Phillipines DND Studying Possibility of Arming Navy Craft with Spike-ER Missiles

 The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking into the possibility of arming the Navy’s multi-purpose attack craft (MPACs) with the Israeli-made Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles.

"The idea is still under consideration," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Friday when asked about the feasibility of arming all operational MPACs with missiles to boost their capability.

 Spike-ER missiles are capable of penetrating 1,000 mm. (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and have a range of 8 km.

As of this posting, the Navy has nine MPACs in its inventory with another three units planned.

Three of these craft are being fitted with Spike-ER missiles and launchers.

These naval craft were activated on May 22, 2017 and were manufactured by Subic-based Propmech Corp. for PHP270 million.

The Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles, along with their launchers, arrived third week of April.

After the installation, the Spike-ER missile systems will go through the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee, he added.

"The missile systems for the Navy's MPACs have arrived in the country and are now undergoing Integration Phase under the guidance of the proponent, Rafael of Israel. 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," Andolong earlier said.

PHILIPPINES - Pro-Islamic State Leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute Killed In Marawi

#PHILIPPINES#GRAPH
Pro-#IslamicState Social Media Accounts Eulogizes Of Its Leaders
Isnilon Hapilon & Omar Maute Who Killed In #Marawi. pic.twitter.com/pUt9YTg5FQ

— Terrormonitor.org (@Terror_Monitor) October 16, 2017

Phillipines Interested in KUH-1 Surion

Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, said Tuesday it has completed the delivery of light attack aircraft to the Philippines.

The aerospace company said it delivered the 12 FA-50PH light attack aircraft three months earlier than scheduled and expressed hope the Southeast Asian country will place an additional order for the same jets down the road.

The Philippine government which seeks to modernize its military has expressed interest in purchasing the KUH-1 Surion transport helicopter, it said.

KAI has exported a total of 137 KT-1 basic trainers and the T-50 advanced trainer jets valued at $3.4 billion to seven countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, Peru and the Philippines.

It is in talks with Thailand, Botswana and the United States to export the trainer jets. Later this year, the U.S. plans to select an aircraft company to supply it with 350 trainer jets worth some 17 trillion won ($15 billion), the aircraft manufacturer said.

In the following 50 years, KAI predicts the world's advanced trainer jet market will grow to 100 trillion won.

Philippine Military In Heavy Clashes With ISIS Affiliates During Battle Over Control Of Marawi

MBTs FOR PHILIPPINES NEW TECHNOLOGIES

SSV-2 BRP Davao Del Sur 602 is Expected to be Delivered by May 17

The Philippine Navy (PN) will have more naval assets to patrol the country's vast maritime domains with the arrival of the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), its second strategic sealift vessel (SSV), by May, and two missile-armed MPACs by November.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Eduardo Año, made the statement when asked what efforts are being undertaken to further secure the country's seas.

This is in the wake of the failed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) infiltration in Inabanga, Bohol, which resulted in the death of six bandits, including sub-leader Muamar Askali alias "Abu Rami", and three soldiers and a police officer last April 11.

He added that the second SSV, along with the two MPACs, will provide the Navy more assets to patrol the country's waters, especially those in Basilan and Sulu, deterring ASG bandits against making similar attacks in the future.

Aside from these ships, additional fast craft and other assets are being earmarked for the Navy, which Año said is the primary beneficiary of the ongoing AFP Modernization Program.

The BRP Davao Del Sur is expected to be delivered by May 17.

As of this posting, the vessel is 98 percent complete.

The BRP Davao Del Sur, launched on Sept. 29 last year, is the sister ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), currently the largest Filipino warship in commission.

The BRP Tarlac, commissioned on June 1 last year, arrived in the Philippines on May 14, 2016 after a five-day journey from PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The BRP Davao Del Sur is also a Makassar-class landing platform dock, like her sister ship, the BRP Tarlac.

Its delivery to the Philippines, tentatively scheduled this May, will complete the two-unit SSV procurement project with an approved budget contract of PHP4 billion sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

Just like the BRP Tarlac, the Navy's latest SSV will serve as a floating command-and-control ship, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and will also serve as a military sealift and transport vessel.

The ship, which has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, and draft of 5 meters, can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

She has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

The BRP Davao Del Sur can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

Philippine Navy AW159s to be armed with Spike NLOS

The Philippine Navy will arm its AugustaWestland AW159 naval helicopters with the Israeli Spike NOL missile.

2 More FA-50PH Jet Fighters Arrived

Philippine Air Force's FA-50PH nos. 005 and 006 upon arrival in Taiwan en route to the Philippines (photo : Han chia ho Peter)

FA-50PH with tail number 005 and 006 in Clark Air Base (photo : Rappler)

Arrival ceremony for Philippine Air Force’s fifth and sixth South Korea-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” (005 and 006) was conducted today in Clark Air Base, Pampanga. The ceremony started at 11 am. FA-50PH with tail number 005 touched down 11:05 am, while 006 touched down 11:07.

