Your 1st for Philippine Defense


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Welcome to MaxDefense.

Welcome to MaxDefense. 

Nothing but sensible and logical commentaries and opinion on defense related issues. We will be covering mostly defense issues from the Philippines, ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region, one of the most volatile regions in the world.

We'll be closely working with the best sources as well for the latest news and updates, unadulterated by media financial clout or political BS. 

Stay tuned for our first new posts coming your way, and we hope for your participation as well. Comments are welcome, but we'll be strict on the comment content as to avoid nonsense and immature posts which are prevalent in most defense-oriented blogs and sites.





38 comments:

  1. Hi Max, your blog is much more "enlightening" compared to a more popular defense forum. The ideas and commentaries are very factual and not based on some people's whim.the way you presented the frigate program and maestrale acquisition is very informative.Good job! I hope this modernization issue will be resolved in the soonest possible time.Can I just ask whether you can blog re:rotc and how to improve into a national service program.thanks

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    1. I'll try, but I cannot promise. Thanks for the support.

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  2. Max, interesting blog you've got here. I'm going to bookmark this for future reference. I was wondering if you would also be delving into warfighting systems for the infantryman? or is this a strictly navy-oriented blog? In which case that would be fine though. Everyone has to specialize in something right? Cheers on your project and looking forward to your future posts! Godspeed.

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    1. Thanks. I will try to diversify my topics depending on the trend, time availability, mood and information availability. It just happened that naval issues are the most talked about nowadays. As more information comes in, MaxDefense will try to discuss. Are you familiar with the Philippine Army's Future Soldier program? Cheers.

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    2. Are you referring to this: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=532588656789660&set=a.493578867357306.1073741828.493523124029547&type=1&relevant_count=1

      It's the first time I've read about it.

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  3. Hi Max, very interesting website you've got. Thanks for sharing your views. I'm a PhD student studying the contribution of defense (AFP) to national development. I've written some on Philippine's defense posture. I'm currently based in Singapore but I hope to be able to meet you in person when I visit Manila. Cheers! Ava

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    1. I pass by Singapore some times, as I move around the region often. Are you in any way connected to the DND or AFP? Thanks for your support.

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    2. Hi Max, I am not connected with DND or AFP but I have a few acquaintances there. Will you be in Manila on Aug 5-7? I'm flying there. Would like to meet you if you have the time. Thanks!

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  4. Max you have a very well written and professional blog site. I really like the analysis and information presented. I would like to collaborate with some personal analysis on your site in the future. I went to the PCG last year and gave them a presentation and demo on UAVs, I was a naval aviator in the USN before transferring to the USCG reserve as a C4ISR officer and more than 10 years of naval coastal and littoral warfare experience. My unit, a combined Navy and Coast Guard reserve unit was sent to Kuwait and Southern Iraq in 2003. I currently work for Space and Naval Warfare Center(SPAWAR) Pacific as an engineer and a project manager. I will be again in Manila this coming November. Hope to meet with you also. Thanks...Leo

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    1. Nice. Did the PCG show any interest in future operations of UAVs as part of their surveillance systems? I believe the PN is has some studies in integrating UAVs to its current assets, similar to the Scan Eagle. Thanks!

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  5. Hi Max. I enjoy reading your blogs, very informative and factual. Do you have any information about the Brp Ramon Alcaraz being armed with the Harpoon anti-ship missile defense system? Is there any immediate plans of arming Brp Gregorio Del Pilar with this missile defense too? The DND should start thinking of arming these ships of the Harpoon missiles immediately and convert these cutters to Frigates that are also capable of detecting and firing torpedoes against enemy subs while waiting for the arrival of our planned acquisition of 2 brand new Frigates. 4 navy Frigates and 12 TA-50 fighter jets are not bad at all before Pnoy ends his term on 2016.

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    1. Yup, definitely not bad. And nice blog max. Hope you keep on posting. It's fun to read your analyses.

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    2. Hi. Regarding the Alcaraz, it is planned to be equipped with a anti-ship missile system. The del Pilar will follow suit but the Alcaraz will have them first. Arming PN ships with missiles has long been in the navy's plans but budgeting has always been an issue. Thanks for your support.

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  6. Max do you have any news about the PN plan to get new frigates of the maestrale class design? Are we going backwards or is it because of the freebies that goes with it?

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    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.

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  7. Hi Max, there's some news about the acquisition of 8 attack helicopters. do you have any idea what are the possible models we are getting? How about the recent news that PAF is considering gripens?thanks

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  8. Greetings Max. What do you think of the practicality of the Philippine Navy acquiring the new Korea Incheon Coastal Frigate? It seems to me that the sensor and weapons mix of this Korean design plus its cost is an optimum for the present Philippine Navy financing situation. Also do you have an professional opinion as the possiblity of a negotiated deal with the South Koreans to have one Incheon Class Frigate built in South Korea and another to be built at the new Austal Ship Building Yard in West Cebu, Philippine. This would be good for the strengthening of the Philippines as a true "maritime" nation.

