P75-billion military modernization implemented until 2016–DND

THE Department of National Defense on Wednesday said President Aquino is serious in achieving credible territorial defense for the country before he steps down in 2016 with the acquisition of 24 big-ticket items with a budget of P75 billion to modernize the Armed Forces.

 

“Our objective is for all the items to be delivered and ready for use by the Armed Forces within the term of the President. These 24 big- ticket items are already in various stages of acquisition,” Fernando Manalo, defense undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiél, said.

 

First on sight is the acquisition of 12  Korean-made FA-50 “Golden Eagle” lead-in semi-multirole fighter jets with a budget of P18.9 billion and two amphibious support vessels worth P4 billion.

 

Manalo said negotiations for purchase of the aircraft from the Korean Air Space through the government of South Korea is nearly completed. The acquisition, he said, will be under a government-to-government agreement.

 

“Once the budget is approved, it will become so easy to enter formal negotiations. The budget aside, we are waiting confirmation from the Office of the President on the sales agreement that will be signed by our [defense] secretary and our Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in Seoul. A sales agreement will lead to the signing of a government-to-government contract by representatives of the two governments,” Manalo said.

 

Second is the acquisition of two frigates for the Navy and two additional amphibious support vehicles with a budget of P8 billion. “We look forward to the delivery of at least four [warships]. Concerning our frigates an acquisition decision memorandum was already issued, which means the Navy had already submitted the needed document of specifications. So we can start now with the two-stage public bidding,” Manalo said.

Manalo said they are now looking for a consultant to help the procurement body when it comes to technical specifications for the vessels.

 

Also on the 24 wish list are rocket launchers for the Army; radar system support facilities, close-air support, combat utility helicopters, flight simulator and long-range patrol aircraft for the Air Force; and helicopters, multipurpose attack craft and base support for the Navy.

 

“Modernization is being implemented because there is really a need to equip our Armed Forces. We really need this because of the fact that every nation wants to modernize its armed forces and just look at our neighbors in the region—they are investing billions of dollars for the acquisition of equipment,” he explained.

 

“Let’s give our Armed Forces a chance to have modern equipment. It may not [be] at par with other countries around us, but at least it is something that we Filipinos can be proud of. As a former soldier, it is a source of pride like me and I’m sure all of us believe it will be a source of pride [for all of us] if we see our Armed Forces equipped with modern weapons,” he added.