 |
| The PAF is scheduled to acquire MRFs, like the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon / Viper (above) and the Saab JAS-39 Gripen (below) as previously indicated by the DND and PAF as part of its mid-term modernization goals. Photo of F-16 taken from Wikimedia, and of the JAS-39 from taringa.net |
24 Fighters from South Korea?:
The report claims that their source came from a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a renowned defense and security think tank. Upon closer inspection, it appears that the news report came from SIPRI's Trends in International Arms Transfer 2014, by Pieter D. Wezeman and Siemon T. Wezeman. The exact source is located on page 6 of the said report. The SIPRI report also did not indicated the additional fighter aircraft's source, so we can say that the Philstar's headline was incorrect or unintentionally misleading. But the content of the report is well within the PAF plans, and would be discussed further within this blog entry.
The Air Defense Strategic Plan:
The Philippine Air Force has been pushing very hard to accomplish its goal to transition its forces to territorial defense after being tied-up to internal security operations for decades. A few years ago, the PAF released its Air Defense Strategic Plan, with the medium-term vision of having a "Credible Air Defense Force by 2022". With the Revised AFP Modernization Program scheduled for implementation from 2013 to 2028, the PAF has created a program that would be done in stages, with the major breakthrough goals having set by years 2022 for the medium-term and 2028 for the long-term. This is called the PAF Flight Plan 2028.
Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone and Area Readiness:
In 1953, the Philippine government established the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone (PADIZ). It was meant to delineate the area in which the identification, location, and control of civilian aircraft is required in the interests of Philippine national security. This is different from the Manila Flight Information Region (FIR) due to the security and defense nature of PADIZ.
Currently the PADIZ covers the following areas:
 |
| Photo snipped from PAF Flight Plan 2028 presentation |
PADIZ only covers entire Luzon region, parts of Visayas, and only islands north of Palawan. Major areas in the Visayas like the islands of Cebu, Negros, Leyte, Bohol, and the entire Mindanao region are not included in the current PADIZ.
With regards to regional scope, the PADIZ is bordered by Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone (TADIZ), and is just below the Japan Air Defense Identification Zone (JADIZ).
 |
| Photo snipped from PAF Flight Plan 2028 presentation. |
The PAF has also set a guideline based on Area Readiness (AR), in which there are 4 ARs representing the coverage of its air defense capability:
AR4: from 0% to 50% of Philippine territory;
AR3: from 51% to 74% of Philippine territory, which actually covers the entire PADIZ plus the West Philippine Sea;
AR2: from 75% to 84% of Philippine territory, this means including areas in the Philippines that are not covered by the PADIZ;
AR1: from 85% to 100% of Philippine territory.
Based on the current thrusts by the Air Defense Wing, its breakthrough goals for 2022 is to have the capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize intrusions in the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone (PADIZ) and the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from Area Readiness 4 to Area Readiness 3. The breakthrough goals for 2028 differs on the reach of its coverage, wherein the plan is to attain the same goals from Area Readiness 3 to Area Readiness 1. MaxDefense will only be discussing the current plans for the Medium Term 2022.
Organization Structure Changes:
There will be changes in the existing organizational structure handling the air defense within the PAF. Currently this is entrusted to the Air Defense Wing. It currently has the 5th Tactical Fighter Group with its single remaining flying squadron, the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron with its limited number of AS-211 Warrior armed jet trainers. The plan to improve the air defense system includes the reactivation of the Air Defense Command and the 5th Fighter Wing, an upgrade from the current Air Defense Wing and 5th Fighter Group.
The 5th Fighter Wing will also need to gradually reactivate its original fighter squadrons as more fighter assets becomes available, including the 6th Tactical Fighter "Cobras" Squadron, and the 8th Tactical Fighter "Vampires" Squadron.
The 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Group will be upgraded and reactivated as the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing and continue to operate all ground based air defense radars and will be part of the Air Defense Command as it used to do. Air Defense Alert Centers would be gradually reestablished across the country, starting on the area covered by the existing PADIZ and WPS area,
Facilities Improvement and Expansion:
The PAF will be improving its facilities in its current bases, starting with the Air Defense Command's headquarters at Basa Air Base, wherein its runway, taxiways, its hangars and aerodrome facilities, and the Hypobaric Chamber facility.
Ground based air defense (GBAD) units will also start to have their own facilities on strategic air bases. Security will also be tightened with the basing of high-value assets, and perimeter defense facilities would be improved. The same will be made once the Subic International Airport is handed-over to the Philippine Air Force is made, as well as on other airbases like in Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and in Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga.
Other air force bases and facilities will also undergo upgraded and improved according to the master plan provided, aside from those that will be used for air defense units. This includes the Mactan Air Base, Lumbia Air Base, Fernando Air Base, all air stations and the Crow Valley Gunnery Range.
The Philippine Air Defense Control Center (PADCC) should also be modernized, together with the modernization of existing and establishment of new Air Defense Alert Centers (ADAC) in Basa Air Base, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Zamboanga City, and in Davao City.
Air Defense Direction Centers will be re-established as well, and Air Defense Radar systems will be upgraded in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro, and in Mt. Salakot in Palawan as part of the medium-term phase, while more Radar Sites will be established on the long-term phase, with sites eyed on Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Balut Island in Davao Occidental, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and in Anini-y, Antique.
Acquisition of New Radar Systems:
With the improvement of the air defense system of the country includes the acquisition of new air defense and surveillance radar systems to replace existing ageing units, and also providing new radar to additional sites in the near future.
The DND and PAF has chosen the Israeli-made IAI-Elta Systems ELM-2288-ER AD-STAR Air Defense & Air Traffic Control Radar over the US-made Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 Long Range Surveillance Radar for the first 3 units to be installed in Ilocos Norte, Lubang Island and Palawan. The contract is worth around Php 2.68 billion, although Elta gave a sweetener to their proposal by providing a free radar system with an 80-kilometer range as a gap filler to be used for the upcoming APEC Summit this November 2015.
 |
| The Crow Valley Gunnery Range Complex will be rehabilitated for live fire training use. Photo taken from Wikimedia. |
Other air force bases and facilities will also undergo upgraded and improved according to the master plan provided, aside from those that will be used for air defense units. This includes the Mactan Air Base, Lumbia Air Base, Fernando Air Base, all air stations and the Crow Valley Gunnery Range.
 |
| Photo snipped from the PAF Flight Plan 2028 presentation. |
The Philippine Air Defense Control Center (PADCC) should also be modernized, together with the modernization of existing and establishment of new Air Defense Alert Centers (ADAC) in Basa Air Base, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Zamboanga City, and in Davao City.
Air Defense Direction Centers will be re-established as well, and Air Defense Radar systems will be upgraded in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro, and in Mt. Salakot in Palawan as part of the medium-term phase, while more Radar Sites will be established on the long-term phase, with sites eyed on Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Balut Island in Davao Occidental, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and in Anini-y, Antique.
 |
| Photo snipped from PAF Flight Plan 2028 presentation. |
Acquisition of New Radar Systems:
With the improvement of the air defense system of the country includes the acquisition of new air defense and surveillance radar systems to replace existing ageing units, and also providing new radar to additional sites in the near future.
The DND and PAF has chosen the Israeli-made IAI-Elta Systems ELM-2288-ER AD-STAR Air Defense & Air Traffic Control Radar over the US-made Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 Long Range Surveillance Radar for the first 3 units to be installed in Ilocos Norte, Lubang Island and Palawan. The contract is worth around Php 2.68 billion, although Elta gave a sweetener to their proposal by providing a free radar system with an 80-kilometer range as a gap filler to be used for the upcoming APEC Summit this November 2015.
Although there is no confirmation yet, MaxDefense believes the free gap filler radar provided by IAI-Elta is the EL/M-2106 NG 3D tactical air defense radar. Although this appears to be a deal sweetener, MaxDefense believes that this move was also a marketing strategy by Elta since the PAF is also expected to acquire gap filler radar systems that can be used for short range anti-aircraft missile systems, and if the PAF is satisfied with the performance, they would probably acquire more in the future.
Radar systems to be acquired for the other planned radar sites are not yet finalized so it may still be possible for the PAF to either continue ordering the Elta-made system, or switch to the US-made systems. MaxDefense sources confirmed that the AN/TPS-77 was actually more expensive although the performance is a little better than the ELM-2288.
Acquisition of More Fighter Aircraft:
 |
| The Elta ELM-2288ER extended range version of AD-STAR air defense and air traffic control radar system. |
Radar systems to be acquired for the other planned radar sites are not yet finalized so it may still be possible for the PAF to either continue ordering the Elta-made system, or switch to the US-made systems. MaxDefense sources confirmed that the AN/TPS-77 was actually more expensive although the performance is a little better than the ELM-2288.
Acquisition of More Fighter Aircraft:
Ahh...the juiciest part of the plans. Everybody's waiting for this part.
With the PAF already proceeded with the acquisition of 12 KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle surface attack aircraft/lead-in fighter trainer (SAA/LIFT) as a start, this would now form the groundwork of having the capabilities to sustain fighter aircraft assets. But the DND even in its previous press releases agreed that 12 FA-50 fighter-trainers are not enough to defend the country.
According to the PAF's Flight Plan 2028, the PAF plans to acquire additional fighter aircraft aside from the 12 FA-50s it earlier acquired, and it mentions at least 24 more aircraft. This comprises 12 more SAA/LIFT aircraft, and 12 Multirole Fighters (MRF). The timeframe scheduled by the PAF is to receive the additional SAA/LIFT by 2020, and acquire its first 4 MRF by 2021 and receive the balance units by 2022.
 |
| The Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen NG is among the favorite MRF according to PAF pilots. |
This schedule is still fluid, and may be subject to changes depending on the political and economic climate of the country, PAF's capability to absorb new knowledge and skills as an organization, and the performance of the FA-50 aircraft. There are lobbying being made to advance the acquisition of the MRF by at least 3 years to 2018, and reduce the number of SAA/LIFT aircraft acquisition of 12 more to a lesser number in favor of increasing the MRF acquisition to at least 18 units.
 |
| The PAF may need to acquire more SAA/LIFT aircraft after the first 12 units it ordered, possibly choosing again the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle. |
No specific models were named for the SAA/LIFT and MRF acquisitions, but it is expected that the PAF will definitely make a follow-on order of the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle. So far, the names coming out of PAF sources regarding MRF are the Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen NG, the F-16V Viper, and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, although the PAF is said to be open on offers coming from other friendly countries like South Korea, Japan, and France.
