3 considerations set for acquisition of modern defense equipment --DND official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): 3 considerations set for acquisition of modern defense equipment --DND official
 

In programming the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, three important criteria or considerations have been set by defense planners.

"Number one requirement is that the equipment must be or can be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR)," Defense undersecretary for finance, munition, installations, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo said.

Second is that it can be utilized for internal security operations, and third, it can be used to protect the country's interests at the West Philippine Sea, he added.

Once these criteria are met, only then can defense planners start conducting studies on how to acquire the defense equipment.

Manalo earlier said that the country may need more than PhP90.858 billion to modernize the military during the second phase of its modernization from 2018 to 2023.

The defense official made this statement after his presentation on the status of modernization projects under what the Department of National Defense calls the "First Horizon" which started in 2014 and will end in 2017.

Acquired during the "First Horizon" were the two Gregorio Del Pilar cutters, three combat utility helicopters for the Navy, two naval attack helicopters, six MPACs (multi-purpose assault craft), eight combat utility helicopters for the Air Force and refurbishment of two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes.

Under this timeline, the government is also spending PhP90.858 billion to buy missile-armed warships, fighter jets, helicopters, an air defense radar system, other defensive equipment.

This also includes upgrades and improvements for existing bases.

Manalo said that most of the defense program are ongoing with the government demonstrating its capability to fund these projects.

The "Second Horizon" is slated for 2018 to 2023 while the "Third Horizon" will run from 2024 to 2028.

Manalo declined to specify what types of equipment will be acquired under the second horizon, but said these will mostly be for disaster response and protecting territories in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

"It is sufficient (to say) we are heavy on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and protecting our interest in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

Manalo hinted that more fighter jets may be acquired under the "Second Horizon," saying that the current 12 units being bought from South Korea are "way below than what is needed by the Air Force."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723079