By 16 Januari 2017
PAF AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters (photo : Inquirer)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year, sources on Thursday told MaxDefense Philippines.
MaxDefense, the military analyst, has posted on Facebook saying he believes the PAF’s target will be “AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters.”
Based on information gathered from MaxDefense sources, the Philippine Air Force is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year, which MaxDefense believes to be AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters. This is in line with Pres. Duterte’s emphasis on beating internal security challenges during his term.
PAF Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters (photo : Economic Times)
Originally these helicopters are intended for acquisition under Horizon 2 phase but it appears to have been moved a year ahead, as 2017 is actually the last year of the AFP Modernization’s Horizon 1 phase. (Tankler)
AFP modernization to continue under Duterte administration
MANILA, Jan. 14 (PNA) — The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue under President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said.
The AFP Modernization Program, now on its Second Horizon, will continue as planned, he said.
The Second Horizon runs from 2018 to 2022 and will see the acquisition of equipment more attuned to external defense missions.
Lorenzana earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership as the program jibes with the Duterte administration’s plan to have a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory, especially its maritime areas.
He said that while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the southern Philippines, the defense department will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.
Some of the equipment acquired under the program are :
-three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) that arrived last Dec.9;
-six multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC);
-114 armored personnel carriers;
-three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft;
-three C-130 heavy transport;
-four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1;
-five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters and eight of its attack versions;
-five landing craft heavies;
-three multi-purpose attack craft; and
-two strategic sealift vessels. (PNA)