Acquisition of Support Aircraft and Equipment:
Aside from fighter aircraft and fighter trainers, the PAF has indicated its plans to acquire several other platforms, some of which were already started for tender, or has been announced by the DND as an upcoming project.
For the Air Defense Command, there are plans to acquire at least 2 Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft (AEW&C) by year 2020, and 4 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) aircraft starting 2020.
 |
| The PAF also intends to acquire at least 2 AEW&C aircraft by 2020. |
The acquisition of Air Defense & Surveillance Radar Systems (ADSRS) has already begun, with the first 2 IAI-Elta ELM-2288 AD-STAR radars expected to arrive in 2016, and another 1 by 2017. The PAF also plans to acquire 3 more undetermined type of ADSRS from 2018 to 2020 to cover the remaining areas discussed earlier.
3 Ground Based Air Defense Systems (GBADS) are also scheduled for acquisition by 2016, while another 3 GBADS will be acquired by 2020.
 |
| The acquisition of Ground Based Air Defense System is among the most closely-guarded projects of the DND and PAF, and although not much releases are made to the media does not mean the project is not moving. The Israeli-made Spyder system is among those being considered for this project. |
Trainings and International Exercises:
The new equipment would be nothing else but displays if the ones operating them are not abreast on the technology and capabilities these equipment can do.
The PAF is trying to reach is schedule to be a participant in several international military exercises, which includes Cobra Gold annual exercises hosted by Thailand, Exercises Pitch Black hosted by Australia biennially, and Red Flag exercises hosted by the United States.
 |
| The PAF intends to join the Cobra Gold and Exercise Pitch Black in the near future, as well as the prestigious Red Flag exercises in the US. |
According to the PAF's Flight Plan, the PAF should already be a regular participant in Cobra Gold by 2018, in Pitch Black by 2020, and in Red Flag by 2022. Currently, the AFP is an observer in Cobra Gold, and has been a minor participant in the recently concluded Cope North 2015 in Guam.
# # # # # # # # #
In general, the PAF has already identified the road it plans to take, but it would not be possible if the executive and legislative bodies of the government still fail to provide the necessary support for this initiative. It is already a very conservative effort made by the PAF, and failure of the government to provide the budget and support will meant the PAF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole will be going nowhere.
MaxDefense will be abreast with the developments on this effort by the PAF, and separate blog entries will be tackling the other modernization efforts of the PAF on its Tactical and Support Wings, and Air Force Wide Support Units. Meanwhile, the focus for this year would be the delivery of the gap-filler radar system from Israel, and at least the first 2 units of the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle SAA/LIFT aircraft which will temporarily be used to fill the country's limited air defense capability.
==========
UPDATES:
==========
March 24, 2015:
This might be the fastest update ever made on MaxDefense blogs.
Just a few hours after this blog entry was released, the DND confirmed that the Philippine Air Force will be starting the rehabilitation of Gozar Air Station in Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, to accomodate a new radar system scheduled to arriving soon.
Gozar Air Station was formerly equipped with an air defense radar system but the air station fell to disrepair after its radar system became obsolete and decommissioned.
More of this update on the link provided HERE.
==========
March 27, 2015:
Aside from the Gozar Air Station in Lubang Island, the DND has started preparation for the rehabilitation of Salakot Air Station in Palawan, and Paredes Air Station in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. Both air stations were previously operating air defense radars, and are scheduled to receive their new radars from Israel by next year.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and other officials visited the both the Salakot and Gozar Air Stations recently.
Any update of the 3 Flight Simulator? That might be a clue for the 24 fighter aircraft.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 Flight Simulators are for the AW109E, 412EP and C130H. See DND website.
DeleteSir Max maybe F-18 will be good because it has a variant of ECM
ReplyDeleteOne question Sir Max: Does this really mean the PAF would be doing a balancing act of building its facilities while buying modern equipment from the ground and above as more budget comes available?
ReplyDeleteThank you sir and more power to you blog!
Wow akala q umusad pa pala top secret ?
ReplyDeletewhat's with you people and your obsessions with "muh tawp sekrit" stuff?
Deleteprobably because the DND wants to keep it to themselves for now?
How about shore base missille ?anti aircraft missile?
ReplyDeleteSir Max,
ReplyDeleteCan the president make a law in the constitution for the AFP modernization?
So that it cannot be touch by succeding goverments?
Like The Goverment should allocate an increasing budget to the AFP to make sure the AFP modernization is secured and can only be altered if country is suffering financially.
Criminal Persecution should be placed to does who oppose or found to be conspiring with the enemy to delay and cancel this modernization.
Criminal Persecution as well to those caught using the above funds allocated for the modernization for personal or political gains
The President (executive branch) cannot make a law. It is the job of Legislative Branch (Senate & Congress) to create/enact a law.
DeleteTo add more, "Criminal Persecution should be placed to does who oppose or found to be conspiring with the enemy to delay and cancel this modernization." This is already within the law, its called treason."Criminal Persecution as well to those caught using the above funds allocated for the modernization for personal or political gains" again within the law, its called graft and corruption.
Deletei agree to lessen the number of the plan of acquisition of more SAA/LIFT aircraft, i think 18 SAA/LIFT is more than enough for PAF and then buy more MRF plus shore based anti ship and anti aircraft missiles... if the budgets permit.
ReplyDeleteBeing accurate is okay but who's side are you really on here? Should you really have to post the AFP's plans for the enemies to see? I mean, come on man. Pathetic.
ReplyDeleteThe PAF's Flight Plan is openly available in the PAF's website. As it was already made available to public, it won't be a problem.
DeleteNow, since you know of these plans of the PAF, your duty as a Filipino is to choose your leaders right, be on guard on people or groups that will stop the PAF/AFP's plans, and be aware of these plans and help the PAF reach them. If you sit around and do nothing, then that is pathetic.
DeletePoint taken. Free info or not and as a Filipino, shouldn't you at least be this country's first line of defense? Keeping quiet and letting the right people (who know better) do their job is a big help especially from someone like you Max. There are so many things you can blog about (and be really really good at it) other than this country's military; which other people would die for to keep secret. Nice talking to you and good luck.
DeleteIt's no surprise for anybody in the world, especially in academics and military learning not to know the different doctrines of states. That goes the same with what sir Max posted here.
DeleteChina posted it when it announced last year the ADIZ or Air Defense Identification Zone.
America, Russia and some other states war doctrine for a time was also available in on Wikipedia.
Anonymous poster, it appears you do not understand a thing on this concern. First of all, this information is not a top secret info, and all the details pointed out here were presented in a public presentation by the PAF. A copy of this presentation is even available for download at the PAF's official website. All the information released are not considered confidential or secret, thus it was made available to the public. This was made by the PAF for public consumption, and MaxDefense is only echoing the presentation for a more general public consumption by summarizing it in a more layman term, including for you.
DeleteAnd practicality wise, you might have been underestimating the enemy. Do you really think they do not know anything at all, even those considered top secret by the government? They can steal all the secrets of the US Department of Defense, why do you think they can't do the same to the Philippines? And besides, even if all these plans come to fruition, do you really think this would have any dent on the enemy's plans against the country? Definitely not.
Well, perhaps nonchalantly yes they did out of necessity. Chinese ADIZ? C'mon you know that was pure BS and where is it now? But did the Chinese ever tell you beforehand that they're going to grab hold of the entire SCS or set up the 9 dash line? Or who would've guessed they'd build concrete structures besides the stilts they've put on Spratlys back in the 90's? Big NO right and YES it's no surprise for anybody in the world except for the gullible Filipinos. Anyways, it's never too late to win this war and you can start by dropping this blog. You know what's right from wrong since you've been in the 'security' business. Ironic isn't it? It's all up to you how and if you ever want to win. Cheers.
DeleteI definitely and totally 100% agree with you Max, but again, why give away plans? You said you've been in the 'security' business. That sounds ironic in itself, isn't it? We're so gullible that's why we don't win wars anymore. You know better.
DeleteFor Armchair General: I respectfully disagree, but somehow yes they nonchalantly did but out of necessity; you know better. China ADIZ? That pure BS. Where is it now? Cheers.
Malamang yan nag-re-reklamo na yan sa blog ni Sir Max eh yung mga tao sa likod ng paninira sa UH-1D deal, o kaya mga kagaya ni Tulfo na putak ng putak at naghahanap ng mapapagdiskitahan.
DeleteThe Flight Plan 2028 Powerpoint presentation was a highlight of the AFP Governance Exposition December 17, 2014, an event attended by the media. It just happened to be overshadowed by the Philippine Navy showcase and press briefing by RADM Taccad on the same date, at another venue. The latter got all the headlines. :)
DeleteYes, I know since I'm in the security business for decades. And there are no plans to make a blog for MaxFashion, MaxBeauty, MaxEntertainment, and whatever blog you want MaxDefense to change to.
DeleteAnd YES, the Philippine government and every other governments in the area know beforehand that the Chinese will start grabbing those islands. Surprised? Of course you are! The government did not released this information to the media, but it doesn't mean the military and government doesn't know!
MaxDefense knows the limitations of what it writes, and that's the reason why this blog only releases information that was already released by the DND/military beforehand. This Flight Plan, as explained by one reply before mine, was presented to the media as early as December 2014. Do you really think the large enemy far north was not able to get a copy of this before MaxDefense posted this blog entry?
The Flight Plan 2028 is no different from the plans made by different countries around the world. Let me give an example from the service I'm working with: the general public knows very well the contents of the Australian Navy's Force 2030 program and all its subprograms like Sea 4000, Sea 5000, Air 9000, Sea 1654, Sea 1448, Sea 1439. These are all available to the general public for reading.
DeleteThis is no different from the PAF Flight Plan 2028, and PN's Vision 2020. The Australian programs are even more complex and specific compared to the PAF's Flight Plan. Just because the general public like you has no idea with these plans because you haven't read or you haven't been informed doesn't mean the governments around the world doesn't know. MaxDefense is here to make the general public knowledgeable of what the Philippine government's programs for defense are. Lack of information of the public is one reason why support for the AFP's Modernization is very minimal.
To sir Anonymous: First in foremost, aside from military purposes, an ADIZ is announced by a military to reveal it's intentions to the CIVILIAN OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFTS around the vicinity to always turn on their transponders, identify themselves or else they would be shot down to pieces and meet their Holy creator earlier than they would. Would you like that situation happen inside the PADIZ?
DeleteHEADLINES: AIRFORCES SHOOTS DOWN PAPER PLANE TO KINGDOM COME AND STILL THEY ARE MUM. For example: Remember the Malaysian flight 17 shot down by insurgents in Eastern Ukraine without announcing that they have established an ADIZ?
