Your 1st for Philippine Defense


Thursday, May 2, 2013

An In-Depth Look at the Philippine Navy Frigate Program of 2013 (1st of several parts)

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) released information on the purchase of new frigates after the negotiation for ex-Italian Navy Maestrale-class frigates fell through. Latest announcements place the budget for 2 brand-new ships at Php 18 billion, an increase from the almost Php 12 billion budget for 2 of the ex-Italian ships. (US$1 = Php41.19 as of 2/5/13)


ITS Maestrale (F570), lead ship of the Maestrale-class frigate
(from Wikimedia)
According to news reports, possible sources of the ships are Spain, South Korea, France, Israel, Italy, Australia, the US, Singapore, and Croatia, among others. 

Questions are raised on many Philippine defense blogs & forums: What are we getting? What's the PN requirement for the ships? Is the budget enough? Is the budget too much? 

The 2 new frigates will be the first time the Philippine Navy (PN) will be purchasing brand new major surface combatants in its history. So far all its major combat assets are ex-US Navy/Coast Guard or Royal Navy excess defense articles. This program is a big leap since it would be the first time the PN will get a ship according to their actual requirement, will be brand new and not worn-down refurbished assets, and will be the most expensive defense project for  the Philippine government. It will also upgrade the PN's asset in terms of technological features in all aspects: weapons, sensors, machinery, design, stealth, aviation capability, electrical, safety, comfort, and all others. A big boost indeed for the PN.

Let's look at the budget: Php18 billion is around US$437 million, or US$218.5 million per ship. We compare this cost with the region's other comparable shipbuilding programs:

1. Indonesia's PKR 10514 Sigma-class by Damen Schelde Shipbuilding of the Netherlands and PT PAL of Indonesia: US$220 million for 1 unit (signed June 2012);

Indonesia's PKR Program is based on Damen Schelde's Sigma 10514 design

2. South Korea's FFX-1 Incheon-class by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI): US$232 million for the 1st unit, although HHI contract for the hull only was W140 billion (US$106.5 million) (signed December 2008);


South Korea's Incheon-class coastal frigate will replace the older corvette and frigate classes

3. Thailand's new frigate program based on Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) DW-3000H: B13 billion (US$442 million) for 1 unit;


Thailand's new frigate will be based on Daewoo's DW-3000H design

4. Malaysia's SGPV LCS Gowind-class by DCNS of France and Boustead Heavy Industries of Malaysia: MYR1.5 billion (US$467 million) each (signed December 2011);
A scale model of Malaysia's upcoming SGPV-LCS based on DCNS' Gowind-class combat corvette

It may seem that our budget of US$218.5 million per ship is small even compared to its cheapest equivalent program, the Indonesian PKR 10514 Sigma-class. But is it the case? Let's take a look at what the Philippine Navy's requirements are:

1. Based on their original interest in the Maestrale class, the ship was armed with 4 x long range anti-ship cruise missiles, a 127mm gun, 2 secondary twin 40mm guns, 2 triple lightweight torpedo launchers, an 8-cell anti aircraft missile launcher for medium range AAM, a hull mounted sonar, a separate air seach and surface search radars with corresponding fire control radars, a helipad and hangar for two 5-ton helicopters or one 10-ton helicopter. It is originally designed to be an ASW platform.

2. Previous reported PN/DND announcements require for a ship with at least a 2,000-ton displacement, a length greater than 100 meters, and have anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine capability. Very vague if you loom at it, too general.

3. We look at the current Philippine Navy weapons & sensors systems. So far at least 5 of its major warships are armed with the Oto Melara 76mm Compact naval gun. Two frigates are planned to be installed with the Mark 38 Mod.2 Typhoon mount, while three corvettes are currently installed with the MSI Defence DS25 Seahawk mounts. There are no ASM, AAM, and torpedo systems currently being operated. Radar systems are limited to short range navigation/surface surveillance types like AN/SPS-73 and Sperry Marine Bridgemaster series, or civilian-spec Furuno FAR series. No air search or 3d radars available. Sonar systems are also currently not available except for a short-range Wesmar side-scanning sonar on the ex-Cyclone inshore patrol vessel.

