Remington rifles to replace M16s of soldiers

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 26): Remington rifles to replace M16s of soldiers

The military is set to acquire more than 50,000 long firearms to replace the old M16 rifles currently being used by soldiers in the field.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the acquisition of new rifles is part of the modernization program initiated by the Aquino administration.

“Our modernization is now gradually being cascaded down in the field units,” said Gazmin.

At least 100 units of the M4 Remington rifle have already been delivered to the Defense Department, according to Gazmin.

By August, the official said they expect additional 27,200 units and another 23,000 by December this year.

“These are from the US. These will replace the old M16 rifles being used by our soldiers,” he added.

This year, the Philippine Air Force is set to receive seven of the 21 refurbished Huey helicopters that will be used for transport of personnel and military equipment. The choppers, he said, will also be used for disaster response.

By September next year, two of the 12 fighter jets bought from South Korea will be delivered. But Gazmin said they will be sending Air Force personnel to South Korea for training on how to fly the fighter jets.

President Aquino has embarked on aggressive modernization program in the light of the ongoing intense territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Navy is also being modernized with the  procurement of brand new warships in the coming year.

http://www.mb.com.ph/remington-rifles-to-replace-m16s-of-soldiers/