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10 New Attack Helicopters from France has been Approved for the PAF

07 Juni 2012

Ten new attack helicopters from France has been approved for the PAF to upgrade its defence capabilities (photo : Airliners)

PAF Chief visits Cebu as part of 65th founding anniversary, says PAF to upgrade its defense capabilities

CEBU CITY (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.” (FCR/HFG/PIA-7/PAF)

(PIA)

C-27J Contract Signed

04 Juni 2012

Alenia C-27 Spartan (photo : d_m_b)

A contract has been signed with Alenia Aermacchi that will allow for the long tern operation, maintenance, modification and upgrade of the C-27J aircraft and support systems.

On 12 May, the Government announced the decision to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. The announcement also foreshadowed that Defence would seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that the RAAF could operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

The contract, which is worth around $63 million, will also provide Defence with the ability to compete and sublicense third parties, including Australian industry, to provide the maintenance services, training services and the ability to modify the C-27J capability.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses more common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry a significant load and still access small, sort, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain the repeated use of larger aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australiaand overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of casualties.

(Aus DoD)

Progress of Aircraft Ordered by Thailand

01 Juni 2012

Progress of Second Saab 340 AEW ordered by Thailand (photo : RTAF)

Air Chief Marshall Ittaporn Supawong visit to Linkoping Swedento look at the progress of the manufacture of Saab 340 AEW control and early warning aircraft.

Previously ACM Supawong have also seen progress in the manufacture of Saab Gripen C/D fighter.

Thailand

in the second batch has been ordered 6 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft and an Saab 340 AEW early warning and control aircraft.

(RT AF)

TNI AU Segera Miliki Empat Pesawat Tempur Super Tucano EMB-314

30 Mei 2012

Sampai akhir tahun 2012 diproyeksikan 8 pesawat Super Tucano dapat diserahkan kepada TNI AU (photo : Airliners)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MALANG -- Skadron Udara 21 Lanud Abdurrachman Saleh di Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur, menanti kedatangan empat unit pesawat tempur Super Tucano EMB-314 buatan Brazil yang direncanakan tiba pada 28 Agustus 2012.

"Direncanakan pesawat Super Tucano dari Brasil tiba pada tanggal 28 Agustus 2012, namun apabila ada penundaan mungkin di awal September," kata Kepala Seksi Pemeliharaan Skadron Udara 21 Lanud Abdurachman Saleh, Mayor (Tek) Anton Firmansyah, di Malang, Rabu.

Kedatangan empat unit pesawat tempur Super Tucano EMB-314, kata Anton, untuk memperkuat Skadron Udara 21 dan tentunya bagi seluruh jajaran TNI-AU dalam menjaga kesatuan wilayah Indonesia.

"Untuk yang pertama akan datang empat unit pesawat, dan hingga akhir tahun 2012 direncanakan delapan pesawat Super Tucano tiba di Lanud Abdurrachman Saleh," tambah Anton.

Pesawat tersebut, lanjut Anton, merupakan pesawat tempur taktis yang mampu melaksanakan operasi bantuan tembakan dari udara yang merupakan keunggulan pesawat itu. Dengan rencana itu, Anton menambahkan, TNI-AU juga telah mempersiapkan pilot-pilot terbaik untuk dikirimkan ke Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Ada 12 orang pilot yang akan dikirim ke Brazil. Saat ini mereka telah ada di Jakarta untuk mendapatkan bimbingan, dan direncanakan pada bulan Juni akan berangkat ke Sao Paulo, Brazil, untuk menyelesaikan pelatihan," kata Anton.

Pesawat tersebut, lanjut Anton, juga telah dipergunakan oleh beberapa negara lain dan merupakan pesawat produksi baru. "Kami telah menyiapkan 'shelter' baru dan saat ini juga sedang dilakukan penyelesaian pembangunan tempat simulator," kata Anton.

Pesawat Super Tucano EMB-314 memiliki mesin tunggal buatan Empresa Braziliera de Aeronautica (Embraer), dan memiliki kemampuan menembakkan asap ke darat secara cepat untuk menunjukkan posisi musuh.

Kedatangan pesawat tempur itu akan menggantikan posisi pesawat tempur Oviten-10F Bronco yang sudah tidak akan dioperasikan. OV-10 Bronco telah berjasa di berbagai operasi, antara lain Operasi Seroja (1976-1979) di NTT, Operasi Tumpas (1977-1978) di Irian Jaya, dan Operasi Halilintar (1978) di Riau.