The Oto Melara 76mm Compact Naval Gun, being used on Gregorio del Pilar-class & Jacinto-class ships

4. A typical frigate nowadays will have at least a 3D radar for air & surface search, one or two navigational radar which can be redundant surface surveillance radars, associated fire control radar systems, an ESM & ECM system with decoy launchers, a hull-mounted or towed array sonar (or both) for anti-submarine missions, a medium caliber naval gun, secondary guns for close in ranges, an ASM system (at least 8 numbers), a AAM system (either short range for point defense or medium range for area defense), possibly a CIWS system (for shooting down incoming ASM or aircraft), and lightweight torpedoes for ASW.


The Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar
(photo from Thales Nederland website)

With these parameters, it would be safe to assume that the PN is not bounded by supply & maintenance commonality issues for now, and would only be bounded by pricing, political preference, and delivery issues. Basically the requirement is close, if not similar to most frigate programs in the region, although the technology involved might differ depending on the supplier and system integrator.

Let's analyze a possible Philippine frigate:
1. Size: 2,000-ton displacement with a length a little over 100 meters is considered a light frigate, or a heavy corvette. It appears to be smaller than the PN's Gregorio del Pilar-class. A smaller ship means compact weapons systems, a smaller power generation capacity, less crew, less space for complicated machinery, a smaller fuel tank, among others. HHI's Incheon-class, Damen Schelde's PKR Sigma 10514, and DCNS' Gowind Combat Corvette, as well as most offers all fit or surpass the dimensions indicated.

2. Machinery: currently the PN is starting to get comfortable with the CODOG (combination of diesel or gas) configuration, so it is expected that the new frigates may have the same CODOG configuration. To lessen costs, an electric drive system can replace the gas turbine, making the ship a CODOE (combination of diesel or electric) configuration, similar to Indonesia's preference. A range of around 4,000-5,000nmi at cruising speed is standard nowadays for ships of this size.


An example of a CODOG configuration. This exact diagram is used on India's Shivalik-class frigates

3. Sensors: the likelihood of using a 3D multi-beam search radar is high. Most Asian frigate/corvette programs have chosen the Thales Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar, although the EADS TRS-3D or Selex RAN-30X are other possible option. Also, this would be related to the expected upgrade program for the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, and whichever comes first, both ship classes may use the same radar. Use of phased-array radar like Thales' I-Mast 400/500 and Heracles, Elta EL/M-2558, CEA Technologies' CEAFAR or other similar types may not be an option due to the limited budget. Fire control radar (FCR) is required, although the quantity may vary depending on the ASM type. Possibly 2 units plus an electro-optical tracking system might be possible. 

4. Sonar: a hull mounted sonar is also expected since towed array sonar may cost more, although if only to choose one, the PN may opt for a towed array sonar and go away without the hull mounted one. Of course having both is better, but may depend on budgetary issues. Most frigate designs on offer to the PN (will be discussed separately) have both the hull mounted and towed array sonars although the final fit-out may depend on the PN's budget.


Product detail for Thales' CAPTAS Towed-array Sonar

5. Weapons: 
    5a.Guns: the PN is already using the Oto Melara 76mm Compact gun, and due to commonality the PN may opt to get the same gun, or the newer Super Rapid version with a higher rate of fire and longer range. The PN may add the Strales system with DART ammunition if funding permits, similar to those installed on the Colombian Navy's Almirante Padilla-class. The ammunition itself may not fall within the frigate's budget but in another funding program. At least 2 secondary close-in guns is possibly required, with the 25mm Mk.38 Mod.2 being the most possible due to its choice for the Gregorio del Pilar class. These can be operated manually or via a remote console in the bridge. At least two 50-caliber machine guns are also expected to be installed, which is a PN staple gun mount.


The Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid with STRALES system
    
     5b. Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM): like the radar system this will depend on what the PN will choose to arm the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates. The Harpoon is the most likely choice, although if costs are to be considered the cheaper MBDA MM40 Exocet Blk. III might be another possible choice. Other possible choices are the South Korean SSM-700K Haesung or the expensive but modern Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile.


The South Korean made SSM-700K Hae Sung anti-ship missile
  
     5c. Anti-Aircraft Missiles (AAM): this the most complicated weapon system in this program. Our sources indicated that the PN requirement is to have at least a 10km range, and not a MANPAD system. The best option so far is for Raytheon's medium range Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), which are launcher via VLS launchers. Take note the the Maestrale-class are armed with an older but almost similarly-ranged AAM in the form of Selenia's Aspide (a derivative of the old Sea Sparrow missile). Other options may include the MBDA's VL-Mica, Eurosam's Aster 15, Thales' Crotale, with South Africa's Umkhonto also reportedly being taken consideration. Since these missiles vary on their guidance systems, they are also dependent on the radar and fire control system to be chosen.


Comparison of naval-launched anti-aircraft missiles. The Mica-VL & ESSM are most probable for PN's frigate

          5d. Torpedoes: a lightweight system is very possible, with the possible choices of the American Mark 46, the Eurotorp MU90 Impact, and the Korean K745 LW Blue Shark. There are no indication if a heavyweight type is being considered by the PN.
     
     5e. Close-in Weapons System (CIWS): this is the last priority of the PN, according to our sources due to the cost issues. But being offered are the RAM system (which may double as a short range AAM), the American 20mm Phalanx and the Oerlikon Millennium 35mm. Other models are said to be offered but more information is needed at this point (we'll try to discuss later on).


The Mk. 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS

So far there are some publicly released reports indicating some of the bidders have already forwarded their proposals. First one reported was Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea, which reportedly offered the new Incheon-class frigate. Another South Korean heavyweight, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) was exposed through the Facebook account of the Philippine Navy, wherein the Korean defense attache met with Philippine Navy officials together with DSME representatives. Recently Zambotimes also indicated that Spain's Navantia was offering their frigates and transport ships to the DND & PN. Further discussion about this will be made in a separate post.

Considering the items above, our future frigate looks similar to most light frigate projects in the region. The allocated budget by the Philippine government may not be enough if the PN will maximize its options, although this can be settled by reducing the installed systems upon delivery and just allocating space for future refits. More like "fitted for but not with", which is common nowadays to cash-strapped navies. Even the older Gregorio del Pilar class frigates are capable of firing Harpoon missiles, but are not fitted with due to American austerity measures in the 1990s. 

Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration is how the Philippine government will pay for these ships. It appears that the original budget for the Maestrale-class frigates worth Php 12 billion (around US$ 292 million) will be re-used, and will be added by around US$ 150 million originally allocated for the purchase of 2 refurbished ships (MaxDefense believes it could have either been the Italian Minerva-class or Artigliere-class), which might be coming from the Malampaya Special Account under General Fund 151 (or "Fund 151"). This same Fund 151 was the source of budget to buy the former USCGC Hamilton (now BRP Gregorio del Pilar)

Options can be made to maximize the budget by lowering costs of the project to fit additional or higher performance systems. Options include:

1. Local production of the hull, with the complicated systems imported and installed locally. Some of the bidders actually have local counterparts that may make use of the lower production costs at the same time give our counterparts experience in such work. Negative side might be a longer timeframe  due to less experience by local counterparts. Example is Austal of Australia, they may opt to build the ships in their new Cebu shipyard.

2. Offsetting the costs by counter-trade. This has been done before, with the PAF's Aermacchi S-211 being the most publicized example (I believe you've heard of the ladies underwear stories). Our government will be able to save as well as help local producers and exporters in this manner. 

3. Offsetting by counter-investment. Entities involved may opt to invest in the Philippines, either manufacturing or servicing units, thus returning the costs back to the country in the form of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which the current Aquino administration wanted to increase.

