Philippines : DND Eyes 100 New APCs from Italy

The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to acquire 100 armored personnel carriers (APC)s and dozens of artillery equipment from Italy in support of the military’s capability upgrade program.

Documents obtained by The STAR showed that the Italian government might donate 100 units of operational M113 APCs and 25 units of operational FH70 155 mm howitzers.

The possible donations are in connection with the procurement of other equipment that may become part of what the DND called the “Italian package.”

The DND is currently negotiating with Italy for the procurement of Maestrale-class ships, medium-lift fixed wing aircraft (C27J-Spartan), special mission aircraft and three naval helicopters.

If the procurement pushes through, the 100 APCs and 25 long-range cannons may be included in the package.

Royal Brunei Navy and Philippine Navy Conducts SEAGULL Exercise

MUARA NAVAL BASE - The Royal Brunei Navy and the Philippine Navy will be conducting a combined naval exercise code-named Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 05/12 on 19 - 25 November 2012. This is the fifth in the series of bilateral engagements between both navies, which is held bi-annually. The Royal Brunei Navy will be host to this year's event and all military activities will be conducted in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

This training activity aims to strengthen bilateral security relationship and cooperation as well as to enhance interoperability between the two navies, promote mutual understanding and to bolster the existing long-standing relationship among the officers and men of both navies.

Philippine military to acquire two anti-submarine helicopters

The Philippine government is acquiring two anti-submarine helicopters, worth about 5 billion pesos ($121 million), in line with its military modernization program.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said Monday they are considering buying four different types of anti-submarine helicopters. He would not elaborate but sources said the four includes AgustaWestland AW-109, a twin-engine, eight-seat multipurpose chopper.

"We are just waiting for the issuance of the acquisition decision memorandum (from Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin). We will deploy them (helicopters) with the frigates that we are also trying to acquire," Manalo said.

He is referring to the two Maestrale-class frigates that the department is eyeing to purchase from Italy.

Manalo said the fund to be used in the acquisition of the two helicopters will come from the 75 billion pesos ($1.82 billion ) budget for the five-year modernization program.

The budget is incorporated in a bill that seeks to extend the military's modernization law for another 15 years. The old modernization law, passed in 1995, lapsed last December.

Malaysia and Philippines Conduct Land MALPHI Exercise

13^th LAND MALPHI Exercise : A Philippine soldier, surrounded by his comrades, taking a closer look at a Belgium made Automatic Grenade Launcher on display during the launch of the exercise yesterday.

Malaysian, Philippine armies build better ties

KUCHING: The Malaysian and Philippine armies will further foster better relationship with each other through an exercise in supporting global peace.

Deputy Malaysian army chief Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi said this could be achieved through the enhancement of the scope of the Land MLAPHI Exercise involving the forces of both nations.

As such, he said, the current 13th Land MALPHI Exercise that was taking place at Penrissen Camp near here was not only focusing on the planning and conduct of conventional warfare setting in the Malaysian environment, but also to cover planning strategy and preparation to face the present global security situation.

 “The main objective of this exercise is to foster a good relationship between the Philippine and Malaysian army who have a common mission in preserving and maintaining peace and security of this region.

Philippines DND Plans to Purchase Indonesian Spy Plane

he government plans to procure a spy plane from Indonesia and a troop transport aircraft from Italy, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.

Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesman, said the long-range maritime patrol and surveillance plane is manufactured in Indonesia under a joint venture agreement with Spain.

“On our shortlist is the Indonesian aircraft,” he said. “The long-range patrol aircraft would be devoted solely to conducting maritime surveillance.”

The DND is also scouting for a medium lift aircraft from other European countries at a lower cost, Galvez said. 

Once President Aquino approves the acquisition, the spy plane would strengthen the country’s maritime domain awareness.

For a long time, the Armed Forces has been relying mainly on a small number of Islander planes for maritime and territorial patrol.

Philippine Army Looking For 155mm Howitzer

DND Shopping Around for Heavy Weapons, Trucks

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is in the market for heavy guns as well as military trucks for the Philippine Army (PA) in line with its ongoing efforts to modernize the military.

While there was no mention of the exact amount allotted for the procurement, Defense Undersecretary Antonio Romero said they are looking forward to the purchase of 155mm howitzers for the Army.

At present, the Army is heavily dependent on 105mm howitzers, which only have a maximum range of less than 12 kilometers (air distance), for its counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and anti-lawlessness campaign, especially in Mindanao.

The 155 mm howitzers, which have a range of 15 kilometers (air distance), will boost the Army’s reach into enemy lines, considering that most areas of conflict in the country are confined to rugged terrain.