Another is are you sure that one way or another, China wouldn't be trying to steal these kinds of information? Even Pentagon who has a 7 tiered firewall on its system was nearly penetrated by Chinese military hackers last year. Also, military info from Australia was also hacked under their noses by China last year.
Mr. Anonymous who doesn't want AFP plans be disclosed for public consumption is simply paranoid from too much military indoctrination. There is nothing top secret about the PAFs "Flight Plan". I have no military background but I can make a better "Flight Plan" for the PAF than what they envisioned for the next 14 years. For the 1st 2-yr phase of the 6-yr term of the next president, I would first suggest completing the installation of radar systems throughout the country to be able to monitor and track the movements of ships and aircraft within our 300-nmile EEZ Zone and the whole South China See. For the 2nd 2-yr phase, complete the installation of the Isreali Spyder/David's Sling/Arrow missile batteries along the length of Western Phil. as our country's defensive shield & the 3rd 2-yr phase will be the procurement of 4 squadrons of Gripen NG MRFs at 1 squadron each for Mindanao, Palawan, Luzon & Metro Manila for offensive capability to complete the concept of Monitor, Defend & Attack Strategy.
DeleteAt the end of it all, all are these are still PLANS. The PAF can change them anytime, or if a new Commanding General comes in.
Deleteto Anonymous, i dont know which for there is so many of you: Many of us are better than AFP's think tank. but only AFP can get funds from the gov't coffers and no of us can. Lol
DeleteOf course, only AFP has the say in any of its plans. We are just suggesting ideas or opinions which if the AFP thinks will improve their plans, why not consider and apply it right...There are many bright military strategists/analysts/tacticians outside of AFP and Sir Max and rhk111 are two of them...AFP military planners already failed in convincing Pnoy that we will loose our territorial reefs and shoals to China if we don't act now...Does Pnoy have to wait for people power or a military coup d'etat to take place to change his hard-headed not-working peace plan of resolving the muslim rebellion, communist insurgency and China's expansionist aggression...
Deleteall information stated here are information that needs to be heard by the public, hence it was released to us for our info.
Deleteinfo on plans especially public plans were first disclosed to allied/friendly forces as both FYI and a deterrent to any possible threat.
all plans are subjected to all sorts of scenarios and concerns first before a draft is presented. economy, diplomatic agreements, international law,.. etc etc,. all with the country as first priority. all of us has the right to project our opinions out as this is a free country, but keep in mind that opinions are no more than opinions if not backed up with facts that are valid to current situations. do not get agitated that your personal opinions are neglected, opposed or bashed as they are too are entitled to their own opinions. keep in mind that plans are those who have been considered to be feasible and more just to the cause, but you keep opposing bashing,. etc etc,. what more are your individual opinions.
don't get me wrong, the value of an opinion is what drives a plan into research and eventually fulfillment of its objective, but if one has an opinion who he thinks can help, then start backing up your idea's with cold hard facts and consider all related matters before needlessly stating unfounded concerns that only produces negative moral for us already down filipino citizens.
stop talking and start doing something, I'm not saying to take up arms but at lease consider what mr max is doing,. informing the public by way of blogging in such a format that none military personnels can digest information to the best of their understanding.
you might find it disturbing, but it is practical for worst case scenario's if ordinary peace loving juan knows that his country has installations and equipment that he can rely on in times of war or at lease has the info of where to go or what to do to survive.
it is practical and transparent information that we have to know as tax paying, peace loving citizen of the republic of the philippines.
by the way, i assume that we have all gone thru basic military training. and as such, this info will be mandatory for intelligence in worst case scenarios as to the mobilization of the citizen to arms.
Tnx sir max for always updating us. Anyways is there a guarantee that the remaining big ticket items will push through barely with a year left under this administration. for example the surface to air missiles that had been in the news even way back 2012 seems to be not progressing.
ReplyDeleteNo news doesn't mean no movement. Missiles are among those items that do not generally come out of the news often.
DeleteDND/AFP top brass should visit Israel and learn from the Israel military planners about their Missile Defense Shield and form a defense cooperation agreement to apply it to our country.
DeleteThe long term roadmap of PAF has good planning, but our politicians fails in implementing priorities. Do you know that the planned P70B to be given to MILF once the BBL is signed can buy 24, I repeat 24 Gripen NG!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete22
DeleteThis only shows that if the government can allocate P70 billion for BBL Bangsamoro Basic Law and P108.8 billion for the CCT Conditional Cash Transfer which has no budget before, it only means that our government can provide 3x the current defense budget if our territorial security is given priority. Take into account the billions of pesos budget wasted for national and local elections, it is nonsense to think that our government cannot afford to increase our defense budget.
DeleteSir Max, do you think our DND have plans to join some stealth aircraft projects like KAI and Indonesia's KFX program, HAL AMCA of India or Flygsystem 2020 of Swedens SAAB? I think it would be a great option.
ReplyDeleteNo. Budget does not permit, and the aviation industry is not at par to develop such projects with other nations.
DeleteLet the Koreans & Indonesians complete their KFX programs on their own and we'll just buy 1 squadron of their KFX fighter in the future if they can produce their own cheaper stealth fighter.
DeleteWhy do we need Stealth aircraft when we don't have the conventional ones yet?
Deletethe plan just got me excited, finally a true air force. For the fighter I want them to go with the F/A-18 Super Hornets. Its the fighter of the world's no.1 naval aviation force. I think the air defense missiles will be operated by the army, correct me if I'm wrong.
ReplyDeleteEach services of the AFP (PA, PAF, PN, PM)) should have their own missile squadrons for quicker response and reaction time for missile deployment and readiness.
DeleteAntagal ng goal na 2028 bago mag mature yung air defense plans ng air force. by that time the western part of the country will be teeming with chinese air bases with aircraft that can cover a large part of the Philippines from those bases. How I see things though is that the country needs to look at mobile anti aircraft missile systems that can be pieced together to form an integrated air defense system and use the aircraft planned for acquisition for response to threats. Sure fighters are a good thing they're fast, nimble and has loads of coolness but I bet my neighbors ugly annoying dog that even a seasoned pilot will think twice about entering an area knowing there "might be" missiles pointed at his tail and ready to launch given the order to do so. How about getting S-300 systems or the likes for territorial air defense, they might look ugly to some because its on the ground and dirty unlike fighters but bear in mind these systems get intruding pilots nerves tingling. systems with such long range serve as defensive offensive weapons like those stationed in mainland china near Taiwan. just my two cents. great post as always!
ReplyDeletenakalagay na nga sa plans yang missile defense:
Delete"3 Ground Based Air Defense Systems (GBADS) are also scheduled for acquisition by 2016, while another 3 GBADS will be acquired by 2020"
the Philippines has 2,549 Miles of coastline. 3 GBADS in 2016 and 2020 are too few and too long. It's not even enough just to protect Palawan Island..Our government should do better than this.
Delete^It just boils down to budget. In other words, how much our politicians are willing to part with money that they think could belong to them.
DeleteIf they won't get anything from it, why should they? That's their mentality.
The main problem is the allocation of budget for this PAF plans. If we choose the right leader of this country who is not corrupt and has political will to resolved the AFP modernization then, this plan can be fast track of course with the support of our congress and senate. So again choose the right person to congress and senate,the one who is really care for the country as whole. In the next few years our giant neighbor will be more unfriendly to us. Let's be vigilant...
ReplyDeleteI just want to share something to help enlighten ourselves about the questions of:
ReplyDeleteIs quality made military hardware more effective than the simple ones?
https://defenseissues.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/quality-versus-quantity-fallacy/
What are the dangers of complex weapons?
https://defenseissues.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/dangers-of-complex-weapons/
Dear Armchair General
Deletei like to point out that the articles that u share is not only not enlightening, but seriously have many flaw. For example:
- F-16 is better than F-15. This is a joke right?
- Rafael is better than F-22. It's not even a bad joke!!!
- The west lack COIN plane. Because they don't have insurgency, so they don't need it.
- Surveillance turboprop plane is better than UAV and satellite. Are u kidding me. They work in tandem not comparable.
and many more fact that is just plain wrong.
Both article did have some merit, but mostly its bad articles that i suggest to avoid.
Can i ask why nobody considering to buy plane from Russia? Or at least buy Grippen that was produce by Brazil?
DeleteThe PAF’s medium term “Flight Plan” by 2022 is interesting to know Sir Max. But I think the plan is far from being an effective & credible air defense capability. It was more like the maximum capability our government can only afford based on the limitations of the DND’s budget till 2022. How can only 3-6 SAM missile batteries & 12-36 combat planes be an effective air defense against China’s 1500+ combat planes and thousands of missiles. I think it would be best for the Phil. government to change the constitution and form a much closer and tighter defense cooperation with the US in stopping China’s expansionist aggression in the South China Sea. Let the US permanently station its Pacific Naval fleet ships/Air Force planes and nuclear ICBMs/IRBMs to all our AFP naval ports, air bases and military bases along the length of Western Philippines. That way, we are likely be able to reclaim back all our Spratly Island reefs and Scarborough Shoal invaded and occupied by China. The US will probably give most of it’s surplus military hardwares to the AFP w/o the need for our government to spend too much on our defense budget. An added bonus is the thousands of employment opportunities for Filipinos to enlist again in the US armed forces, more American tourist arrivals into our country’s tourist spots and maybe visa-free entry to the US in the future. Social problems previously associated with US bases and oppostion rallies and demonstrations by leftist militants & communists are just insignifcant issues that can be managed. The most important thing is, with US partnership, China will back-off from bullying the Philippines again, we are protected by a US nuclear umbrella and maybe finally finish off the muslim rebellion and communist insurgency. Now, that is what I call effective & credible military capability.
DeleteI think this could interest most of us more: http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/03/the_disappointment_that_is_the_f35.html
DeleteGo Gripens!
-Neo
If I'm going to take you on a road trip to history to prove the point of "fallacy of quality vs quantity" to prove my point: Why did the Western Allies in the European Theater beat the hell out the technologically superior Nazi's when they invaded Europe?
DeleteIt's because they used and produced SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE weapons coupled with ever changing and better strategies/tactics to counter the superior innovations and technological advantage of the Germans in the field of war. The Germans were almost outnumbered from small arms to airplanes by simple yet effective tools of war used by the Allies in other to win the war.
Sherman vs Panther or Tiger? Pathetic right?
