Philippine Air Force acceptance of ScanEagle UAV's and spare parts for the Sikorsky S-76A

Philippine Air Force to get US ScanEagle UAVs Tuesday

Photo of a US Marine ScanEagle UAV by Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Arledge of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing - Public Domain

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) acquired from the US through foreign military financing on Tuesday.

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.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the guest of honor at the event.

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.

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.

Article source: Philippine News Agency

Philippine Air Force looking for S-76A helicopter parts worth P9.5-M

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.

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.

"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.

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).

Article Source: Philippine News Agency

Philippine Air force eyeing new bases

LIPA, BATANGAS -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is eyeing the establishment of additional bases within the next two to three years as focus will be shifted to territorial defense, an official said on Friday.

"A strategic recasting" towards territorial defense will require "the drawing of new basing and relocation plans… the remapping of stations," said Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz, PAF commanding general, during the anniversary celebration of the service command.

Col. Miguel Ernesto G. Okol, PAF spokesperson, said on the sidelines of the PAF’s 65 ^th anniversary, that Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City has been "initially identified" as a potential site for a new base.

The PAF currently has eight air bases, namely, Clark, Basa, Col. Jesus Villamor, Danilo Atienza, Fernando, and Antonio Bautista in Luzon; Mactan Benito Ebuen in Visayas; and Edwin Andrews in Mindanao.

The new bases will "meet the challenges of a rapidly changing threat environment," said Mr. Dela Cruz.

Meanwhile, Mr. Okol said air force personnel will be relocated from the Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite to make way for civil aviation.

The Manila International Airport Authority has previously proposed to move the entire general aviation section to other sites, including the former US Naval Station in Sangley Point, in Cavite province. The transfer is aimed at decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which shares a runway with the air force main headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

As this developed, the PAF anniversary celebration saw the revival of the fly-by -- a parade, and acrobatics presentation of around 40 air assets -- which was last held 15 years ago.

"We are reliving this golden tradition of the PAF… as we are the air force, we should be flying," Mr. Okol said in a separate statement.

"This also signals that we are regaining our strength and will soon be a potent force in our defense and security operations," he added.

Once a leading force in the region, the country’s air unit had been struggling with an ageing fleet.

But the administration has been consistent in "acquiring new and potent replacements for our old and unreliable air assets," said Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin in his remarks during the celebrations.

"We are now very determined in our intention to modernize," he added.

The department has targeted to approve 138 modernization projects by the end of July, including three radars systems, 21 utility helicopters, 10 attack helicopters, four additional search-and-rescue helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, a special mission aircraft, three medium-lift aircraft and 12 lead-in fighters. These are expected to boost the air power in the next two years.

"We need to have potent and reliable air platforms for our air skippers and crew to operate and fly," Mr. Gazmin said.

The government has been building up its defense posture in light of territorial disputes in the West Philippines Sea, a resource-rich area claimed in part or wholly by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

The area also groups the Scarborough Shoal west of Luzon, a small reef that is within the country’s exclusive economic zone but is also contested by China.

 

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Maria Francesca Ramos | Business World Online | July 8, 2012 | Article Link

PAF Chief visits Cebu as part of 65th founding anniversary

Says PAF to upgrade its defense capabilities

CEBU CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz in a recent visit to Cebu announced that PAF will be acquiring new external defense equipment to upgrade their capabilities.

De la Cruz told the good news during a media interview at the Brigadier General-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City last Friday as the commanding general made a round of visits nationwide as part of the highlights in commemorating the PAF 65th Founding Anniversary next month.

The PAF recommended a P75-billion budget for additional aircraft in order to implement the modernization program, which is spread in a five-year period.

Dela Cruz said they already submitted to Malacañang the list of necessary equipment that needs to be purchased and the first equipment they want to acquire is the air defense radar.

“We will be acquiring other weapon systems and other equipment needed by the PAF,” said Dela Cruz.

At present, the PAF received four new helicopters for use during search and rescue operations and an additional four helicopters will be delivered in November.

For the meantime, the approved purchase was based on the recommendations that include 10 new attack helicopters from France, 21 additional UH-1H utility helicopters to augment the existing utility aircrafts, three medium airlift fixed wing, and 18 trainer aircrafts.

In addition, Dela Cruz also recommended purchasing N-24 Nomads aircraft and two light lift aircrafts to replace the existing F-27 Fokker.

In his message, the PAF Chief encouraged the air force personnel to strengthen their forces and capabilities in protecting the country and create more programs to enhance professionalism and promote the welfare of the soldiers.

On its 65th anniversary, the PAF carries the theme “PAF @ 65th, Bagwis ng Kapayapaan, Tagapagtanggol ng Kalayaan.”

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Hazel F. Gloria | Philippine Information Agency | June 4, 2012 | Article Link

PAF Gears Up With Brand New Combat Utility Helicopters

 Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept the initial four (4) of the eight (8) brand new multi-purpose combat utility helicopters as part of the P2.8B acquisition contract between the ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP) and WYTWORINIA SPREZETU KOMUNIKACY JNEGO “”PZL-SWIDNIK”SPOLJA AKCY JNA in a simple ceremony on March 9, 2012, from 8:00am to 12:00noon at the 410th Hangar, Air Force City, Clark, Pampanga.

