DND eyes 2 more choppers for PN

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 7): DND eyes 2 more choppers for PN

Realizing the tactical value of naval helicopters in patrolling and securing the country’s vast maritime territory, the Department of National Defense (DND) said they are mulling the purchase of two more AW-109 choppers. This is aside from the three bought through a contract of agreement signed last Dec. 20 and expected to be delivered by 2014.  The acquisition of the two extra naval helicopters will depend on funding and DND observers said the decision to finalize the deal will hopefully be reached this year.

The Philippine Navy (PN) needs additional naval and air platform to secure the country’s vast maritime territory which is placed at more than 30,000 square kilometers. At present, the PN only has about 134 naval craft of various tonnages and designs and 12 fly-able air assets to secure this rich territory from foreign intruders.

With the arrival of the three new AW-109s by 2014 and another Hamilton-class cutter, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), by March, the country is expected to increase its patrol and surveillance capabilities by a significant degree. The three rotary wing aircraft has a net price of P1,337,176,584 while the BRP Ramon Alcaraz is worth over P500 million. It is expected to be delivered by 2014. The contract was signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.

The acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. “The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

Meanwhile, Fernando Manalo, DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation and material, said that five countries have expressed their intention to sell to the Philippines modern frigates and offshore patrol vessels, which will help the country protect its vast maritime territories. He said that offers have been coming from the United States, Israel, Croatia, South Korea and even Australia. All vessels being offered by these nations are brand new.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/8843-dnd-eyes-2-more-choppers-for-pn