P-51 Mustangs vs Messerschmitt Me 262 ( the granddaddy of fighter jets!) what a big joke! Its suicide.
M1-Garand or Lee Enfield Bolt Action vs the Krak 98 or StG 44 (granddaddy of modern assault rifles) Overkill! Still the Americans used the M1 even though they now lagged behind in terms of rate of fire when the StG44 was introduced.
Unless a technology is proven worthy in combat, its nothing but another bling-bling on an equipment.
My friend Im not Sir Max, but its not that easy on what you say. At least by giving our country with something more of a minimum credible defense the enemy would think twice before entering our vicinity. You can't also change a constitution overnight because it takes a lot of process and political will at the same time.
Delete@Armchair General
DeleteI agree at some point, but another critical part is "Time and Resources", they run out of them.
During WWII different wars are being held at different countries, and these has stretched their supply lines while there manufacturing capability is being bombarded.
How can you mass produced an effective weapon when you do not have a factory to built it..
Not sure if you are aware? Japan had the same scenario...supply lines has run out or got cut off, no fuel for there ships, lost planes and ships are not being replenished, that is why some of them sailed back to Japan to defend there country and just become gun platform because they cannot sail anymore.
The U.S at the other hand, has a strong manufacturing industry, no war is going on their land, so they can quickly replace lost equipments and loan them to countries at that time, kung tutuusin, sila kumita sa gyera..
Subukan nyo po mag laro ng Strategy Games para ma realize nyo ang importance ng supply lines and available resources
Gen Armchair has a good point. There is quality in a lot of quantity. That is why a lot of planes destroyed battleships, and soon, a barrage of missiles will destroy aircraft carriers.
DeleteAhh. Interesting discussion. My forte, World and Military History.
DeleteIt is true that the Germans stretched their supply lines when they invaded Russia that's why their attacks stalled on 1941, plus the Russian winter. It was rather the decision of Hitler on opening up a 2nd front that made them lose the war. You can't simple fight on two fronts at the same time can you? Same goes with Japan.
If we can learn from Germans they solved their problems like this:
Problems with acquiring and buying weapons? We make one.
Problems with production? They standardized the production and increase the input of raw materials.
Problems with raw materials? They exploited the conquered territories and dismantled whats useful and ship it back to the Fatherland to be reused. They also improvised and used innovative ideas like SYNTHETIC materials like synthetic oil.
Problems with work force? They enacted and used POWs and civilians as forced labors for manufacture in labor camps.
Here's a fact: They built factories on prison camps that's why they kept producing war materials.
Problems with allied bombing? They built factories underground and at the sides of the mountains. They already have factories and infrastructure built during the 1930s. Also the allied bombings has also a questionable effect because they Germans produced more even though they are bomb. The reason? Standardization of manufacture and increasing the input of raw materials from captured territory.
Problems with lost weapons due to battle? They used simple yet effective weapons captured in the field as long as they have the same caliber/ammunition size with their guns to substitute their deficiencies in producing them. A classic example is the PPSh-41 of the Soviets which has the same caliber size of 9mm with the MP38/40 and the French howitzer LeFH. The only thing they have to do is manufacture the ammo for the captured weapons.
How did they supply themselves? The Germans were never fully motorized and most rode on horses, bicycles or walked. Only 45% of German ground troops were motorized. The rest used kinds of transportation and carrying supplies.
Of course I know about the situation of Japan that as they were losing ground they were also loosing valuable sources of raw materials. But for them, as long as they held Manchuria, they vowed to take to keep fighting. Manchuria provided the wealth of raw materials to Japan like agricultural, iron, coal and oil. So how come they fought on even though after the two Atomic bombs were dropped on them? Its because they still held Manchuria! But when the Soviets invaded Manchuria and for fearing that they would become a satellite state of the latter, Tojo suddenly sued for peace. Manchuria was always the key to their success because it was their life line and their industrial hub.
In WW II: The US lacked money to support its war effort even though it has an established manufacturing, that's the reason why in the later part it sold war bonds or loans to its own people and allies.
DeleteLets face it, tactical/strategy games are not applicable in real life situation. Why? It's not the same with real warfare where situations change suddenly and unexpectedly or one mistake can lead to a serious military disaster. Video games only give you simulations of given events that once you have learn to adopt or know how to face it, you can either restart or continue and use it to your advantage.. Also, the AI is different from a thinking person because it doesn't think like a normal person would.
The Command and Conquer franchise, Company of Heroes and those likes concentrates mainly strategies of blitzing and spamming your enemies.
The closest I get on managing politics, economy and people was the Total War series (Rome: Total War, Medieval: Total War, Empire: Total War, Napoleon: Total War.), Stronghold franchise (Stronghold I, Stronghold: Crusader, Stronghold II, Stronghold: Crusader II), Rise of Nations and such and such. Those are combination of real-time strategy and micro-managing but in order for you to make war, you have to build your economy and make trade, keep your people happy, engage in diplomacy by asking for a trade agreement or alliance or declare ware and churn out armies to attack or defend your settlements. But it still lacks the realism of real life and warfare.
As the saying goes quantity is a quality of its own. The Rooskies are planning to launch a new tank come May 9th, they call the Armata series, from what i read it will be a host platform for a range of vehicles that will share the a common chassis like the idea of the F-35 having a common airframe for different variants. But why a new tank in this age of high speed smart guided techno woozie munitions? I mean the slow moving armored columns of the former Iraqi army where fish in the barrel back in Desert Storm, was that not enough of a lesson for the Russians that they still want a new tank? First Russia encompasses vast areas of territory, and knowing the lay of that land and their strategy for warfare they need armored vehicles to hold ground supported by artillery and covered by ground based mobile anti aircraft defenses. The air force provides what you can call highly mobile response for allied air threats or CAS aircraft which I think is very logical because of how vast the real estate they have to stretch their resources for. Now what we can learn from other countries on how they employ their assets is that we don't need the next high tech wonder the defense manufacturers tells us their product is but we need assets that we can employ to use for a specific purpose. I'm not very familiar with the doctrine of our air force and how they will be utilizing the assets that will be available but we need to look at the bigger picture and see what our neighbors are doing. I hope that our air force is also looking at long range Russian aircraft to add to the MRF's
DeleteCheck out this good read from Air Power Australia.
link --> http://ausairpower.net/region.html
link --> http://ausairpower.net/APA-JSF-Analysis.html
Armchair General, I beg to disagree. yes WWII was won by the Allies overwhelming Nazi Germany and of course by dropping an atomic bomb over Japan. a prior comment aptly pointed out the destruction of supply lines. technically, that was what did in the Axis powers. the tank battle was one of the best examples in linewith the issue of quantity over quality. the Americans main tank was the Shermans, the Soviets had their T-35s while the Germans had their Panzer I (at par with the Sherman and T-35), and the technologically superior Tiger I and Tiger II.
DeleteDuring the African Campaign, the Shermans could go toe to toe with the Panzer IV. But in Europe, the Allies were outgunned and out-armored by the Tigers.
"Sherman tanks were not nearly as efficient or as armored as the primary German tank, the Panzer IV. This was a fact even before the upgrading of Panzer gun barrels and armor in 1943. Shermans were under-gunned when fighting German Tiger tanks and out-maneuvered when facing German Panther tanks." These disparities are shown in an account of the famous Lt. Colonel William B. Lovelady, commander of the 3rd Armored Division’s 2ndBattalion
Now, it would probably take 3 Shermans to take down a Tiger I and 5 to take out the King Tiger. the Americans won because their supply line was untouched. if the case were similar with Germany, or even reversed, I would say the Tigers will overwhelm the Allied Tanks.
Now with Israel in the Yom Kipper war, the doctrine of war was changed and focus was made on destroying the supply line. same doctrine was used in dessert storm and the Afghan and Iraq War. The US bombed the supply lines using quality weapons and thus eliminated quantity.
I love simple weapons. I love the AK47. But in the end, quality will defeat quantity. best way for militaries with less quality is to endure the offensive and make the cost of war for the superior tech armed force to back down. best example is none other than the Vietnam War.
Kudos to all of us. I dream that we can live to see the day that jets fly over our skies. Our guided missile ships patrolling our seas. AEWC planes and drones observing from above. And insurgencies totally quelled. Long Live the Philippines!
-685-
Israel won every war they faced because of these factors:
Deletea.) Superior strategies and tactics.
b.) Advantage in AIR POWER.
c.) The importance of training regularly even in times of peace.
d.) The flexibility of their command and army structure
Hindi po kasi kadali ang mga sinasabi nyo kasi hindi rin katulad sa computer games yan. We just don't simply analyze the basic facts, we must also understand the different FACTORS that contribute to the defeat of the enemy. In real war situations, even if you destroyed the supply lines of the enemy they are still considered as a threat because the enemy can still mount offensives and counter-offensives if you didn't destroy their ability make war especially the morale. Sure by bombing the supply lines you limit the ability of the enemy to make an offensive. But what if you bombed their supply lines but still the morale was high and soon they decided to wage a guerrilla war?
Vietnam? Please, by making Vietnam as a comparison is incorrect because in the beginning it was actually a one-sided war.
What we are talking here is there is QUALITY in SIMPLE yet EFFECTIVE (proven) weapons.
@Armchair General...Even if we attain the minimum credible defense the AFP has planned, China is still going to laugh at us and bully us as usual unless we have the capability as comparable to Japan, Israel or North Korea. Partnering with the US by re-establishing joint defense cooperation and allowing US forces to freely operate in our military bases does not in anyway affect our independence but enhances our military capabilities that will really make China think twice before attacking the Philippines if we decide to take back by military force Scarborough Shoal, Mischief Reef and Mabini reef . I never said that our constitution can be changed overnight but a military coup d'etat can quickly change it.
DeleteWell The Allies win the war because of Air Superiority. Sherman's couldn't defeat the Tigers, so what the Americans did was to destroy them thru close-air support. Russia defeated the Germans with their great number of T-34's.
DeleteYeah, The German's are superior in terms of Quality that time, but Quality did not made them won. Making a Tiger is too slow. Unlike the T-34, it is cheap, fast to build and has an effective gun. That time Quantity defeated Quality.
During 6 day war, Israel won because of they are well trained, well executed battle plan and elements of surprise. The Arabs are poor in quality of leadership and not well trained.