MaxDefense' projected Philippine Navy light frigate may look like this:
- CODOG propulsion using one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine & 2 diesel engines
- crew of 120-140 plus air component crew, endurance of at least 20 days
- operating range of 5,000nmi at cruising speed
- maximum speed of 29 knots using gas turbine
- Thales Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar with IFF
- 2 x navigational/surface surveillance radars
- 2 x fire control radars
- 1 x electro-optical tracking system
- ESM & ECM systems
- fitted with but not with towed-array sonar
- hull mounted sonar
- 1 x Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid Gun, fitted but not with Strales system
- 2 x Mk. 38 Mod. 2 25mm chain gun system
- 2 x M2HB 50-cal machine guns
- 2 x quad Boeing Harpoon Blk. II SSM
- 1 x 8-cell Sylver A35 VLS for VL-Mica IR SAM
- no CIWS 
- 2 x triple Mk.32 torpedo launchers for Mk.46 Mod.5 torpedoes
- 1 x Super Lynx 300 ASW helicopter (for separate discussion)
- 2 x RHIB

Further discussions regarding the possible offers and other options on the next posts.

56 comments:

  1. its only PR for the AFP. Nothing will happen today and in the future. Uunahin pa ng mga Generals ang bulsa kesa sa bayan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. correct ka dyan! at malamang after Pnoy's term back to the former style tayo. Kaya dapat ang susunod na pangulo at commander-in-chief ay kagaya ni President Aquino or else back to the old ways and position and Pilipinas.

      Delete
    2. Correct k dyan! at malamang after Pnoy's term back to former status tayo. Dapat ang susunod na President and Commander-in-Chief ay kagaya ni President Pnoy or else back to the old form ang Pilipinas.

      Delete
    3. of cours suportahan si pnoy kasi dapat na tayong palaksin ang navy natin di puro kurakot sinasakop na tayo ng mga pirated na intsik di pa tayo aangal niyan bili na makabagong missile at navy ship kulelat na tayo sa asia pagdating sa navy capabilities

      Delete
    4. if yan lang ang alam nyo, pwes prati nalang tayong ganyan. remember we are next in generation. We must change our point of view as a person as a pilipino. Pls let us not lose a Hope and desire to improve our country. We are their before during 60's I believe we will do more.

      Delete
    5. if yan lang ang alam mo. Sorry ur not doing your job as a citizen. Remember we are next generation of this nation. We must change our point of view. We must look forward rather than destroying ur self with painfull words, that make our country hopeless. We don't know you will become a president of the country but still your mind is dirty as what the past is. Free ur self man be hopeful as what our nation really need. sorry I just want you to believe.

      Delete
  2. hi max....
    just inform you that indonesian frigate pkr 10514, cost 220 million us dollar is for hull contract only.
    the weapons contract is 75 million us dollar. so total 295 million.
    thks..
    gombaljaya@timawa.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gombaljaya. For the hull to be worth $220 million seems too high, while the $75M for weapons is quite acceptable. Can you confirm if the machinery, sensors, and electronics systems were included in the $220 million or not yet?

      Delete
    2. $220 Million is for hull, machinery and some electronic, sensors and decoys.(mostly supply by Thales)
      Dont forget, it's cost include Transfer of Technology term.
      6 Major block of ships modul build in Damen Netherland and Damen Romania then they will be assembly at Surabaya, Indonesia.
      see: http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=31851.0
      (gombaljaya@twm.net)

      Delete
    3. Hi Gombaljaya, do you have figures on the technology transfer agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesia that jacked-up the price of the ship? If there is no technology transfer involved, around how much should have been the price? Definitely it is lower that way.