     The arrival of these brand new CUH signals the near completion of the initial phase of the PAF’s Modernization Plan and people could expect more advanced aircraft acquisitions, apt for territorial defense, soon.

     In a press statement, PAF PIO Director Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto G. Okol PAF (GSC) said that the continuation of the AFP Modernization Program is due “to the strong determination of our  Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, not to mention the solid commitment of H.E. President Benigno Aquino III – our Commander in Chief, to see a modernized Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during his term.”   

     Dubbed as “Back to Basics,” the first phase of the Modernization Program focuses on improving the AFP’s ability to conduct Internal Security Operations (ISO). Under this phase, the target acquisitions include eight (8) combat utility helicopters, seven (7) attack helicopters, one (1) C-130 aircraft and a long-range patrol aircraft and 18 Basic Trainer Aircraft.

     For the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP), Okol added that “more advanced aircraft are expected in Phases 2 and 3 where PAF related components are grouped into what it calls “Horizon Programs”, with Horizon 2 expected to begin in the 2012 to 2016 time frame.”  

     For Horizon 2, PAF expects the delivery of Territorial Defense assets such as Surface Attack Aircraft, Lead-In Fighter Trainers, Long Range Patrol Aircraft, Air Defense Radar, and a Special Mission aircraft, among others which will greatly boost the country’s defense stance against external threats.

     Initially, Republic Act No. 7898, otherwise known as the AFP Modernization Act of 1995 has given the military the opportunity to modernize with a total fund of P331B. The modernization plan follows a strict schedule for upgrades in order to modernize the AFP to a level where it can effectively and fully perform its constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and protect and preserve the patrimony of the republic.

     Various domestic security concerns since 1999, prompted the AFP to realign its modernization priorities to procure the necessary operational and intelligence requirements to support Internal Security Operations (ISO). Along with the equipment acquisition is the realization of providing significant attention to the other four components of the program, which is indispensable for ISO.

     The Sokol helicopters, once formally accepted by PAF, will greatly boost the search and rescue, medical evacuation and combat utility missions of the PAF.  Certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these 6-tonne class twin-engine helicopters have been proven to be effective, rugged and reliable in all weather conditions. An added feature (of a SOKOL helicopter) includes its high flexibility and significant internal and external cargo capacity – making it capable of performing a wide range of operations and an excellent utility helicopter.  

     With the modernization in place, the newly appointed PAF Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz AFP continues to initiate programs that will ensure that PAF also modernizes from within by strengthening the inner core of its airmen with  discipline, a strict sense and value for time, continued fiscal and financial reforms and an appreciation for the organization’s role in Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan”. 

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 Department of National Defense - Philippines | Thursday, March 8, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Air Force says cargo planes to become operational

Two C130 cargo planes of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will become operational during the first quarter of 2012 as part of the ongoing capability upgrade of the 20,000-strong military command.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said that the two Air Force C130s are now undergoing maintenance procedures — one in the United States and the other in Clarkfield, Pampanga.

“Within the first semester, sometime in March or April, we will be having three operational C130,” Burgos said.

At present, the Air Force only has one operational C130 being used in logistics and troop transport and even in disaster response.

“This will bolster our troop lift capability, transportation of goods and even our disaster response, we will be more efficient in terms of disaster response,” Burgos said.

For his part, Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said that part of the PAF’s capability upgrade program is the acquisition of a fourth C130.

“With this additional two, we will now have three plus it is included in our capability upgrade program the acquisition of another one,” Okol said.

Okol echoed Burgos’ statements that the additional cargo planes will certainly boost the PAF’s capability.

“Of course, it will increase our capability… our heavy lift capability will be enhanced… and disaster response, national development, those things could be addressed,” Okol said.

Aside from the additional C130s, the Air Force is also upbeat on the possibility of acquiring F16 fighter jets from the United States.

The Air Force is also scheduled to receive eight Sokol helicopters, worth P2.8 billion, early this year as part of its capability upgrade. 

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By Mario J. Mallari

01/12/2012

The Daily Tribune

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Philippine Air Force to get 2 reconditioned C-130 planes

MANILA, Philippines - Two C-130 cargo planes will be added to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) inventory within the first quarter of this year.

At present, the PAF is mainly relying on a lone C-130 Hercules aircraft in hauling of supplies and logistics, as well as troops for internal and territorial defense.

“We have two C-130 cargo planes coming in by March and April,” said Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs Brig. Gen. Roy Deveraturda.

The first C-130 would be flying in from the United States, while the other is now being refurbished at Clark Field.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the two C-130 cargo planes will boost the Air Force capabilities in terms of troop deployment, logistic runs, and search and disaster operations.

“From one, we will soon have two more C-130 cargo planes,” he said.

“That’s really something that we are expecting.” 

Okol could not say how much the government spent for the two refurbished Hercules aircraft.

The Air Force is also expecting the arrival of eight brand-new utility and combat-attack helicopters during the first quarter of this year.

President Aquino’s visit to the United States this April is expected to finally seal a deal for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the country intends to acquire a squadron F-16 fighter jet from the US.
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By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated January 12, 2012 12:00 AM
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