The Philippines has 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion. FA-50PH aircraft are Mach 1.5 capable.

The 1st and 2nd FA-50PHs arrived in November 2015, while the 4th and 3rd arrived a year after. The remaining six aircraft on order are expected to be delivered within this year.

PAF’s FA-50PHs were recently blooded in combat during the surgical air and artillery strike that wounded Abu Sayyaf Group commander Isnilon Hapilon last January 26.

The FA-50PH has 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.


It will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Air Force gets enough experience in operating fast jet assets and budget allocation for more capable fighter aircraft.

With the delivery of additional two South Korean-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jets, the Philippine Air Force now has six supersonic aircraft that can reach the speed of Mach 1.5 (1852.2 km/hour) or 1.5 times faster than the speed of sound.

FA-50PH with tail number 005 touched down 11:05 am in Clark Air Base, while 006 touched down at 11:07, February 22.

The Philippine Air Force ordered 12 units of FA-50PHs from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth 18.9 billion pesos.

The 1st and 2nd FA-50PHs arrived in November 2015, while the 4th and 3rd arrived a year after. The remaining six aircraft on order are expected to be delivered within this year.

These aircraft will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Philippine Air Force gets enough experience in operating fast jet assets and budget allocation for more capable fighter aircraft.


PAF’s FA-50PHs were recently blooded in combat during the surgical air and artillery strike that wounded Abu Sayyaf Group commander Isnilon Hapilon last January 26.

Philippine Navy Strategic Sealift Vessel -BRP Tarlac (LD-601)- Trials Now Ongoing

Various trials are now ongoing to ensure that the country's first strategic sealift vessel (SSV), the prospective BRP Tarlac (LD-601), will be ready for its journey to the Philippines and mission-ready upon arrival.

Trials include testing of its propulsion and engine systems in various speed setting, said Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Capt. Lued Lincuna.

These tests are being conducted by personnel of PT PAL (Persero), the Surabaya-based Indonesian shipbuilder which won the the Php3.87-billion contract for the two SSV project.

Another round of tests will be conducted by PN personnel, tasked to man the ship, once the latter arrived in Indonesia by March, he added.

The SSV acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Oct. 30, 2013.

The Department of National Defense declared Persero as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder with a bidding price of Php3.87 billion on Nov. 18, 2014.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The ships are estimated to weigh about 7,300 gross register tons.

Furthermore, these vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country. 

Philippine Navy - 3 Attack Crafts being Acquired for Navy as Missile System Platforms

The bid opening for Philippine Navy’s three (3) Multi-purpose Attack Crafts Mk III (17-meter MPAC Mk III) is now scheduled on October 27, Department of National Defense said. This is after AFP modernization projects previously ‘held in abeyance’ were given go signal by President Aquino. The DND is applying the amount of PhP270 million through the General Appropriations Act for the acquisition of these 3 brand-new MPACs.

These MPACs to be acquired will be utilized as platforms for missile launch system and other weapons.

DND wants these MPACs Mk III to have provisions for remote weapon system for 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun M2HB; and missile launch system and its respective remote operating consoles inside the craft. MPAC Mk III should also have provisions for two M60/7.62mm Light Machine Gun.

Weapons and missiles will be procured in a separate project, Multi-Purpose Attack Craft Acquisition Project (Lot 2).

The Navy is now operating six MPACs (not armed with missiles). Three from Taiwan (15-meter MPAC Mk 1) while the other three (17-meter MPAC Mk II) were from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation.

Phillipines ISIS Affiliated Militants Post Pictures - Report

#PHILIPPINES #ISIS Affiliated Militants Post A Pictures - Report . pic.twitter.com/A2EtLIsSOH

— Terrormonitor.org (@Terror_Monitor) September 22, 2015

Phillipines DND Denies Report of Canceling Missile Deal with Israel

SPYDER Short Range Air Defense System is a quick reaction, low level surface-to-air missile system designed to effectively counter attacks by aircraft, helicopters UAVs and precision guided munitions. (photo : Rafael)

THE PHILIPPINES’ Department of National Defense (DND) has denied a newspaper report which alleged that its top officials scrapped a government-to-government missile deal with Israel in place of buying individual gear for soldiers to receive kickbacks from the procurement project.

On Tuesday, the DND issued a statement explaining why the Shore Based Missile System (SBMS), a military asset initially included in the military’s to-buy list in the modernization program of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was dropped.

“The SBMS project is merely a proposal at this time, and as such, there is no ‘realignment’ but rather a reprioritization of the said project in favor of the urgent need of our PA (Philippine Army) troops for individual force protection equipment,” the DND said in a released statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“The reprioritization was a collective decision by Defense senior leaders, which was submitted to the President after going through the required processes in the Defense System of Management (DSOM), which took into consideration the dynamics of the country’s ever developing security environment,” the DND further said.

The department was prompted to issue the statement after reports said that the deal was dropped so that top defense officials could earn from commissions.