      Delete
  3. Nice assessment sir. I think it is about time the government procures new and current standard naval assets. Truly if it pushes through, the light frigates will be the pride of the PN. I am one with those who envisioned of a Philippines that is respected "militarily" by its neighbors. I understand the pessimism of others regarding the modernization of the PN and the AFP as a whole due to past experiences with regard to procurement and corruption. But i think such projects have a chance to materialize during the PNoy Administration than any past administrations have ever had. Let us keep our hopes up and support the DND AFP modernization. thanks...

    balaraw

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is more to be done. The best way ordinary citizens can do is continue to support the armed forces, and voice out sentiments to increase budget for the AFP Modernization efforts by pushing the lawmakers to allocate more funds to it as part of the 2014 National Budget. Php 75 billion is clearly not enough.

      Delete
    2. For stealth frigate design that $200M is only for hull and platform designed base on my research. If really our country needs a Multirole frigate,our government must put an additional budget, if no other source of fund it is better to have a corvette with subsurface capability and Anti-air capability, The Pacific threat air sea battle which Anti Access/Area Denial Concept of Operation is a talk between the US and the Chinese DoD. Did our DoD has already a proven platform for C4I? Let us face reallity here, the RP money must be spend it wisely for the good of our country. If we are dreaming of a platform that is deterrent enough to defend our country at the first salvo than put enough money. Marunong tayong gumastos kung ano nararapat sa ating bansa para sa future na ating bansa. Even the US strategic thinkers and the ISS think thank we are not in the map of having a credible deterrent platform even our government has announced a PHP75 for 5 years modernization. Because we do not still have a proven battle theater and resources to sustain it.
      Face the reallity, these platforms will be our platforms to develop our policy, doctrines and concept of operation. I do hope our DoD, Politics and the government as a whole or the Engineers, Academe, Scientist, and other experts will contribute in this endeavor of having a Credible Deterrent for our country. The Asian and US has involved their countryman on their defense strategy. Our country must have really a good plan and understantable map for our country's defense/deterrent posture.

      Delete
  4. puro press lang ang AFP wala namang dumarating na FA-50 at frigate...kailangan natin itong gamit na ito lalu na ang frigate now..dapat binili na ang offer ng italian government..cguro pagdating ng bagong FA-50 at incheon frigate sakop na ng china ang spratley at scarborough shoal...puro lang kayo salita..action kaagad...

    ReplyDelete
  5. puro press release lang ang AFP..kulang sa gawa..kailangan natin ng frigate para magbantay ng spratley at scarborough now...dapat binili na ang offer ng italy..sayang baka pagdating ng incheon frigate from s. korea sakop na ng china ang spratley at scarborough...tsk..tsk..

    ReplyDelete
  6. AF of the Phils. DND puro lang satsat at salita..to buy more time until the items is already bought by other country.

    hindi natin kailangan ng malalaking navy boats, ang kailangan natin ay fast attack boat that are capable of monitoring and carrying sophisticated weapons. example croatia fast attack missile boat.

    less price
    less personnel
    easy to maneuver
    low radar detection

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually the navy needs more of the large ships than the fast attack missile boats. Although cheap and small, they do not have the size to take on long patrol duties on deep sea areas, dont have the survivability as they only have offensive weapons, and don't have the range. So far there are plans for small combatants but priority is given to the frigates and OPVs.

      Delete
  7. Kailan pwedeng matapos ang procurement at contract signing para sa frigate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully this year. Delaying it further will only stall the navy's plan to get the ships as early as late 2016.

      Delete
  8. Look what's happening now..sinasakop na ng china ang mga island na sakop natin dati kagaya ng scarborough shoal at iba pa...we need this frigates and fa-50 now....hindi 2015 or 2017...kilos AFP bigay ng good advice kay pinoy...hindi puro press release lang...

    ReplyDelete
  9. ang gobyerno natin puro drawing at papogi.....gawin hyo hindi yung puro kayo salita,,,,, purchase, plan,done deal, expected, almost, etc... ito na lang palagi naririnig ko sa mga balita..pero gang ngayon drawing pa rin

    ReplyDelete
  10. Austal is my choice, win-win sa atin yan, first it benefits employment, Philippine made, and after market service is readily available. The people who made it are already here. Lastly, Philippine pride, that is priceless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Austal is nice, but actually offers one of the most expensive models for the program.