(Republika)

PAF is Ordering a Number of Brand New Aircraft this Year

28 Mei 2012

The orders include 12 LIFT jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters. (photo : sires9094)

PAF buying new trainer jets

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is ordering this year a number of brand new aircraft.

These include 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets, eight light transports, three medium transports and attack helicopters.

The PAF said the order is among 38 contracts that the air branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will sign this year. Delivery of the aircraft is expected in two years.

“Within the year we expect to sign contracts. We have 38 projects lined up, foremost of which is the FAA lead-in fighter trainer or LIFT. We have attack helicopters coming, light transports and medium transports that are slightly smaller than the C-130 cargo plane” currently in use, PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Okol said.

“They have been approved by the senior leadership (of the Department of National Defense),” he added.

He said the rest of the 38 contracts were still being finalized.

From being one of the best in Southeast Asia during the 1960s, the Air Force fleet gradually deteriorated and became obsolete without being replaced, leaving the country with no external defense capability.

To upgrade the entire military’s capabilities, the DND and AFP are working to fast-track the approval by July this year of a total of 138 contracts.

The contracts, mostly aimed at boosting badly depleted air and naval assets, would be implemented for the duration of the Aquino administration.

(Inquirer)

Qantas Defence Nears Completion of Last A330 MRTT Conversion

28 Mei 2012

The fifth and final A330 to KC-30 MRTT tanker conversion nearing completion.(photo : Aus DoD)

Qantas Defence Services is close to completing the conversion of Australia's fifth, and final, Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

The aircraft will be handed over to Airbus Military next week, with the European company to install the aerial refuelling boom, says Qantas Aviation Services head Glenn Brown. Qantas Defence Services is a unit of Qantas Aviation Services.

Industry sources in Australia suggest the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will not obtain a sixth A330 MRTT, which is designated the KC-30A in RAAF service.

Brown says that it would be very difficult for Qantas Defence Services to re-start the A330 MRTT conversion programme. Some contractors who worked on the programme have already moved on to other work within the Qantas Group or at other companies.

Such staff changes will cause a degree of institutional knowledge related to A330 MRTT conversions to be lost.

Moreover, other team members who worked on the conversions will move to other work. Last week, Qantas Airways said it would close its Boeing 737 maintenance operations at Melbourne's Tullarmrine Airport, with this work moving to Brisbane.

Brown, however, says that personnel who worked on the conversion programme have a "bright future." Aside from supporting KC-30A maintenance repair and overhaul work in Brisbane, staff previously involved in conversion work will also help with 737 work.

Airbus Military has previously said the fifth A330 MRTT would be delivered to the RAAF in the third quarter of 2012.

Separately, Brown said that Qantas Defence Services has submitted a proposal to the RAAF for the conversion of four Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft which could be donated to Indonesia.

Brown says "tripartite talks" are underway between Australia, Indonesia, and the United States about these aircraft. Australia obtained the aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, and needs US clearance for the Indonesian transaction to take place.

(FlightGlobal)

PAF is Expected to Acquire Two Type of New Planes

26 Mei 2012

For the LIFT planes the options include TA-50 Golden Eagle, M-346 Master, Yak-130 Mitten, and L-159B ALCA. For the SAA planes the options inculde AT-6B Texan II, EMB 314 Super Tucano, KA-1 Wongbee, andAir Tractor AT-802U. (photo : network54)

PAF getting new planes

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to revive the famed "Blue Diamond" Squadron as soon as it acquires new aircraft capable of defending the country's airspace and humanitarian missions.

This was learned from PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol in an exlusive interview at Villamor Air Base (VAB) in Pasay City.

“We have identified our needs through our capability upgrade program (CUP) and Defense Acquisition System (DAS) as identified by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin,” Okol told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Okol said the highest priority is the revival of the country’s Air Defense System (ADS) which is in the form of Lead-in Fighter Trainers (LIFT)-Surface Attack Aircraft (SAA) role to be used for territorial defense as well as infrastructure.

He said the PAF is expected to acquire new planes July 2012. These include TA-50 Golden Eagle (Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea; M-346 Master - Alenia Aermacchi (Italy); Yak-130 Mitten - Yakovlev Design Bureau (Russia); and L-159B ALCA - Aero Vodochody (Czech Republic).

