R2.3-B Radars To Boost Air Force

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 29): R2.3-B Radars To Boost Air Force

As the military builds up its air-defense capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is acquiring three radars with a project cost of about P2.3 billion, said PAF vice commander Maj. Gen. Raul Dimatatac. Interviewed at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, Dimatatac told reporters: “We are looking at installing three radars for our three major sites.” The radars, he said, are among those listed in the PAF’s wish list for the P75-billion military modernization budget for the next five years. “Although we were given by the government P75 billion for the next five years . . . we have a lot of concerns insofar as security is concerned so we really have to prioritize,” said Dimatatac. He said for the air force, among the items lined up for acquisition aside from the radar system are surface attack aircraft (SAA), light lift and long range patrol aircraft, and additional UH1H helicopters.

The PAF vice commander earlier expressed his pleasure at the activation of the third C-130 Lockheed “Hercules” cargo plane in their inventory. Last Friday, the military recommissioned some of its air and ground assets that underwent major refurbishment, with all the work done locally. Among the recommissioned assets aside from the C-130, was a Cessna 210, the PAF’s platform for rainmaking; one UH1H combat utility helicopter; and 12 M-35 trucks. “This is definitely a big improvement to the PAF’s airlift capability considering that for the past years, we only have one C-130 aircraft in service,” said Dimatatac. He said the three C-130 cargo planes will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support the government in its various development and relief missions.

Aside from improving the PAF’s cargo lift capability, Dimatatac said the three aircraft will definitely boost the morale of their aircrew as they now know that they have a sufficient number of planes to perform their missions. The last time the PAF had three operational C-130s was in 1989, or 23 years ago. Dimatatac also said their C-130s have no lifespan or shelf life to speak off as long as they meet or comply with their maintenance checks.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/387632/r23b-radars-to-boost-air-force