      Delete
  11. hopefully before this month ends we will hear something about the acquisition of the new frigates otherwise this will just become another PR story by DND undersecretary Manalo. Puro satsat wala namang napipirmahang kontrata. Same story with FA-50 fighter plane. Matatapos term ni PNOY walang darating na major equipment AFP tingnan nyo. Pati yung attack helicopters wala nang balita. WALANG PAGBABAGO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As per sec gazmin: "We will defend our territory to the last soldier." They cant even close a contract for our navy's ships! I believe its about time to consider changing the people managing our DND office. Surely if our people from the AFP would be heard, the procurement process would be immediate for they are in the forefront of this conflict. a mandate to protect the territory!

      Delete
  12. Before the outbreak of WW2, the Commonwealth of the Phils ordered 10-12 MTB (motor torpedo boat) from the UK. However due to the WW2 outbreak in Europe. the order was not carried out. The navy requirement for MTB was due to the fact that the Navy's operational role during that time was to harass enemy landing fleet until the US Navy can respond. The rest is history.
    At present, I hope that the Phil.Navy has a clear strategic goal that require modern frigates. Looking at the comparison with other nations smaller than the Phils can avail of modern warships. I can only shook my head at the difference. At first, I was thinking that the operational role of the P.N. is to conduct maritime patrol in our economic exclusion zone and provide naval support to the gov't counter-insurgency campaign. Maritime policing action should be left to the Coast Guard so that the Navy can do its traditional role of guarding our seas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maritime policing is currently dome by both the navy and coast guard because the coast guard has not enough capability to do it on its own. MaxDefense has been advocating the strengthening of the coast guard to free up the navy to other duties.

      Delete
  13. Denmark is now looking at reviving its embassy here, due to their companies looking for opportunities here. I hope Odense shipyard is looking to offer their service - their Iver Huitfeldt frigate and Knud Rasmussen OPVs are gaining significant attention from other navies, plus they are way cheaper as well compared to those being offered now. Wishful thinking...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice ships but probably expensive. Denmark's return is a welcome treat for the diplomatic corps and the Philippines' foreign affairs department by the way.

      Delete
  14. its high time to get a new one but with the said budget im not sure about it.......the pessimist walking in happiness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The chances of getting new ships is there. The thing is, would it be enough for a full-pledge frigate, or just a light frigate aka corvette?

      Delete
  15. napakahirap talagang pasayahin nating mga Pinoy, gumagawa na nga nang paraan ang gobiyerno natin , marami paring nadudunong-dunongan, wala namang laman ang ma birada nila sa gobiyerno. natuto lang magpindot nga keyboards akala magaling na mag-blog....

    eto ang bago, brand new daw na maestrale ang bibilhin at hindi na ang 2 secondhand maestrales. check on the news July 3,2013 issues sa DefenseIndustry qouted from PDI....iyan ang lates.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are no plans to get the Maestrales. The news you see all around are from erroneous understanding of what DND's USec. Manalo was saying. He mistakenly used the word "Maestrale" instead of the word "frigate". The same interview already revealed that the PN would probably get a consultant to help create the specifications for the ship before a bidding will take place. So it only shows that there is no definite model or supplier yet for the frigate.

      Delete
    2. Tama si Max . Ang mga Italiano ay Hindi na gumagawa ng "Maestrale class frigate" . Ito'y kanilang unting untin pinapalitan na kaya Ito ang kanilang ibinibenta . Ang DND ay dapat magingat at saliin ang mga impormasyon para as publiko. Kung ang mga Italiano ay may ini "offer" na bago Ito ang " Navantia class". Blogging is a form of sharing of information from known or unknown source base on an individual perception . Now it is up to reader to do its own research or "homework" to conceptualize the facts .

