Folding gun? High-tech weapons wow PH soldiers

From Rappler (Jul 20): Folding gun? High-tech weapons wow PH soldiers

Military suppliers from around the world flocked to Manila for the first defense and security exhibition held in the Philippines in more than 15 years


  

POPULAR BOOTH: A Filipino soldier tries the CornerShot weapon accessory at the ADAS 2014 defense and security exhibit in Manila. Rappler photo

Elite officers of the Philippine Army have wanted the CornerShort since they saw it on the Discovery Channel. Many of them got to see, hold, and play with it for the first time as military suppliers from around the world flocked to Manila July 17-18 for the first defense and security exhibition held in the Philippines in more than 15 years.

Up to 130 international companies, many of them bidders to the ongoing modernization projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), participated in the ADAS 2014 Asian Defense Security and Crisis Management exhibition and conference at the World Trade Center.

"Imagine if we had that during the Zamboanga siege. The Light Reaction Regiment (LRR) could use that," quipped an Army general impressed with CornerShot. It an expensive accessory that the Army may not afford yet – but the troops got a thrill playing with it.

To a civilian, it looks like a folding machine gun. You can twist the barrel left and right to shoot sideways – a stuff previously seen only in cartoons. It's actually a specialized weapon accessory with a color video camera developed by the Israelis for rural combat scenarios like the September 2013 siege of Zamboanga City, where the elite LRR had to comb shanties one by one to clear them of rebels.

With CornerShot, soldiers don't have to peep through a window and die because the enemies are waiting for them. They only have to insert their guns to a window or a door and stay hidden and safe. Let the video camera show them what's happening inside and shoot if they see the enemy.

The defense and security exhibit offers the Philippines a chance to scrutizine and discuss what the supppliers have to offer. It's a lot better than checking out the products online, officers said. Representatives of neighboring Asian countries' militaries also came to Manila to check out the exhibit.

"We are focusing on enhancing our move, shoot, and communication capabilites. The exhibit provides us the opportunity to see what is available in the market today. Unlike before, we only see them in the Internet. We brought here our major unit commanders so they can see for themselves the different options," said Army chief Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri.

FA-50: The Philippines recently signed a contract acquiring a squadron of FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea. Rappler photo

There are booths for the Air Force pilots and Navy commanders, too. But unlike the Army troops who got to see the actual weapons, the pilots and the commanders looked at models of aircrafts and ships. Discussions on technical specifications were heard in these booths.

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased a model of the FA-50 fighter jet, which the Philippines is acquiring. At least 2 of 12 are scheduled to arrive next year. Nearby, a former Air Force general was making a case against the project reiterating arguments that FA-50 is a trainer and the Air Force pilots already have advanced skills for fighter jets.

SHIPS, TOO: Navy officers checking out ship models

The exhibit was organized as the Philippines seeks to modernize its military amid escalating regional maritime conflict. In his speech during the opening ceremony, President Benigno Aquino III boasted that his administration allocated P40 billion to modernize the capabilities of the military. He said former President Gloria Arroyo only allocated P26 billion during her 9-year term.

"For the longest time, the state of our military’s equipment had been neglected. It reached a point where even lawless elements possessed superior equipment. This is precisely why, from day one, we have done everything in our power to give the AFP the support they need to perform their duties to the fullest of their capabilities—and to make sure that the risks they take in the battlefield are reduced to a bare minimum," Aquino said.

But Aquino said the AFP modernization is not to provoke neighbors.

"Lest anyone accuse us of shifting to a more militaristic position, I must emphasize: Our efforts seek to modernize the capabilities of our security sector is to address the needs in human disaster response arenas and for our own internal defense. None of these actions are meant to increase tensions in the region; rather, they are meant to address our domestic problems and issues," Aquino said.

Hoping for a peaceful resolution of the maritime conflict, Philippines lodged an international arbitration case against China's actions in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea).

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63808-adas-2014-philippines-military-technology-exhibit