Okol said the PAF is also looking to replace its entire OV-10 Bronco fleet which is currently used for close air support and aerial reconnaissance platforms.

Being considered are the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II, Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, KAI KA-1 Woongbi, and, reportedly, the Air Tractor Air Tractor AT-802U.

Hawker Beechcraft demonstrated their AT-6B Texan II, together with their other aircraft line, on April 2012 with a display at Clark Air Base

PAF retired its fleet of Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter with a ceremony on October 1, 2005. The F-5s were used by the PAF's Blue Diamonds aerobatics team and have appeared in several films and television programs shot in the Philippines.

Okol said PAF is prioritizing the resurgence of its capability by acquiring leading multi-role fighter jets and other aircraft with disaster response capability. “If we already have a hundred fighter planes then we can revive the Blue Diamonds,” he said.

In June 2010, the Department of National Defense (DND) was also looking at Canada for used CF-18s or Francefor its used Mirage F1s, although no decision or purchase came up

The PAF official said a country’s precision aerobatics team carries the type of a combat aircraft of a nation.

The United States has the “Thunderbirds” for the Air Force and “Blue Angels” for the Navy.

Recently, PAF acquired multi-role helicopters worth P 2.8 billion which the Philippinesreceived as part of its modernization program.

The new W-3 Sokol (Falcon) helicopters are used for combat support as well as disaster relief missions.

“Our pilots are already training for the use of four of these newly acquired aircraft in time for the rainy season,” Okol said. (PAF/RJB/JCA-PIA NCR)

(PIA)

Royal Cambodian Air Force Received Two Xian MA-60 Aircraft

24 Mei 2012

Xian MA-60 transport aircraft (photo : clubchina)

Royal Cambodian Air Force-XAIC MA60 Aircraft Hand-over Ceremony

On May 18, Xi'an Aircraft Industry (Group) Company Limited (XAC) delivered two Modern Ark 60 (MA60) aircraft to the Royal Cambodian Air Force. This is the first MA60 exportation to Cambodia.

Chau Phirun, General Director of Materiel and Techniques of the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia, Soeung Samyang, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force, Kong Mony, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Air Force as well as the related officials from Xi'an Aircraft International Corporation (XAIC) attended the delivery ceremony.

General Chau Phirun addressed at the ceremony that, the bilateral cooperation has been successful and fruitful while the friendship between China and Cambodia has been strengthened. He hoped Cambodia will better operate the MA60s under XAC's help and the aircraft will better serve the Royal Cambodian Air Force.

Jiang Jianjun, General Manager of XAIC, said at the ceremony that, a profound friendship has been established during the first cooperation between Cambodia and China in the civil aviation field while further cooperation is also promising. He was looking forward to seeing MA60's advantages such as comfort, reliability and fuel efficiency being further proved and demonstrated during the operation in Cambodia. He hoped that MA60 will boost more comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and China in the fields such as the civil aircraft products and services as well as build an efficient, economical and convenient air bridge for the trade communications and economic developments of Cambodia. Meanwhile, Jiang promised that the plane maker will continuously provide high quality aircraft and considerate customer services.

On Feb 18, 2012, the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia placed a formal order for two MA60 aircraft from XAC. The course arrangement for the Cambodian trainee pilots having training at XAC, the aircraft coating, the cabin configuration as well as the avionics data have been confirmed gradually after thorough coordination. In addition, all XAC departments accomplished necessary delivery preliminaries on schedule through close collaboration and active preparation.

(Wcarn)

Possible FMS for 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to Australia

23 Mei 2012

EA-18G Growler (photo : Militaryphotos)

WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to convert F/A-18F aircrafts to the G configuration and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to convert F/A-18F aircrafts to G configuration, (34) AN/ALQ-99F(V) Tactical Jamming System Pods, (22) CN-1717/A Interference Cancellation Systems (INCANS), (22) R-2674(C)/A Joint Tactical Terminal Receiver (JTTR) Systems, (30) LAU-118 Guided Missile Launchers, Command Launch Computer (CLC) for High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government (USG) and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $1.7 billion.

Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact to regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(DSCA)

Vietnam has Received Three Su-30MK2

16 Mei 2012

Vietnam has continued to receive 3 more advanced fighters Su-30MK2, in total Vietnam has 23 Su-30MK2 because one of the aircraft crashed during trial test in Russia (photo : Aviator 007)

"Rosoboronexport" and "Sukhoi" company set in

Vietnam

three multipurpose fighter Su-30MK2, said the military-diplomatic source.

"Aircraft have been delivered to the customer. In the near future they will become part of the Vietnamese Air Force, "- said the source.

He noted that at the Komsomolsk-on-AmurAircraft Production Association is building the next batch of fighter jets destined for delivery to Vietnamin accordance with the previously signed contracts.

The interviewer reminded the agency that currently are in operation two contracts to supply aircraft to Vietnam. First, the total cost of about $ 400 million, provides for the delivery of eight Su-30MK2, the second contract, worth, according to unofficial data, is already a billion dollars Vietnamese Air Force will receive 12 Su-30MK2. These contracts also provided for the supply of weapons, equipment and spare parts for these aircraft.

Earlier it was reported that in the future of Vietnam may buy another 24 Su-30MK2.

Previous batch of four aircraft was delivered to Vietnamese Air Force in December last year.

This time it was sent to Vietnamthree rather than four Su-30MK2 due to the fact that one of the fighters destined for Vietnam, crashed during a flyby in February of this year. "In the near future, the delivery schedule will be restored. Construction of the new aircraft is already under way in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, "- said the source.

According to the correspondents' military-industrial complex, news agencies ARMS-TASS and Interfax-AVN

(VPK-News)

Air Force Swaps 3 G222 Planes for 1 Saab 340B

14 Mei 2012

Acceptance ceremony for Saab 340B aircraft for RTAF (photo : RTAF)

Air force swaps 3 planes for 1

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has exchanged three G222 transport aircraft with a Saab 340B aircraft from Sweden as the G222 planes, which already had been grounded, had no spare parts.

The Saab 340B aircraft has arrived in Surat Thani and was handed over by Saab on May 2, a source at the RTAF said.

The air force earlier purchased 12 Gripen fighter jets, a Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft and a Saab 340 aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer.

The air force had six G222 planes and all had been grounded due to a lack of spare parts.

RTAF G-222 transport aircraft (photo : Plane Pictures)

Air Marshal Chumphon Chanthavani travelled to the USA to sign a contract to exchange the aircraft on Feb 23.

Saab handed over its aircraft to the air force at Wing 7 in Surat Thani on May 2.

Meanwhile, air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn said an investigative team looking into an accident involving a Thai air force plane in Bangladesh has returned to Thailand and is assessing damages caused to the plane.

The ATR-72-500 aircraft lost control and skidded off a runway at a Bangladeshi airport on April 30.

Three passengers suffered minor injuries.

(Bangkok Post)

Australia Confirms Deal for 10 C-27Js

10 May 2012

The Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion. (photo : Defense Update)

New Battlefield aircraft for the Air Force

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load and still access small, soft, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain repeated use of larger aircraft.

In Australia, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. In our region, the C-27J will be able to access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C‑130 Hercules aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australia and overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of causalities.

A Battlefield Airlifter needs to be able to operate in a high threat environment. The C-27J with its missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour provides protection from threats ranging from small arms to highly lethal man portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

The C-27J was assessed by Defence as the aircraft which best met all the essential capability requirements and provides the best value for money. It was assessed as being able to fly further, faster, higher while carrying more cargo and requiring a smaller runway than the other aircraft under consideration, the Airbus Military C-295.

The acquisition of the 10 C-27J aircraft with associated support equipment will be conducted through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement with the United States (US) at a cost of around $1.4 billion.

The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015 with the Initial Operating Capability scheduled for the end of 2016.

Initial logistic support, including training for aircrew and maintenance personnel will be provided through the FMS program, utilising the system that has been established in the US.

Defence will seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that RAAF can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

Since the retirement of the Caribou fleet in 2009, Australia’s military airlift capability has comprised C‑17 heavy lift aircraft, C‑130 H and J model Hercules aircraft, the Interim Light Transport aircraft (8 Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft) and Navy and Army helicopters.

In the Budget the Government announced the retirement of the C-130H, which will proceed in an orderly fashion over the course of the year.

The 10 C-27J will be based in Richmond.