      Delete
    3. Oplan X, just to correct, Navantia is actually a shipbuilder from Spain, not a ship class. Cheers.

      Delete
    4. Oplan X, for your information Italy has upgraded their four Maestrale out of eight frigate Maestrale to be a stop gap solution for their strategic planning of having a new 10 FREMM Frigate but because of the Italy's economic condition they opt to upgrade the other four Maestrale Frigate. For your information.

      Delete
  16. My mistake I meant the FREMM Class which at this point would be too expensive & the PN are not ready for that technology yet. At the present situation the DND need to act swiftly and decisively . The Hamilton Class upgraded & rearmed would buy us the needed time for the PN to decide which brand new vessels they have in mind . In fact , 2 more hamilton class would be a good force multiplier. Thanks, Max.

    ReplyDelete
  17. with the current pork barrel scam and the never ending corruption it's possible in the next 15 years that it is no longer an issue to see chinese ships in our waters.... WALANG PAGBABAGO!

    ReplyDelete
  18. we need the new frigates for the future and security of our children's president should hear the voice of people who don't want allow Chinese take over part of Philippine territory.. please do the needful Mr. President.

    ReplyDelete
  19. .i'm afraid that the next administration won't do anything about the modernization of our armed forces.. so for aquiño administration, they should modernize our armed forces while they're still in position.. so that atleast the nxt admin might have the guts to level with the accomplishments of aquiñ0 admin if done so..

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lagi namang kulang sa pondo. Napakalaki ng pondo natin ninanakaw lang. Kung di kayang bumili ng 2 kahit isa munang brand new na frigate basta't kumpleto at matatawag na talagang warship na puedeng ipagsabayan sa mga barko ng ibang bansa. Bibili ka nga ng 2 pipitsugin naman dahil tinipid dahilan kulang sa pondo. Sa Airplane kung di kya ng 12 kahit 6 lang muna basta't matatawag na jetfighter. Wag na trainer jet. Sa attack helicopter pinakamahusay AH-60. Kung di kaya ng 12 kahit 3 lang muna. At least kahit paunti-unti nagkakar oon tayo ng development sa ating defense na de kalidad hindi pipitsugin.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Philippine Military Modernization means New and Modern Equipments. Why buy 2nd hand frigates. If fund is the problem, buy only one muna but with complete and modern weaponry. Don't buy equipments with poor quality. Baka sa bakbakan 10 ang atin isa sa kalaban talo pa din tayo. Pleae wake up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. konti kasi makukumisyun nila pag konti din binili. syempre dapat malaki kurakot. wala sila pakialam ke bulok o palpak mabili basta malaki kumisyon yan ang tunay na priority hindi ang modernization ng afp. kung ang bangladesh nkkbili ng frigate bat tyo di makabili? naiintaypa kasi sila ng kung sinong supplier ang mas malaki magbigay ng kumisyon wala patutunguhan yang afp modernization na yan kundi sa bulsa ng mga buwaya politiko at opisyales ng militar

      Delete
    2. fort bonifacio was sold for the purpose of modernizing our afp, but what we got 3 unreliable, poorly arm jacinto opv, 24 untested v 300 apc. if the fund was properly used the 33bil p or 1 bil US$ at that time will buy us 4 brand new missile arm corvette, 12 F16, and maybe 2 dozen light tanks. i think its hightime to investigate former pres RAMOS for the greatest corruption and plunder in phillipine history

      Delete
  22. Hi sir Max, how about featuring the coast guard plans and straegies? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  23. I prefer the FFX-1 Incheon class then we move on to the FFX Batch 3. Practice muna di ba? Tsaka pasok sa budget. As for the armaments kelangan yung mga proven missiles like Exocet block 3 for ASuW or Meteor for SAM which is far better than AMRAAM. Duda ako sa mga missiles ng Korea kase di pa combat proven yun. Yung Meteor Germany ang nag speahead daw ng development nun based on limitations by AIM-120.