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  9. Max, regarding the PAF attack helicopters...I really think AW is going to offer the AW109 LUH not the W3 Gluszec contrary to what a lot of people are saying in forums, FB and what not.

    if you study the DND bulletin, the requirements point to AW109 LUH as the next AH

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  10. Hey Max,
    You should look into George Friedman's book "Next 100 Years". He says that China is not going to be the super power every one thinks it will be. He is the founder and CEO of Stratfor. He's also one of the first to predict China's economic "crash". As we are starting to see now. Definitely an interesting read.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpAkT5YnpEA

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    1. Yup, saw the book but not read it entirely yet. It's difficult to assess what will happen in the next 100 years, even the next 20 years is still a big question mark. All these are speculations, but since it came from STRATFOR's big man, it will be accepted than those made by nobodies. But the future is still out there, anything can happen.

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  11. Good day sir. I'm Frances Mangosing of INQUIRER.net. I've read your blog and I'm interested to write about your post on why Hamilton cutters are still worth the purchase. Can I use it? And if I may ask, where are you based, sir? And are you using a pen name? Your response will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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  12. hi max you really doing a good job here,keep up the good works god bless you..

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  13. Hi Max , any updates on the MRF F50 . That would be an interesting topic to discuss since its a definite purchase ,is it ? Have they signed the contract to initiate productions? Or is it still in the "mill" ?

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  14. Dear Max.

    When you write I read between the lines the fire of your being a patriotic citizen. For how can you come up with this great idea (Maxdefense) if not for your love of our country? I Hope Max you can collaborate (if not yet) with the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).Your research are great and informative. You can even be one of the professors of NDCP. I'm part of the recent graduates of the 18th Executive Course on National Security offered by the NDCP. The best if you could be among the professors there, specially on NDCP's MNSA program.

    We're one with you max in our quest for a sovereign and not a patsy country. In fact I'm even entertaining the idea that if the PH has problems for cash to buy naval ships and armaments, why not engage private corporations? What is 5 billion pesos to globe or PLDT/Smart. We buy one frigate, courtesy of smart/pldt and rename the ship as BRP Smart Ninoy Aquino, as endorsement? Or BRP Globe Cory Aquino?
    Anyway we have this public-private partnership (PPP) for infra project, why not involved the private sector companies in protecting our maritme domain? Say PLDT-Smart protection for a sovereign nation? Whats ur take sir max? Thank you Lord, at my isang pinoy na max montero.May ur tribe increase! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!!

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  15. Hi Anonymous August 24, 2013 at 1:58 PM,

    You've said that you're a recent graduate of the NDCP's executive course? Sorry to disappoint but I'm not so sure if NDCP had recently lowered its standard. Cheers!

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  16. SirMax

    Areyouconnectecwiththecia?

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  17. Any News with the Frigates from Korea? as far as i know we don't even have details on the Capabilities for the ''Brand New'' Frigates worth 18billion in the Bidding.

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    1. Basic capabilities are discussed here:
      http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/2013/10/philippine-navy-frigate-acquisition.html

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  18. max, just want to thank you for all of the posts!

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  19. Sir Max,

    Ive been following ur blog and research for sometime now and I should say its very informative, my work is within the defense community and also involved with the PCGA. I have followed your discussion on the Philippines quest for MBT's and I would like to add that during the Korean War we sent 17 M4A2 Sherman Tanks and 1 M10 Wolverine Tank Destroyer ahead of our troops-the famed PEFTOK as our early contribution to the Korean conflict.

    In my opinion,MBTs would be usable here in Luzon area if we re-built or reconstruct our bridges for them to be capable of holding the MBTs. Thank You for your analysis and great research.

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  20. good day. max, i suggest you make an article regarding the importance of some big ticket hardware in the afp modernization in times of calamities, esp in the relief operations. that they need to be fast tracked. go g2g if needed. like right now, we are lucky countries around the globe are helping. but in the first hours after the calamity, it is very important that we have our own, not just a few that we have, to mobilize in those stricken communities.i dont think the 3 hercules are enough. im thinking of the 3 medium lift being bidded right now, the light lift thats being rebidded, the 21 hueys thats been too delayed, and the ssv thats being waited upon. i hope these will be fast tracked as we all know, there will be more typhoons our way.

    this is just my plea. thanks

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  21. Hey Max, even though the DND hasn't announced anything regarding MRFs, could you do a mini post on possible fighters? Similar to what you did with the super tucanos. Thanks.

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  22. Max, have you read this article?

    http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/13/1278317/reports-china-plans-seize-pag-asa-island-year

    Btw, no more facebook? :( I hope you're still going to provide us with updates.

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  23. Any comments on us having this weapon system?

    http://m.theweek.com/bullpen/column/230649/drone-warfare-in-the-philippines

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  24. please aways update your blog,I am interestedonly for those newly acquired arm for PH,not refurbished nor used arsenal.The PH can afford to buy latest and state of the art armaments.Godd luck,Max

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  25. reading this part of blog page while at ECQ, makes me think its been 7 yrs I've been a follower and its been good all 7 yrs. More power and more blogs in the future

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Philippine Navy Modernization Projects

Philippine Air Force Modernization Projects