We need not Great leadership, Cheap but effective weapons.and a well trained men. But what is happening now is quite the opposite in our military. We are acquiring few weapons, Few ships(mostly 2nd hands), No air defense, no sea surface and sub surface defense. Slow acquisition, poor leadership. And by 2-3 years, the WPS is now in the hands of the chinese. While us the Philippines is still slowly building up our military for 15 years with 6 Frigates 12 corvettes 18 OPV, 4 SSV, 3 LSS, 40 patrol gunboats, 42 MPAC, 3 Submarines, 3 mine countermeasure and etc. ANd I don't know if this will all be bought in the next 15 years with the slowpoke DND.
It just goes round and round and doesn't end.
DeleteWishful thinking and other stuffs.
@ Armchair General
DeleteWell u start by giving that stupid link.
Look u want quantity over quality.....fine but a bit point that u ignore in your example of WW2 is the casualty or just to the point is how can Philippine can overwhelm China?
By resource? Wealth? Man? Weapon?
Your idea is suicide!!!!
@armchair general. Sir I agree with your points on why the israelis won each war they were engaged in. Aside for the ones you listed the arab opposition in terms of military hardware had the best the soviet union could provide. Everybody who is well acquianted with these events know that the arab-israeli wars were a testbed for US and Soviet weapon platforms. The problem was for the arabs for that matter was a failure to coordinate with each other. They did not have clear and set goals short term and long term. They were ineptly led and poorly motivated. But the bottomline is the israelis won each and every single war is because they were PREPARED. In our case, how prepared is the philippines for a eventual armed conflict with China? Not even close to half I would say. Mga sir. Our country is an archipelago if and when our big commie neighbor decides to strike wala po tayo tatakasan na ibang lugar. We will be stuck on our own respective islands and be bombed to smithereens while our "gallant and very patriotic" congressmen and senators will flee to whichever western country they secretly have acquired citizenship. Kawawa naman tayo.
DeleteDrawing na naman ito. Inuubos na ng intsik ang WPS, papetek peteks pa rin ang PAF.
ReplyDeleteWhat we need is emergency fast upgrade of air defense. Naglulustay ng pera at panahon ang PAF sa mga bagong cargo aircraft na kaymahal, ngayon at wala pa silang combat aircraft.
Pwede namang mag lease o mag line up ng suppliers ng cargo lift for if ever there's a need. Maliit naman ang Pilipinas, kung pwedeng ibarko, Navy or civilian, mas makakamura pa.
For the money being spent by the PAF for expensive new cargo aircraft, 3 years ago they could have already stood up a fighter capability. But their mentality is still colonized by the Americans and their plans, including this, is still based on the assumption of dependency on the US.
What a disservice to the interests of the Filipino nation.
educate your self ser before you make assumptions.
DeleteWhy cargo planes? because HADR gets a quicker nod than fighters. Combat assets are almost immediately opposed by left wing groups and politicians. If we want fighting assets, we sweep the groups and individuals who are clearly NOT on the side of the Philippines.
DeleteThat includes corrupt politicians. So yeah the Binay-types must be put to jail.
Sir, wag ang PAF and sisihin, kundi ang mga opisyal natin, sila ang nagbibigay, nag a-approved at nag bubulsa ng budget..
DeleteTulad ng mga sinabi mga nag post blog na ito.. piliin mabuti ang ilalagay sa pwesto.. wag papasilaw sa P500 pesos at Jollibee Burger Steak na bayad sa kada boto..
Sir max the newly acquired radar can detect stealth aircraft? And what's the latest about the LRPA and R4? About the R4 I haven't heard anything after the 1st delivery and haven't see our infantry using it. And lastly sir max why balut island? That place is very hard to reach and waves are strong might as well put it in saranggani so it will not be difficult transporting it.
ReplyDeleteIt the first radar will be installed in Lubang Island how far can this radar reach or acquire the incoming plane. what do you.think Max, is this option ideal to install the first radar or will it be best to put it in palawan, since this is where most of the intrusions occur. parallel to the newly installed coast watch undertaken by raytheon, the afp can react faster. much be better if the paf can reactivate at least 4 of the F.5 or buy at least 6 F5 from korea or saudi arabia to temporarily fill in the gap for counter or deternce should there be any intruder
ReplyDeleteSir Max, would it be feasible if PH requests for BVR integration of the FA-50s? For sure it would cost us -- being the first country that could request this capability on the FA-50, but how much would the cost be like? In your opinion, would it be practical?
ReplyDeleteWith regards to the 24 reported aircraft, obviously, the better breakdown would be 6 additional FA-50s and 18 MRFs. But if the PAF decides on 12-12, and those 12 FA-50s are with BVR, then it's not going to be that bad. Those BVR-capable FA-50s would be legit force multipliers.
In 2021, the PAF could basically have 12 standard FA-50s, 12-souped-up FA-50s and 12 Gripens.
And yeah.. maybe 18 Super Tucanos as well.
- Neo
There are plans to have at least 2 of the FA-50 have BVR capability. This was reported by the media in 2013 or 2014. But the total numbers will not be available for public consumption for now.
DeleteThanks Max, I can see why it's not going to be available public information, it's a sound strategy for the PAF. They must be thinking in these lines: OPFOR detects 2 FA-50s in the area, but they wouldn't know if any of the two has BVR or if both have it, or which one has it. Maybe it doesn't look like it matters when the Chinese have superior jets, but I think an FA-50 with BVR is still a cause for worry.
Delete- Neo
nice BVR capable FA50 will our force multiplier? nice!
DeleteEven if all 12 of our FA-50s has BVR radar, it doesn't matter. They can be easily neutralized by China's J-20 5th generation stealth fighters which they will be placing in the Spratly Island reefs they are reclaiming once it's finished even before we receive our 12 FA-50Ss.
DeleteTo Anonymous (March 28, 2015 at 12:21 AM), we all know PH can not put the assets it needs to fight China (at least in the next 20 years). If PH can afford weapons it would have better fighters, but since we currently don't have China's economic strength, we're stuck with what we can afford.
DeleteSo China has 5th Gen fighters, what about that? Do we stop buying planes knowing everything we get out there in the skies will be blown-up?
PH has to start from somewhere, and the FA-50s, underpowered and overmatched as they are, those are good planes to start with.
And if the BVR integration on these FA-50s are feasible, I rather have them than standard issue FA-50s. Of course, most of us would like to have Gripens than upgraded FA-50s, but as I said, those FA-50s are better than what we currently have right now -- which is ZERO number of fighters.
- Neo
many are underestimating the fa-50, the fighter jet rule is, if it can fly well then we can fix it to shoot better. fa-50 air maneuverability and speed is at par with the best of the 5th generation fighters, this is the reason why PAF choose this aircraft
Delete@ aymokay
DeleteU overestimate FA-50 ability. If it par with 5th gen Fighter then why Korea made it? the answer is because they need a simple trainer plane and trainer plane that was modified is not equal with fighter plane that was design as a fighter from the start.
Speed? Maneuver? Sure!!! But it take more than that to be equal with 5th gen fighter like safety, payload, range, endurance and weapon system.
Uhmm.. No. FA-50 is NOT "a simple trainer", maybe you are referring to the T-50, but even that jet isn't a "simple trainer". The FA-50 is intended to replace the F5s so that alone debunks the "simple trainer" designation.
DeleteAs for matching up with 5th gen fighters, no comparison really, since the FA-50 is basically an SAA/LIFT/LAC, and this plane will be shot down by more advanced heavy hitting fighters before it can even get close.
But it is still a capable fighter, specially if upgraded with BVR. If the OPFOR is sending heavy hitters just to neutralize these FA-50s, then I must say we're doing the right thing.
The FA-50 in tandem with the Gripen and I think OPFORs would have a fight in their hands.
- Neo
The Modernization is in our hand filipino people...we need to choose the leader that is pro-modernization of the AFP...the country that has a minimum credible posture can react with the bigger bully or the biggest bully! the country with a good armed forces is proven to have a good peace and order, good economy and good teritorial defense...
ReplyDeletePlease Vote for Roilo Golez for AFP modernization or Ely Pamatong for US Statehood if they decide to join the 2016 presidential race...Vote for Binay, AFP Modernization is dead...Vote for Poe, her cabinet will be full of actors and comedians...Vote for Mar Roxas, maybe he will continue Pnoy's programs...
DeleteMay mali dyan sa gusto mo, alam naman naten hindi kilala si Golez ng karamihan ng Pinoy at si Pamatong naman eh kahit alam ko matalino eh tingin ng madami sa kanya eh may pagka-sira ulo. In short, walang panalo itong dalawang ito.
DeletePero sa totoo lang, mas madami ang kumandidato, mas pabor kay Binay kase mahahati ang mga boto at lalaki posibilidad na manalo si Binay.
Ayoko kay Grace Poe, pero mas mabuti na isa lang or dalawa kalaban ni Binay para mas maliit chance na manalo si Dee-Mon-Yeew.
Kung sasali si Bong bong Marcos... may pag-asa kaya sya??
DeleteHi there! Totally unrelated to the post, but whatever happened to ROKN Pohang class corvette that was to be donated?
ReplyDeleteFinally the rebirth of our Air force! taking baby steps again with a goal!
ReplyDeletepls help and support our Armed forces.
kailangan din nila ng tagasupporta at tagapagtanggol. hindi lang mg sasakyang pangdigma ang kalaban, madami sa kanila nagkukubli sa lahat ng sulok ng ating buhay, sa gobyerno, sa media, mga rebolusyonayo at maging sa ating mga katulad na sibilyan. huwag natin payagan na ganito na lamang tayo. ipalianag nyo at ipagtanggol sa mga kamag anak nyo, kaibigan , katrabaho o kahit sa mga kainuman nyo ang kahalagahan ng sandatahang lakas. madami kasi dyan na walang bukang bibig nlng kundi bakit tayo bibili nyan! bakit di nalang ipakain sa mahihirap ang pera! nakakadismayang pag uutak, panahon pa ng sinaunang tao ang mga pagiisip! ipaliwanag ng maayos para ma enlighten ika nga ni buddha
i recall in my highschool days in 90's when a formation of 3 F5 fly by near our school, i felt a sudden pride and security, knowing that we have a capable fighter aircraft in those days.
Yes dude, I feel the same, and I think I'd feel even better when we have our FA-50s in the sky. I know they aren't real MRFs, but I'd take what we can get. And besides,those jets are really pretty and looks mean at the same time.
DeleteLet's Go Phil. Air Force!
- Neo
IMO, PAF should scrap getting NEW MRF's from America and Europe because the Price tag is expected to double by 2020. The only MRF's that are viable are the USED F/A-18C/D Hornets & Used Dassault Mirage 2000. The only new I can see that is viable is the Hal Tejas - LCA, SU-30 MKI or SU-35. PAF can't afford anything new and going used, Russian or Indian is their only option.
