A company named Airbus Defence and Space, through its representative, has expressed optimism that it could fill the requirements of the Philippines’ Armed Forces modernization program. The statement was made by Airbus Defence and Space head of Southeast Asia Johan Pelissier.
Many of us Filipinos are not familiar with Airbus Defence and Space: what country does it originate from? A Google check reveals that the company is European-based, with its headquarters currently in Blagnac, France. Airbus began as a consortium (a group) of aircraft makers called Airbus Industrie. Later, in 2001, it became a joint-stock company.
It is surprising that the company’s spokesperson has expressed confidence that it has the portfolio to fill not only the air-transport requirements of the Philippines but also maritime security requirements. Arbus, after all, has established a reputation for being the second largest space company after Boeing. Our surprise comes from the fact that there has been fairly recent news identifying which countries we would rely on for modernization requirements.
It may be recalled that in August of this year, the Department of National Defense (DND), as represented by its spokesman Arsenio Andolong, has stated that it would only procure submarines and other equipment that is in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program. Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP) has a budget of P300 billion, from which the amount for purchasing the country’s first submarines can be sourced.
In that matter of submarine acquisition, Russia is the country that comes to mind considering that Russia has pledged to help the Philippine Navy in its modernization plans in terms of training and maintenance, particularly in a submarine project. A project with Russia involves the acquisition of the Philippines’ very first diesel-electric submarines, and a Submarine Group has even been formed to oversee it.
As for air-transport requirements: President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to procure air-transport and intelligence-gathering equipment only from Israel. The reason behind the said order is that Duterte believes that the Middle Eastern country would not use such equipment or aircraft to spy on the Philippine government’s activities.
Be that as it may, Duterte’s mind has changed before. We have to wonder where Pelissier is coming from with his unguarded optimism. Is a deal with the Philippine government already being made months before it will be reported? It may be that said optimism is based on his informed opinion that Airbus offers good value for money.
https://www.technochops.com/european-company-expresses-optimism-in-filling-afp-modernization-requirements/12622/
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