Philippines Air Force Modernization : Likely To Buy Attack Helicopters This Year.

Photo Credits: Airbus Helicopter

Modernisation of Philippines Armed Forces need to be fast-tracked as tensions in South China Sea are rising day by day. Philippines Air Force wants to be combat ready to to serve as the premier force to secure the sovereignty of Philippines territory and interests against Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea.

As per some reports and as reported by MaxDefense, Phil Air Force is likely to get 30 armed combat helicopter in the coming years, as President Rodrigo Duterte during the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force last July 2016, has stated that government will procure more helicopters with night vision capabilities.

“We will acquire more helicopters and night vision capability. ‘Yan ang nagha-hamper e. If I have that then we can improve our performance,” 

According to sources cited by MaxDefense, Philippine Air Force officials are expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 armed helicopters this year itself. The armed helicopters expected to be acquired by Philippines will be modified AgustaWestland AW-109 Power gunship and Bell 412-EP combat utility helicopters (CUH).

President Rodrigo Duterte has ensured the people of Philippines during his first visit to 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao that the modernisation of Philippines Armed Forces will continue and we will acquire new equipments as well as further boost the capabilities of our soldiers engaged in focused military operation in Basilan, Sulu, Central Mindanao, and other areas in southern Philippines against anti-insurgency” and “anti-terrorism operations.

Priorities have been made to modernise the soldiers and boost their strength for better survivability against any kind of threat.

"President said that new procurements will be more of force protection equipment (FPE) for our soldiers like helmets and vests, more night-fighting systems capability, additional fast crafts for our Navy, additional helicopters capable of night flight for the Navy and Air Force, and more communications equipment,”.

This has to noticed that acquisition of armed helicopters will further boost the capabilities of soldiers engaged in anti-insurgency and anti-terrorist ops in harsh conditions, having night-vision capabilities conducting missions in night will be more effective and easy for soldiers. Philippines Air Force in 2013 announced that it will buy 12 South Korean FA-50 Golden Eagle fighter jets, the first jet it will operate since the F-5 fleet was retired in 2005.

Philippines Air Force after signing a deal worth P18.9 billion with South Korean KAI firm started receiving new fighter/trainer jets from South Korea, two FA-50 airframes arrived in Philippines in November 28, 2015, marking what the military calls a “return to the supersonic jet age.”

Philippines Air Force KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle Fighter Aircraft. Photo Credits: Phil Air Force

Two more jet aircraft were delivered on Thursday, December 01 2016 to Phil Air Force from South Korean aircraft manufacturer. Remaining eight FA-50 jets are expected to be delivered by September this year as provisioned in the contract. Acquisition of these 12 FA-50 fighter jets will allow Philippines Air Force to establish a "minimum air defense posture" and protect Philippine territory during any conflict event.

Flight Plan-2028: 

Flight Plan-2028 is a 14-year program provisioned under the Aquino administration designed to "detect, intercept, and neutralize" any intrusions in the air defense zone and local waters in areas like the West Philippine Sea to protect the key interests, philippines territory and sovereignty against any intruders.

The program mainly focused on strengthening the capabilities of Phil Air Force heavily and to be able to perform a wide variety of missions during any hostile event. And of course, every plan needs the support of whoever is in the administration to protect the nation. The Flight Plan-2028 has been laid out to acquire following equipments from foreign supplier.

• 24 Ground-attack fighter jets
• 2 Airborne Early Warning System and Control (AWACS System)
• 4 Electronic Countermeasures Aircraft
• 1 Mid-Air Refueling Aircraft (Tanker Aircraft)
• 12 Combat/Trainer Aircraft (KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle)

While the Flight Plan-2028 has been kicked off in 2013 by ordering 12 KAI FA-50 fighter/trainer aircraft from South Korea, the remaining proposed equipments will follow as soon as tender has floated and deal signed with respective winners. ₱56.79 billion has been allotted by Aquino administration for the modernisation of Armed Forces.

Under the Flight Plan-2028 program two more C-130 multi-mission strategic military cargo aircraft will be purchased and are likely to arrive by the end of this year. Philippines will also receive three ground-based detection radars which are scheduled to be arrived in batches by 2018. Phil Air Force will station one of the ground-based radar in the West Philippine Sea area to detect any intrusion by Chinese jets.

While Philippines is increasing its military strength and improving air defense system, the recents visits of Japanese, American and other partner nations officials have offered joint air defense operations, training and exercise in West Philippine Sea area where freedom of navigation and flight must be ensured to keep the situation stable in the region.

Article © Global Defense Journal