ReplyDeleteNick, the Indian Sukhois are problematic, as confirmed by their defence minister. Engine issues, mysterious ejections, poor reliability, poor serviceability, and more problems they still haven't found. Malaysia is having the same problems with their Su-30 that's why they are opting to go for a Western type to replace the MiGs.
Deletehttp://airheadsfly.com/2014/07/21/india-problems-with-sukhoi-su-30-force/
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/russians-go-slow-sukhoi-fleet-in-trouble
The same old Nick. Hiding behind an anonymous account. Scared of being bashed again in which is his fault in the first place. Btw, good read sir max, kudos!!
DeletePAF must acquuire BRAND NEW MRFs simply because it's going to be our warplanes for a very loooooooooooooong time. We buy old ones and we are at risk of having no planes again.
DeleteOf course, we could lose all our new planes when war breaks out, but that's beside the point. We put our best fighter in the line regardless.
I like to add that India Shukoi is Indian made, never hear any problem from the other user that buy Russian made.
DeleteIn fact Raphael is see problem when India want to made Raphael, but demand that France responsible for the quality.
Not all Russia is bad, or else no one will buy it, after all they are the second biggest arm supplier.
Our government should stop buying. It should start manufacturing MRFs locally in a tie-up with the manufacturers of Gripen NG or F-18 Super Hornet or F-16 Falcon...
Deletethat's right, many Filipino's are creative and have their own concepts of designs. i admit that i have an interest to war planes that i design my own versions. hahaha it is funny to think... but its true.. some includes MRF's and a ground attack with a 50mm gun...... any ways Filipinos already made a plane but it is more on a civilian type.
DeleteWhen one considers that it is taking ages to get the bidding for two frigates completed and no OPV's have been acquired or built yet, the plan seems overambitious at this point.
ReplyDeleteIt would probably just be best to try and put together a JAS Gripen NG squadron by the end of the decade, which is doable, with an option for an additional squadron in the following decade. In contrast to acquiring increasingly outdated F16's or F18's or more underpowered FA50's, that would provide the best bang for the buck and is realistic, to boot.
Laurence
Hi Laurence. If you noticed, the FA-50 was acquired by G2G. It was competing with the Alenia M-346, although Alenia failed because it cannot compete with KAI to field a fully armed and radar equipped fighter-trainer with supersonic speed. For the fighters, it is expected that G2G process will be used.
DeleteWhat will happen then to wallace AS, I think the PAF presentation has not included the facility as a part of its locations. If ever, would it be practical to close it since it was an existing facility since the contemporary era that the americans were here once. In my own opinion, think it is better to place another radar site somewhere in cagayan valley instead of paredes AS while the wallace AS is in operation. I am wishing thatradar facilities in the north will have its complementing air defense closer to it since the closest is kilometers away which is basa AB.
ReplyDeleteI just notice that the Israeli Radar system is capable of detecting Ballistic Missile but based on your blog there's no plan about any long range GBADS systems that are capable of intercepting Ballistic Missiles. I think it's imperative that our airforce should also include long range GBADS systems in their medium-term plan. The threat of BM's is very real specially from north korea just Like when north korea tested their BM that prompted Japan and South Korea to intercept it whenever it enters their respective airspace. Hopefully our airforce is already addressing this or the system is already on the roll but is kept from the punlic for security purposes. What do you think sir max?
ReplyDeleteBaby steps.
DeleteRight now China has already oriented some of it's IRBMs at the Philippines so be ready to run to the mountains if an expected war erupts...
DeleteThnx again Sir Max for the info, if it isnot too much to ask, i hope you would also discuss the rest of the PAF flight plan until 2028. You are right .the public is hardly informed about this.
ReplyDeleteIf US would be willing to give us a soft payment on F18, it should be a go. I believe FA50 has a bright future, I'd like to see more added to our air force
one last question, is it possible for a lawmaker such as a senator to lobby for an emergency procurement of military assets and weapons in congress? I've been writing senators about this and I think others should too, for them to know that there is a public clamor to improve our defense capabilities; just a suggestion
The plan to 2028 is still fluid, anything can happen, anything can change. Let's just say there are plans to increase the numbers of air assets, including more fighters and other aircraft and ground support assets.
DeleteMore attack choppers for the PAF?
ReplyDeleteAside from Demos of MD 530, PH apparently is interested in AH-6i.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lima-boeing-md-helicopters-spar-for-light-attack-410235/
Bad news for the insurgents, this is clearly meant for them.
- Neo
interest is not same as buying. Even if is, it's still long time to be realize.
DeleteYep' I know that, but it's better that the AFP/DND express interest, than showing no interest at all. And besides, these choppers aren't unrealistic targets if they ever decide to go with these.
Delete- Neo
I had goose bumps while reading this article. I hope tuloy tuloy na kasi napabayaan talaga ng husto itong modernization ng AFP kaya nag umpisa tayo sa wala tapos naghahabol tayo ngayon.
ReplyDeleteSana ung mga susunod na manunungkulan wag mamburaot at ihinto na naman itong modernization ng AFP.
Good....but I wish that it won't just be 12 or so MRF's make it 60! just like before during the better days of the PAF and Sir Max whats the difference between AWACS and AEW&C aircraft?
ReplyDeleteDear sir max.
ReplyDeleteReading the comment section of this article make me feel that many of the reader don't know the budget and the price of the fighter plane.
So will u kind enough to give then info of each fighter plane price and how big is the budget. So all of the commenter can stay in reality fact.
I agree with you sir. They think of gizmos that they want without thinking of the cost to purchase, operate and maintain one. I've been saying all the while that it's better if we purchase SIMPLE yet EFFECTIVE (proven) weapons.
DeleteThe Philippine government has the budget. Defense isn't simply the priority. It's BBL, CCT, Education and Public works...
DeleteFeasability of jets usually depends on its maintenance cost, cost per flight hour, performance (esp. Radars and weapons), and of course the unit cost. Just my 2 cents. Open for any corrections.
Delete-Kevin
Kevin, that sounds like a sales pitch for Textron's Scorpion jet. LOL.
DeleteBut I'm with you dude. And to add one more factor -- what capability does that jet is filling.
For the PAF “Flight Plan”till 2028 to be realized, choosing the next president is the first step. I don’t know of any credible presidential candidate who can replace Pres. Aquino and continue his AFP modernization except Roilo Golez I think. I’ve read about the ultra-rightist Ely Pamatong, the enemy of the communists & leftist militants. Many Filipinos considered him as a nuisance but if you read his background, he is a law graduate from UP/Silliman Univ., a very good debater and claimed a high passing score from the American Bar Exam. If he gets lucky to become a president, I think he would probably modernize the AFP faster than Pres. Aquino bec. of his extreme anti-communist stance and pro-US advocacy. He could possibly change our constitution and make the Philippines the 51st state of the United States. No amount of Filipino nationalism and patriotism can prevent China from taking over our Spratly Island reefs and shoals so better apply the saying “If you can’t beat them, then join them” in the opposite way. In other words, if we can’t beat China, then better join the US.
ReplyDeletehttps://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-says-resume-works-disputed-south-china-sea-090638037.html
ReplyDeletewhy only now?
Government incompetence.
DeleteHave you heard lately that the statement of the two of the administration's Sec of DFA and Sec of DND are not in agreement with each other, Gazmin told that repair of Rancudo airfield is not possible due to prior need of a pier to accomodate construction supply ships. Prolonging the agony of the residents at Pag asa island. Stupid people both.....Secretaries.
DeleteNow they say they won't. What is really the direction, did we chicken out?
DeleteIs it too late for the Philippines to counter China as far as West Philippine Sea is concerned?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, with all those rocks becoming man-made island bases, its almost as yes. The PH should have pushed them out or at least go side by side before.
DeleteIf the Philippines becomes the 51st State of the United States, it is definitely sure China will stay out of the West Philippine Sea including Spratly Islands & Scarborough Shoal. If its only the Philippines which will counter China on it's own, expect the Kalayaan Island Group as the next target of China's creeping invasion and occupation.
DeleteBuy container ships. Fill them up with medical supplies, water treatment machine, solar panels for power and dirt for planting vegetables. Install available 20 mm Oerlikon AA guns or F5 guns and a helicopter deck. Beached each container ship to each Spratly island occupied by China. Now you have a Philippine outpost that is impossible to move side by side with a China outpost.
Deletei believe all of the AFP's plan for upgrade are submitted to senate and probably a copy will surely finds its way at the desk of Sen. Trillanes who is the current head of the committee on Defense in senate. if we wanted change in AFP's plan, we can probably course it to the good senator who is a former soldier himself and can be symphathetic to the AFP modernization. You can probably write him a letter, he has his email address in the senate website.
ReplyDeleteIn the news, Trillanes was making back-door peaceful negotiation with China with the approval of Pres. Aquino w/o the Filipino people knowing. I sensed a betrayal. Pnoy wants to sell out our country in exchange for joint exploitation of our own territory inside our EEZ but was rejected by China bec. it knows it can take control of our Spratly Island territories after being able to take control of Scarborough Shoal.
DeleteWhat made you think that Senator Trillanes is sympathetic to the best interest of our Mother land Philippines...he made deals with Communist China at back doors. Senator Trillanes is a "CHINESE LAP DOG.
Delete-ختىثلا
Is out of the issue pero gusto q lng mlaman sagot.....sir max tutuo ba na 20 thousand ang troop ng milf....at tutuo rin va nah kapag lumabag sa cease fire agreement ang philipines ay gegeyarahin tau ng malaysia.....plz gusto ko mlaman sagot.....
ReplyDeleteMax-
ReplyDeleteI thought that Basa Air Base was to be closed. Untrue? What PAF functions will be assumed by erstwhile Subic Bay International Airport. Basing of aircraft?
Basa won't be closed, but will be complemented by the Subic Airport. Subic will probably be jointly used by the air force, navy, coast guard, and US military forward units.
DeleteHi Max, if your saying of government incompetence...I think It is timely that the made plans to repair the damaged Rancudo airfield goes with the acquiring of the Philippine government this coming May of the two units Landing Heavy Craft from Australia. With these additional assets the Philippine government could ship some earthmoving equipments (Bull dozers, Back hoe and rollers, etc.) to Pag Asa island including construction materilas.
Delete-ختىثلا
Didn't know that the PAF is interested in the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. I thought they preferred a single-engine fighter for ease of maintenance. But getting Super Hornets would be nice,and would simplify things if they intend to get EW aircraft, since they could get the EA-18G Growler which is the EW variant of the Super Hornet.