(Aus DoD)

Philippines Junks Plan to Buy 'Ageing' F16s

10 Mei 2012

The Philippine government has lined up the purchase of several air assets, including 21 UH1H helicopters, 10 attack helicopters and two C130 cargo planes. (photo : 144fw-ANG)

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines has abandoned plans to purchase “ageing” F16 fighter jets from the United States after deciding repairing and refurbishing the aircraft would cost too much.

“F16 is an ageing air asset that will be given to us. It’s mothballed and if you’re going to refurbish it, we have to evaluate because it will cost too much,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told a news briefing.

Even after refurbishing, he added, the jets would only have three to four years of flying time left.

“Lugi ka (You lose),” Gazmin said.

The defense chief said the fighter jets were not brought up during the 2+2 meeting with US officials in Washington.

However, the Philippine government has lined up the purchase of several air assets, including 21 Vietnam War-vintage UH1H helicopters, 10 attack helicopters and two C130 cargo planes.
The Philippines is also expecting four additional SoKol choppers within the year.

(Interaksyon)

DND Eyes Second-Hand Jets, Gunboats from Four Countries apart from US

09 Mei 2012

The DND is eyeing second-hand fighter jets and missile-firing gunboats from at least four states apart from the

, there are

France

Italy

, the

United Kingdom

and

South Korea

. (photo : enemyforces)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing second-hand fighter jets and missile-firing gunboats from at least four friendly states apart from the

United States

in line with the country’s ongoing effort to build a credible territorial defense.

According to Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesman, there are now ongoing acquisition efforts for these air and sea fighting equipment from France, Italy, the United Kingdom and South Korea.

“We now have this defense cooperative arrangements with these countries and through this scheme we will able to acquire fighter jets and gunboats at a lower price from them,” Galvez said yesterday.

Among the factors being considered by the department in its defense procurement program are the capability, longevity and cost of maintenance of these air and naval assets.

Now locked in a standoff with China over Panatag Shoal in Zambales, the country was earlier reported to be eyeing the procurement of a squadron of second-hand F-16 fighter planes and gunboats from the US Coast Guard.

“It’s not necessarily F-16s. We are also looking at jetfighters with the same capability as that of the F-16s but are cost-efficient and low in maintenance,” he said.

He added the acquisition program would also cover the Navy, which is awaiting transfer of the Hamilton-class cutter USS Dallas later this year.

The defense acquisition program is among 132 projects the department is eyeing to complete before the end of July.

“With the full backing of the President and with the assistance coming from friendly states, we will be able to achieve... a credible territorial defense,” Galvez said.

The US-based Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has said that the Philippines needs up to four squadrons (48) of upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, well-armed frigates and corvette-size, fast to surface combatant vessels and minesweepers and four to six mini submarines, possibly obtained from Russia, to build a credible defense force in the face of China’s increasing belligerence in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In an article “Defending the Philippines: Military modernization and the challenges ahead” written by Richard Fisher, CNAS pointed out that this level of capability would far exceed current Philippine planning and finances and it would be in Washington’s interest to make it easier for Manila to acquire US fighters, frigates and other weapons system and encourage other countries such as Japan and South Korea to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippine Air Force is presently relying on a single trainer jet converted into a fighter aircraft as well as several units of Vietnam-vintage OV-10 Bronco bombers, UH-IH and M520 attack helicopters as well as four newly delivered Sokol helicopters from Poland to guard the country’s skies.

The Navy, aside from several Peacock-class warships and a couple of World War II-vintage ships, simply relies on its newly acquired Hamilton-class cutter from the US, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, to secure maritime domain.

The country, through the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and absent a credible territorial defense, could only watch China lording it over Panatag Shoal, a rich Filipino fishing ground 124 nautical miles from Zambales province.

(PhilStar)

US Offers Singapore $435 Million F-15SG Support Package

02 Mei 2012

The munitions for F-15SG include 40 GBU-10 Paveway laser guided bombs and 85 GBU-12s (photo : nighteye)

The US government could sell Singapore a support package related to Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing F-15SG detachment located at Mountain Home air base in Idaho.

The five year Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package includes a range of bombs and guidance units, as well as other support services related to the Singapore Peace Carvin V detachment, says the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. It values the deal at $435 million.

The announcement follows a request from the Singapore government. The munitions include 40 GBU-10 Paveway laser guided bombs and 85 GBU-12s.