The news articles cited unnamed sources saying that there were no commissions to be made from the missile deal since it was an agreement between two governments.


The P6.5-billion funding for the missile system supposed to be for the military will now be used to buy helmets, body armor, night-vision goggles and other equipment used by Philippine Army soldiers

Philippines Batangas Plane Crash 01-31-15

A plane crashed in the seaboard of Nasugbu Batangas during an exhibition flight in celebration of Nasugbu's liberation day.

An MV-22B Osprey lands at Clark Air Base in preparation for PHIBLEX

Here's some PHOTOS: An MV-22B Osprey lands at Clark Air Base in preparation for PHIBLEX 15, Sept. 29, 2014. The aircraft is with Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as part of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. — at Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampang

New rifles for the Phillipine army

Soldiers test-fire their newly acquired 5.56mm M4 carbine rifles during a hand-over ceremony at the Army’s 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Fort Magsaysay


Photos - Manila Times

Capt. Ronald Ravelo - First Filipino-American to command a US Navy aircraft carrier

Capt. Ronald Ravelo makes history by becoming the first Filipino-American to command an aircraft carrier in the US Navy


Photo : https://www.facebook.com/USSLincoln
Capt. Ronald Ravelo also bitten by the selfie bug.

It may also have been the first time that a family member took command from another, said US Naval Air Force Atlantic commander Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker during the change of command ceremony at Victory Landing Park in Newport News, Virginia. Ravelo’s sister is married to Thomas.

Phillipines of Coast Guard beefing itself up within next 3 years

The Philippine Coast Guard is to hire an additional 1,000 uniformed personnel this year and 2,000 more in the next two years to meet its goal of having a “10,000-strong command” by the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s term in 2016.The PCG, an agency attached to the Department of Transportation and Communication, has only 606 officers and 6,143 enlisted personnel tasked to guard the country’s more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline and thousands of coastal communities depending on the nation’s marine resources.

“This year, recruiting at least 1,000 uniformed personnel is our target,” Cmdr. Armand Balilo, the PCG spokesperson, told the INQUIRER in a telephone interview Wednesday. “But our bigger goal is to have 10,000 uniformed personnel within the next three years. Ideally, we should have that number of personnel.”
An undisclosed number of new recruits will be assigned to the PCG’s new search-and-rescue base in Roxas City in Capiz, Balilo said.

He said that “with the ongoing personnel recruitment program, the command has also started preparing for the manning of the 10 brand-new patrol boats that we’re getting from Japan in the next two years.”
The command expects delivery of two to three of the 10 patrol vessels by the third quarter of 2015. The seven other 40-meter (131-foot) boats would be delivered the following year.
In December, Malacañang announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency would provide a $184-million soft loan for the PCG’s acquisition of the vessels to boost the country’s maritime security.
The Coast Guard’s current fleet consists of nine boats, which are mainly utilized in search-and-rescue operations.Some PCG personnel also man several vessels belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the campaign against illegal fishing and poaching in the country’s territorial waters.
Aside from its uniformed personnel, the agency has 299 civilian employees plus some 6,000 auxiliaries or volunteers nationwide who help it promote safety at sea and protect the marine environment, among other things.

From only P2 billion in 2010, the PCG’s annual budget now stands at more than P4.3 billion.
Balilo pointed out that the PCG’s “increased budget” would boost the command’s operational and administrative capabilities.He expressed confidence they would get another budget increase next year, saying, “it’s a good thing we’re getting full support from the government.”The command, he added, is “in a better position to enforce Republic Act No. 9983,” or the Coast Guard Act of 2009, which aims to further enhance maritime safety and prevent sea tragedies.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/612286/coast-guard-beefing-itself-up-within-next-3-years

Philippine Navy's (PN) Armed AW-109Es to be Delivered Before Year-End

The Philippine Navy (PN) HAS announced that the two armed versions of its AgustaWestland AW-109Es are scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2014.This was confirmed by Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Gregory Fabic in an interview with the PNA.

These versions will be armed with machine guns and air-to-ground rockets.Three of the PN's AW-109Es, the unarmed version, was formally activated and tasked to join the fleet last May 21.These aircraft were formally commissioned into service last Dec. 22.The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

'Japan, US struggle to contain China at any cost'

South Korea’s Samsung Techwin Sole Bidder for 8 Amphibious Assault Vehicles

South Korea’s Samsung Techwin is the sole bidder for the DND-AFP’s eigth brand new amphibious assault vehicles. The firm’s offer is approximately PhP76 million lower than allocated budget of PhP2.5 billion.If Samsung Techwin passes the qualification process, it will be required to completely deliver 8 brand new amphibious assault vehicles within 910 calendar days from effectivity of contract.

This is the second time DND held the bidding for the said vehicles, first one was a failure of bidding due to no firm joined the bidding.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/05/24/692-south-koreas-samsung-techwin-sole-bidder-for-8-amphibious-assault-vehicles