(SONA) PHL military gets much needed boost with delivery of 14 big-ticket items this 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): (SONA) PHL military gets much needed boost with delivery of 14 big-ticket items this 2014

With 14 big-ticket items scheduled for completion this year, the Philippine military is now on its way to attaining its goal of having a "minimum credible defense posture."

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said these 14 big-ticket items include the delivery of assault rifles for the Army and Marines, additional UH-1H helicopters for the Air Force, close combat optics, and explosive ordnance disposal equipment.

"We are getting closer to our desired state in terms of capability and readiness with our recent acquisitions, and those we are expecting to be delivered in the next few months," Gazmin said.

Military projects slated for completion for 2014 are worth Php6.2-billion.

A total of 37 projects have already been completed under the Aquino administration, amounting to Php9.2-billion.

As of July 8, another 10 projects worth another Php17.3- billion are expected to be delivered in 2015.

The major equipment to be delivered include armored vehicles for the Army, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, light lift and medium lift aircrafts for the Air Force, and naval helicopters for the Navy.

Gazmin said that the first two units of the 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter/trainers worth Php18.9- billion from South Korea are also expected to arrive next year.

The term “minimum credible defense posture” pertains to the establishment of an effective force presence inside the Philippines and its exclusive economic zone with exhibited competence to defend the country and protect its national interests if and when the need arises.

"This includes the ability to conduct wide surveillance and monitoring of developments within the country’s territory, and have an extensive command and control as well as the capacity to provide an expedient and efficient response to untoward incidents," Gazmin said.

He emphasized that most of the equipment and assets acquired can be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The remaining projects in the modernization program are also in the advanced stages of procurement or are nearing completion.

These include the additional rifles for the Army, frigates and amphibious assault vehicle for the Navy, and air defense surveillance radar for the Air Force.

The revised AFP modernization program for 2013-2017 has a budget of Php85.3- billion which will be spread out over a five-year period.

From 2013-2017, Php8.6- billion will be allocated to the Army, Php43.3- billion to the Air Force, Php28.2- billion to the Navy and Php52- billion to AFP general headquarters.

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