"Singapore needs this training and munitions to support its F-15 aircraft," says the DSCA. "This program will enable Singapore to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots to support its current and future F-15 aircraft inventory. The

well-established pilot proficiency training program at Mountain Home air force base will support professional interaction and enhance operational interoperability with U.S. forces."

Given space constraints in Singapore, several units are based overseas on a semi-permanent basis. Singapore operates 24 F-15SGs.

(FlightGlobal)

Vietnam will Receive Three Su-30MK2 in Early May

28 April 2012

Vietnam's Su-30MK2 (photo : ttvnol)

Vietnamhas sent expert team to

Russia

's Air Force to receive three multi-purpose fighter Su-30MK2.

Written in Militarynews.ru, source close to the Russian defense industry on 26/4, said Russiais preparing to transfer to Vietnam3 more Su-30MK2 in half earlier May 2012.

According to sources, coalition aircraft production at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur, aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of the Sukhoi company has welcomed Air Force member delegation from Vietnam to the procedures for receiving the modern fighter.

"Within 2 - 3 weeks, both sides will sign the minutes of the transfer and reception in the second half of the beginning of the month 5/2012 of delivery of fighter aircraft orders" - Russian airlines industry sources told Militarynews.

According to this source, initially they (Sukhoi company) plans to provide Vietnam4 aircraft, but one of which crashed in flight testing on 28/2.

(BaoDatViet)

Australia Extends Singapore Air Force's Access to Training Facilities

26 April 2012

The RSAF can deploy up to 12 Super Pumas along with 250 personnel and family members as RSAF’s 126Sqn (Training/Support for army exercises) at Oakey Army Aviation Centre. RSAF also deploys 19 × PC-21 (Basic Training) as RSAF’s 130 Sqn at RAAF Base Pearce (photo : abpic)

SINGAPORE: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard indicated on Monday that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) would be allowed continued access to training facilities in Oakey, Queensland.

She was speaking in Singapore where she is on her first official visit as prime minister.

Earlier in the day, she was given a ceremonial welcome at the Istana.

Also present was Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After the ceremony, Ms Gillard met Singapore's Acting President J Y Pillay at the Istana.

At an official dinner hosted in her honour, Ms Gillard said that Singapore was a "partner and friend with a capacity to bring pragmatic and far-sighted thinking to regional and global challenges".

"We share defence and strategic interests, underpinned by a commitment to multi-lateralism and regional cooperation," she added.

"Of course, we value our economic links and seek to learn from your example of adaptation and innovation as Australia remakes its economy for the demands of the 'Asian Century'."

Prime Minister Lee, who was in attendance at the dinner, said "Singapore and Australia enjoy a close and long-standing relationship".

"Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore's independence in 1965. For that we will always be grateful," Mr Lee said.

"Since then, our relationship has remained close, underpinned by our shared strategic perspectives and wide-ranging cooperation."

Mr Lee added that defence cooperation is also key to the two countries' relationship.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been warmly received during training exercises in Rockhampton, Oakey, Pearce and Tamworth in Australia, and had helped in disaster relief efforts during the floods in Queensland last year, he said.

Mr Lee added that Singapore would support Australia's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council in the year 2013-2014.

He also said Singapore shares a commitment with Australia on trade liberalisation, adding that Singapore is the fifth largest investor in Australia, and thanks to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), economic ties are growing.

Australian investments in Singapore more than doubled between 2005 and 2010, with the number of Australians doing business in Singapore growing about 10 per cent a year.

Singapore gets close to a million Australian tourists annually, while Australia receives more than 300,000 visitors from Singapore each year.

There are more than 20,000 Australians living and working in Singapore and around 50,000 Singaporeans in Australia, including 10,000 students.

Ms Gillard said she hopes to find more ways for the two countries to work together when Mr Lee visits Australia this October.

Earlier in the day, Ms Gillard presented Singaporean businessman Ow Chio Kiat, with the award of "Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia".

Mr Ow, who is the executive chairman of Stamford Land Corporation, received the award for his service to the development of commercial relations and identifying business opportunities between Australia and Singapore.

Ms Gillard also had an orchid hybrid named after her at the National Orchid Garden.

The Dendrobium Julia Gillard bears dark purple flowers which measure up to 7 centimetres across.

(ChannelNewsAsia)

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