ReplyDeletethe PADIZ is too small! we should exercise aerial jurisdiction over the whole of PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility) which includes the airspace of taiwan. 8 squadrons of f-35's ought to do the trick.
ReplyDelete8 SQUADRONS OF F 35 ? DREAM ON......
DeleteTHAT IS A MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION ON WHY THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT ARE UNDECIDED ON WHETHER TO IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE ON THOSE OCCUPIED ISLANDS IN THE WPS. IT IS SAD TO SAY THAT SOME OF THE REASONS WHICH AT THIS POINT ARE IRRELEVANT SINCE CHINA ARE ALREADY ON THE FINISHING PROCESS OF OCCUPYING AND IMPROVING ITS GARRISONS . PERHAPS MAYBE IF THEY STARTED INVESTING ON THE IMPROVEMENTS OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND BE SUBJUGATED BY CHINA , IT WILL JUST BE A WASTE OF RESOURCES AND TIME. MAX MAY WELL BE RIGHT , THAT IT COULD JUST BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE INEVITABLE HAPPENS. THE FUNDINGS MAYBE A FACTOR BUT IMHO ITS THE ATTITUDE OF THE SENATE AND THE PEOPLE. THERE ARE MORE REASONS ON WHY NOT AS TO THE NEED AND NECESSITY OF A NATION TO EXERCISE ITS GIVEN RIGHTS ON THEIR SOVEREIGNTY. THE SENATE HOUSE ARE BEING FILLED BY BICKERING BRATS WHO'S MORE CONCERN OF THEIR PERSONAL GAINS WHICH OVERSHADOWED THEIR MERE EXISTENCE AS A PUBLIC SERVANTS.
DeleteF-35 order from US Navy was cancelled and replaced by new F-18 hornets, the F-35 system has glitches that cant be fixed until probably 2025. According to those who evaluate the fighter, it cant run, it cant climb, it cant turn. Why would we want a fighter rejected by the US Navy? Gripen is a far better fighter
DeleteYou might want to know:
Deletehttp://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2015/03/the_disappointment_that_is_the_f35.html
is there any plan to replace the S211, i read about ur previous post that there should be a gap filler between SF-260 and the FA-50 since the latter is too advance than the former and the S211 is becoming a burden to the PAF?
ReplyDeleteIMO, the super tucano is the best gap filler between SF-260 and the FA-50
Deleteis there any plans to replace the S211 as gap filler between the SF-260 and FA-50?
ReplyDeleteThe Textron AirLand Scorpion is a good gap filler. Brand new and low cost,
Deletehttp://www.scorpionjet.com/
Scorpion was developed as a trainer jet and not a CAS; if we procure them, what would PAF utilize as CAS? Check all videos, there were plans to enhance its capability and turn it into CAS but that was not done. The best transition plane between SF-260 and FA-50 is the A29 Embraer Super Tucano, the weapon load of which is comparable to MRFs
DeleteActually aymokay, the Scorpion was built as a CAS aircraft, although it can also be configured to a trainer aircraft.
Deleteaymokay, I don't know where you got the idea that the Scorpion is built as a trainer. From what I have read thus far, the Scorpion is built for ISR with strike capabilities.
DeleteTextron is developing a trainer variant primarily because it wants to compete for the TX program. But the bottom line is that -- the Scorpion is being developed with weapons integration in mind from the very beginning. (If you can provide any info proving I am wrong, I'd gladly accept it).
With regards to the gap between S211 and SF-260? I am not opposed with the Tucanos. We can get the full-time CAS aircraft and the trainer variants.
.. But I just hope we don't overlook these two jets:
1. The Scorpion
2. The M345 HET
The Scorpions. It's a jet that fits what we need. It's payload is inferior compared to the Tucano (there's that).. But the Scorpion is a strike plane that could get to an area much faster than a Tucano. So we're trading payload with speed. Another thing is that, we currently don't have MPAs, I'm not saying these jets could be dedicated MPAs -- they wouldn't. But they can loiter at a given area and cover more ground, it is afterall - an ISR plane.
The only thing that holds airforces back with this plane is that no one wants to be the first customer. But there is potential in this jet.
As for trainers, the M345 HET, is like the S211 and familiarization here is the key. It's reportedly/allegedly like the Scorpion that it's a cheap jet to procure, operate and maintain. From all indications, given what the PAF has done with the S211s, the M345 could serve as a trainer and a CAS.
- Neo
@Neo The procurement law says the item in question has to be in service in either the home country or at least two foreign countries. While both M-345 and Scorpion have potential, trying to go against the law will open the procurement effort to political attacks that will jeopardize the whole thing.
DeleteRight now funding for the CAS is delayed and the need for S-211 replacement isn't critical yet (but it has to be planned for in a few years). So if either of them enters service in their home countries fast or find foreign customers fast, they have a good chance. BUT if they still aren't by the time funding is cleared (hopefully soon), then I would rather exclude them purposely rather than risk having the procurement effort get sunk politically.
Yes sir, you are correct and to add: with regards to being the first customer for the scorpion, it comes with risks. Its not a fully polished plane just yet and being the first customer, we're going to be burdened with necessary expenses to improve the plane. That'one more thing about the Scorpion.
DeleteAs for the m345, correct me if I am wrong, but this jet has orders from the Italian Airforce. It's worth a look if it really is a low cost jet.
- Neo
It just hit me na di kaya masyado tayo umaasa sa mga balita na may plano na ganito ang DND, or may plano na ganyan, pero in the end, it would come up less than we expect. It just pains me to say na very modest na nga itong modernization naten but still those modest plans will likely be downgraded.
DeleteCAS na nga lang wala pa pondo. I guess we''ll only realize yung kabagalan naten, yung inefficiency naten kapag nagsimula na ang gyera. And I believe war is inevitable, it is just a matter of time. And the people who could make a difference regarding this country's future isn't taking this seriously.
- Neo
@neo totally agree with what you said bro. Our politicians and captains of industry only care about making money to enrich themselves and making sure that their progeny will occupy the same places in the philippine social ladder. I have to admit their guile is admirable. But overall it is UNPATRIOTIC. These fools don't care about the nations well being and sovereignty. The moment war hits these same fools would be on the first flight out ala Fulgencio Batista.
Delete-Inigo
Sir Max, this might be off topic a little bit but what are the preparations that our government is conducting in terms of security for the security of the Heads of State attending the upcoming APEC Summit in November? How are we planning on protecting 21 leaders including high profiles like the US President and the Russian President? Could the upgrade of the Air Defense Centers be part of this upcoming event too? And are we planning on asking anyone (the U.S) for some help securing the leaders?
ReplyDeleteAnd on a completely off topic side, are there any updates on the frigate bidding yet?
Congratulations on another great article Sir Max. You never fail to satisfy your readers with great and reliable information!
Probably the same security we provided during the Pope's visit....
DeleteOT.. Korea and Indonesia will make their own indigenous fighter. Hope the Philippines could join.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/south-korean-firm-named-sole-bidder-big-fighter-081606032.html
And the limits of missile defense.
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-limits-us-missile-defense-12503
The philippines would probably be better of as a US Territory. Let's face it the philippines as a 51st state is very unlikely. Not to sound unpatriotic but the filipinos as a people aren't really good at running themselves. people just don't care. Period. The wealth disparity between us regular folks and the likes of our captains of industry and politicians (who btw control 80% of the countries wealth) is really quite alarming. i agree with one of the posters here that says if we can't beat china the join the US. The other side of the coin would be a military junta ala myanmar or thailand. Maybe even a state the likes of singapore and malaysia. Like lee kwan yew said the philippines doesn't need more democracy it needs more discipline. Hindi po ba kayo nagtataka. Ang mga kababayan naten na naninirahan at nagttrabaho sa ibang bansa ay masunurin and can even be called "model citizens" But the moment they get back to their native land all that courtesy and law abiding-ness goes out the window. We need firm handed rulers first and foremost ones that aren't afraid to execute criminals corrupt gov't officials and the like. I think caning would be a start then bring back the death penalty. we are a asian race and an asian country western style democracy would not and could not be applied in our country. Why? Because western style democracy is based on western style values and culture. We need to develop our own kind of democracy that best suits our values and our culture. Prime example singapore. You can call lee kwan yew a dictator or political strong man but he developed a unique style of democracy for singapore. Something that was tailor fit to their values and culture. Anyone who has been tp singapore would know this. People are law abiding why? Because there is a mixture of respect and at the same time fear. To hell with the UNHCR. if that kind of system works for the country and will bring us on par with countries like singapore malaysia and thailand then why the hell not.
ReplyDelete-Inigo
Absolutely I agree with you Bro. We need a leader with a big stick who can enforce discipline and order.Too much democracy and freedom that turns to democrazy and disorderly. So again let's choose wisely our leaders in 2016.
DeleteI believe a federal style of government would be applicable for our country. Everything and anything is too centralized in manila. Imagine if our big commie neighbor in the north bombed manila? basically everything and anything that would resemble a national government would be irradicated. Divide the country's regions into states each with its own state capital each with its own budget each with its own domestic and foreign investment laws. That way wealth would be distributed equally infrastructure would be developed depending on how fast the state govt's move on the projects. And it would elimate all the red tape and graft and corruption that involves waiting for your budget that has to be approved in manila. Also agree with the poster that said delaying and opposition against the modernization of our armed forces should be charged with treason. And eventually receive the death penalty. Maybe manila cebu and davao would be independent districts like washington DC. just my two cents again.
Delete-Inigo
I am just asking about the frigate aquisition is there a timeline or what cause its taking us forever to procure such things . I also like to ask if there replacements for the S211 ?
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU
Are the BVRAAM system that expensive? that we can only afford placing them on only two out of the twelve FA-50s we procure from SK
ReplyDeleteIt's both expensive and not that expensive. To have BVRAAM capability you need three things. A way of targeting the missile beyond visual range (i.e., better radar), a missile capable of going that far (i.e., AIM-120), and figuring out how to connect everything. Part of figuring out the connection is testing the actual system.
DeleteThe BVR radar will cost several million dollars. The BVR missiles will cost a couple million dollars each, and the testing, tens of millions of dollars. E.g., Sweden spent $42 million integrating Meteor to Gripen C/D. And Gripen C/D already have the BVR radar. So that's just for testing. Now, the missiles and and BVR radar costs several millions each. But the testing is a one-time fixed cost. Whether you are testing it for a fleet of 200 or just two planes, it will still cost around $42 million, give or take a couple millions.
