Should the Department of National Defense (DND)'s long range
patrol aircraft project come to a successful fruition, the Philippine Air Force
(PAF) will be provided with a capability to monitor and patrol its exclusive
economic zone (EEZ).
A state's EEZ is an area beyond and adjacent to the
territorial sea, extending seaward to a distance of no more than 200 nautical
miles (370 km) out from its coastal baseline.
PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said this proposed
aircraft could "act as the country's eyes and ears in the EEZ" due to
its longer range.
At the moment, the Air Force is using its Lockheed C-130
"Hercules" cargo planes, Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport
and GAF Nomad light utility aircraft for EEZ coverage mission.
Having a dedicated EEZ patrol aircraft will ensure adequate
protection of the country's territorial claims, aside from preserving the
above-mentioned planes for their primary missions.
The DND earlier announced it is allocating the sum of
PHP5,976,000,000 for the acquisition of two brand-new long range patrol
aircraft.
The contract includes sensors, sensors Integration, mission
support facilities and integrated logistics support package for the PAF which
is the specified user of the planes.
Funding will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the
Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund.
Bid opening is on March 14, 10:00 a.m. at the DND Bids and
Awards Committee Right Wing Basement, DND
Building , Camp
Aguinaldo , Quezon City
Acquisition of the two long range patrol aircraft is among
the seven modernization projects placed under the "Multi-Year
Contract" (MYC) scheme approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III last
year.
Other projects include the two missile-capable frigates now
undergoing bidding; two anti-submarine helicopters; eight amphibious assault
vehicles; six close-air support aircraft; munitions for the FA-50PH
light-interim fighter planes and surveillance systems for the Air Force.
Payment from the seven projects started last year and will
run until 2018.
The MYC grant will pave the way for the pursuit of the
military modernization program beyond Aquino's term.
Total value of the seven projects is about PHP44 billion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=862043
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