    ReplyDelete
  24. wow... ang gaganda ng technical assessment nyo... pero isa lang naman ang sigurado dyan... NAPOLES uli ang bagsak nyan.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Strategically what is the threat out there? Hypersonic missiles, stealth submarine with ICBM, asymmetric threats with swarm tactics,electronic warfare threats, mine warfare threats, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons threats, cyberwarfare threats, UAV with missiles, nuclear or cluster bombs, and EMP weapons, and space warfare threats using low orbital satellite with weapons on board. Do our personnel in the armed forces is ready for these threats? The facility, ground and logistic supports, and sustainment? Remember threats out there is inevitable right now. Make a good and right decision in the technical specifications of our new frigates acquisition if there is money it is right to give additional budget for the Navy for our beloved country. Hurry up leaders no more politics and corruption! Kawawa ang bansa natin! To all doctorates, masterals and engineers let us help our research and development also with support fundings from our government to be a self reliant nation!

    ReplyDelete
  26. we are talking frigates last 2012 until now 2014 still talking the ships and we do not know whether the bidding is completed or what. so many days had been wasted.these procurement has been delayed so much and the chinese wont wait for us .Ano ba talaga ? we are tired of the systems happening now ,the armed forces must be in a hurry ,alam nyo kung ano kahalaga ang mga bagong gamit dahil sa ngayon takot nga kayong magpakita sa mga intsik doon sa laot dahil wala kayong mga gamit.way back 1980 pinupotol pa namin ang mga long line sa mga intsik dyan malapit sa scarborough dahil alam namin atin yan. bakit ang mga barko nang navy ay palagi sa tabi at puwede naman kayong mag drifting lang para tipid sa krudo at magtagal kayo dyan sa laot nang ilang buwan. Kaya nga namin noon tatlong buwan sa laot supply ship na lang ang magdala ng provesion. huwag kayong palagi sa tabi lalaki ang mga tiyan nyo at bayag. O ano ba talaga hindi nyo madepinsahan ang ating 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone atin yan at ang pumasok labag na sa batas .mahirap bang intindihin yan ,bakit ang malaysia at indonesia dakip kaagad pag pumasok ka . sa atin pinabayaan nyo lang.Hindi naman kayo magugutom dyan sa scarborough kung masipag lang kayo ang daming shells at isda dyan

    ReplyDelete
  27. dapat talaga magbayad ng tamang buwis para makabili pa tayo ng mas madami pang missiles

    ReplyDelete
  28. Even if without the tax if this government has the strong willto buy more advance weapons we can buy. The pork barrel for the senators and congresmen for this year is a lot of money,the malampaya funds which is more than a hundred billion pesos ,the imeldas jewelry which is worth 164 billion pesos ,why not use this money.The people of the philippines will not question if they can see that we are buying for the sake of our only country.And stop exporting nickel ore to china just like Indonesia did,Stop the black sand mining now in Zambales.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Aside from ship-launched missile,it would be good also if we have land-based mobile antiship missiles positioned along borthern luzon. And i believe air assets with such missiles can also be an effective sea-interdictors.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wouldn't it be better if we transform the whole Palawan into a "stationary aircraft carrier"? I mean it might be better to invest in air power and place forward naval airbases in the island.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dapat i-adopt din natin yung tinatawag na A2/AD(antiaccess/area denial).Currently yan ang pinakagoal ng china laban sa America.pwede natin yang gamitin on a smaller scale laban sa kanila tutal strategic ang puwesto natin.

    ReplyDelete
  32. puro bidding nalang iyan baka naghihintay sila ng lagay a pwede na sana ang maestrela class tapos ibigay natin sa fighter jets ang sobrang pera dapat mas malakas na airforce ,baka naman ang problema walang lagay ang supplyer kaya hirap pumili gusto pa maestrela pwedena tapos sa nex uli tayo kumuha kapag nagkaroon ng budget

    ReplyDelete

Philippine Navy Modernization Projects

Philippine Air Force Modernization Projects