdzXW6QfJIImHqvlVTBPWgNDZFxwQnNauwMbjgK188NAiZivP9QqA2bsrF2R8UF-Y9sJJ-2kVYyk46TVJkj_vDZWXVASCjJ0q84BU/s320/MPAC+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0qjXXjZZE0Afq0jH5XsUM7Aa9H44TgTdzXW6QfJIImHqvlVTBPWgNDZFxwQnNauwMbjgK188NAiZivP9QqA2bsrF2R8UF-Y9sJJ-2kVYyk46TVJkj_vDZWXVASCjJ0q84BU/s640/MPAC+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The new MPAC 3 armed with 4 canister Spike missile launcher and Mini typhoon RCWS.</span></td></tr>
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The report said three Mini Typhoon remotely controlled stabilized gun mounts to arm the MPAC MKIII of the PN. Each will contain 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm ammunition, and 10 surface-to-surface missile canisters. (source - <a href="http://www.aseanmildef.com/2017/03/over-p590-m-worth-of-weapons-to-be.html" target="_blank">AsianMilDef</a>)<br />
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<h3>
Aerostat Radar from the US</h3>
The United States donated a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) to the Philippine Navy last August with the purpose of enhancing the Navy's maritime surveillance.<br />
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<h2>
Philippine Army and Philippine Marines</h2>
<h3>
12 Elbit Soltam M-71 155mm Howitzers</h3>
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The Philippine Army and Philippine Marines have each received 6 brand new M-71 155mm howitzers from Elbit Systems of Israel. Estimated contract price is Php 410 million.<br />
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<h3>
KM450 and KM250 military trucks</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://military.kia.com/kmvs/img/product/k51/cargo/k51_cargo_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="490" height="390" src="https://military.kia.com/kmvs/img/product/k51/cargo/k51_cargo_img.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KM250</td></tr>
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The Department of National Defense signed a government-to-government contract with Korea for military trucks to be used by the Army and Marines. The signing was held last October with an estimated value of about Php 1.4 billion for the Army contract and Php 313 million for the Marines contract. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://military.kia.com/kmvs/img/product/k31/cargo/k31_cargo_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="490" height="390" src="https://military.kia.com/kmvs/img/product/k31/cargo/k31_cargo_img.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 ton KM450</td></tr>
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The Army contract consist of 227 units 1/2 ton KM250 trucks, 10 units
2 1/2 ton KM250 wreckers, while for the Marines it will consist of 108 1
1/4 ton KM450 trucks.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/Security_Bank_Philippines"><img alt="http://bit.ly/Security_Bank_Philippines" border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="336" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoLXOKrUhIJsmekzQuCdOJxyXCillSS2necAucORNPbGnz3oBObknjAKslqY56wPpBlQzPZEeokXx85avaIlgMcN8lLcIyc4zFqwbTSSZK_xiQW8hYSaP6Fo8G6y_1ZhyphenhyphenRzMD/s320/SB+Large+Rectangle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Original article posted at <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955512/afp-modernization-2017-marawi-game-changers-in-spotlight" target="_blank">Inquirer.net</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0