To this day I have not heard of ROKAF or KAI installing a new radar or test-firing a BVR missile from the FA-50. And honestly, ROKAF is not in any hurry. They already have plenty of F-16 and F-15 and in the future they will have F-35 and KFX, so they don't need BVR capability on their FA-50. Oh, they aren't against it, but they are not in any hurry. They're fine waiting another 10-20 years. As such, if PAF wants such capability on the FA-50, PAF will have to fund it themselves. And that doesn't make sense if you are equipping just two planes.
What to do then? The obvious thing is to just get actual MRF and let the FA-50 do its SAA/LIFT role. When ROKAF gets around upgrading their FA-50 eventually, PAF can piggyback and get theirs upgraded too. Another possibility is to actually fund the cost, but if PAF goes that way, it should do that not just for two, but for all twelve. In fact, if there's an order for another FA-50, include that too. Even better, pool some money with the other foreign customer, Iraq, because I am sure they are interested too. And if Peru ends up with FA-50, ask them too.
Either way this isn't going to happen until the next election. But eh, no big deal, the planes won't be completed until then anyway.
^I was wondering the same. If BVR is too expensive, then we might as well have the savings reserved for the Gripen, or for missiles for our FA-50s.
ReplyDeleteBut if BVR integration for the FA-50 is indeed feasible, then this is a must for our FA-50s. I'm not buying only 2 or 3 of these FA-50s will have BVR, that's just lip-service. PAF can possibly have all our (supposed) FA-50s with them, but it won't be made public.
- Neo
Funding problems is starting to plague AFP modernization. There are 10-13 million OFWs working overseas and 3.4 million Fil-Ams in the US. If the government can start a fund-raising campaign to invite OFWs to buy $25-raffle tickets that will win them big prizes (house & lot, car, appliances, P1-million cash, business franchise, etc), it can generate additional funding for AFP Modernization. If at least 5 million OFWs/Fil-Ams buy 1 ticket each, that amounts to $125 million (P5.62 billion).
ReplyDeleteif the PAF mid term flight plan can be advanced to 2018, i would prefer to see 24 FA-50s and 24 MRFs flying our skies, than see 18 FA-50s, 18 MRFs and 12 Super Tucanos because if FA-50 can fit the dual role as CAS it would be like hitting 2 birds with a stone, we can channel our funds to buy more air assets for external security. What is your thought on this, sir Max?
ReplyDeletePasabat naman.. I would rather have 24 fa50s and 24 nrfs ON TOP of 18 Super Tucanos. Its a matter of cost per flight hour. You dont want to burn jet fuel just to patrol an area which can be done by a propeller plane. You dont have to send an fa50 just to drop bombs on the insurgents.
DeleteThis is the selliing point of the scorpion -- low cost to operate. A plane which can do stuff which unburdens your mrfs. And this is what the Tucano does too in a CAS role.
- Neo
In normal situations, u may be right. But in situations where physical confrontation would likely break, i prefer to have more MRFs. Procurement of CAS aircrafts can be postponed to the next phase of PAF flight plan which ends until 2028
DeleteBig fan of the scorpion. Can replace the S-211 Fit the role of the super tucano and at the same time do ISR.
DeleteGO TEXTRON AIRLAND SCORPION!
Maybe the ph government can tie up with the company as a "testbed user" eventually polish up defects tweak out the roles and abilities and eventually become the regional production sales and support hub of the region. Maybe even get tech transfer.
-Inigo
Sir I'm with you in your concerns for a more capable airforce to handle external threats. And I'm with you on thinking about the looming threat of war. Honestly, it is just a matter of time.
DeleteBUT.. this could be 5, 10, even 20 years from now. We basically dont know when.
And currently we need CAS aircraft, the fixed wing type of CAS.
If we're certain na bakbakan na pagdating ng 2020, I'm quite sure maiiba yung plano ng AFP, but until then, the need for separate platform for the CAS is logical.
Let em purchase the 6 Tucanos, if they scrap additional orders and decide to get MRFs instead, I think its time we all get worried.
- Neo
To address the filler gap issue, can we not just send our future supersonic jet pilots abroad for training? that way, we wont be forced to buy the filler gap planes
ReplyDeleteI just read on K-Firr Block 60 1/3rd and price niya sa latest nga 4th generation nga F-16, Grippen, etc. Israel innovated it to 8000 hours flight and can fly for decades: Ari pa: AT THE RED FLAG DAY SA NEVADA , USA ""At some points in the flights during the week, the advanced fourth generation fighters of different countries took off in a partial composition following usability problems, while the Kfir planes demonstrated full usability in the air and yielded excellent results", explains Oren. "They did their job, scored hits and even surprised with their offensive abilities in aerial combat: the updated Kfir with advanced radar, electronic warfare, long range air-to-air armaments and advanced avionics managed to shot down fourth generation American fighters that flew against them as simulated enemy plane. The American participants thought very highly of the Colombian pilots and their Kfir planes, the many indications of which can be found on the internet".
ReplyDeleteMax, why not after our purchase of that Squadron of F/A 50 LIFT from South Korea, why not the cash strapped Ph government buy Kfirr, i spruced up naman ng Israel ang gadgets and even the stocks of the jets?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3071183/posts
Hi Max,, just read on K-Firr Block 60 1/3rd and price niya sa latest nga 4th generation nga F-16, Grippen, etc. Israel innovated it to 8000 hours flight and can fly for decades: Ari pa: AT THE RED FLAG DAY SA NEVADA , USA ""At some points in the flights during the week, the advanced fourth generation fighters of different countries took off in a partial composition following usability problems, while the Kfir planes demonstrated full usability in the air and yielded excellent results", explains Oren. "They did their job, scored hits and even surprised with their offensive abilities in aerial combat: the updated Kfir with advanced radar, electronic warfare, long range air-to-air armaments and advanced avionics managed to shot down fourth generation American fighters that flew against them as simulated enemy plane. The American participants thought very highly of the Colombian pilots and their Kfir planes, the many indications of which can be found on the internet".
ReplyDeleteWHY not after our purchase of that Squadron of F/A 50 LIFT from South Korea, why not the cash strapped Ph government buy Kfirr, i spruced up naman ng Israel ang gadgets and even the stocks of the jets?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3071183/posts
Max, do they have any plan of acquiring mobile radars? this is better than having a stationary radars that are easy targets...
ReplyDeleteSir max dapat iacquire na natin yung dutch zwaardvis submarines na nakatenga sa Malaysia. 2 sila. 1 gawing trainer at isa for spare parts. Tamang tama after 10-20 yrs procure na tayo ng new subs. Pero sana gamitin yung 2 kung kaya budget for operation at maintenance.
ReplyDeleteMas mura pa ba sa andrasta yan? Actually tinatamad ako i google kaya im asking hehe.. but anyway may point ka.. 2 used subs o kaya brand new midget ones eh pwede na just to train our personnel and then saka na tayo bili ng more capable subs.
DeleteBut IMHO, midget subs like the andrasta as our main subs would not be a bad sub surface force, 6 andrastas would cover more areas than 3 conventional size subs the PN has been suggesting. It's a strategy kind of like the mpacs, maliliit pero madami.. and by madami im suggesting a number between 9 to 12 only.
But of course sabi nga ni sir max we have to populate our surface assets first before we do subs. I just dont see how we get our number of ships to be at a respectable number though with the way PH is neglecting defense.
- Neo
PNOY Spending Plan: Php 90 billion for AFP Modernization during his entire term; Php 300 billion for the Pantawid Program during his entite term (Php 90 Billion in 2015 alone) & 5% of GDP (roughly more than Php 100 Billion yearly) for the Bangsangmoro Autonomous Region .... Yan si Pnoy, puro recycled ang news sa AFP Modernization at mas concern pa niya pondohan ang LP para manalo manok niya sa 2016 dahil kung hindi malamang sa rehas sa bicutan ang bagsak niya sampu ng mga tuta niya. Wala magawa, YOU DESERVE THE KIND OF GOVERNMENT & LEADERS YOU HAVE...nagpauto kasi kayo at binoto niya... baka next year magpauto na naman kayo? Puro laruan na lng bibilhin ng AFP/DND at kapitbahay niyo na ang mga MILF at intsik.
ReplyDeleteSa presyo di kita masasagot. Iooverhaul pa yan kasi matagal na nakatenga. Pero proven na yan kasi based yan sa design ng last diesel sub ng US at saka gamit siya ng Taiwan navy hanggang ngayon. Ang tanong kaya pa ba yan ioverhaul dahil 15 yrs na ata nakatenga sa malaysia eh at hindi naka freeze storage ng maayos at saka di kaya nascrap o nabalik na siya sa Netherlands? Dapat lumapit and gobyerno sa Dutch embassy. Baratin o kaya donation na lang ala buy one take one. Pwede pa tayo training with Taiwan di ba.
ReplyDeleteYung Andrasta nabasa ko wala pang na order niyan at concept pa lang. Saka maliit at mababa ang range niyan hanggang coastal lang natin. Para mabantayan talaga natin yung unclos natin at makapag manman sa Tsina dapat yung long range. Saka pag long range parang mas sulit sa diesel diba hindi na kailangan pa refuel (balik Pinas) pag on mission. Wala pa naman tayo sub base o refueling station sa kalayaan.
Sir although i havent taken notice of the range of the andrasta, its a small sub and you are probably right, makarating man sa KIG yang andrasta eh hindi naman ito makakatambay ng matagal.
DeleteHowever, I was not thinking about the KIG when I thought about the andrastas. The way things are going with the procurement, before we get a sub, conventional or otherwise, it could be 10 to 12 years. The andrastas may be fully functional subs by then, and by then, we might have lost all our claim sa Spratlys except for Pag-asa.
The andrastas would be for coastal defense only. Lets face it, even if all the plans for modernization pushes thru we'd still be on the defensive against the Chinese. And although a normal sized attack submarine can go into open water and sink a carrier, the problem would be how to sneak in against a platoon of ships and subs. Do we take that chance of losing even one sub this way?
The andrastas on the other hand will be fighting near our coast with the help of missile batteries and mpacs or it can fight alone waiting in ambush. Being suited for shallow waters, its going to be at an advantage over conventional subs.
If we buy 3 conventional subs, we're going to have 3 assets the Chinese can be wary of in moving within our territorial waters. But its better if we double that number to 6.
With the price of 3 normal size subs, I think we can buy 6 smaller ones.
Its like worrying about sharks. Yes, great whites are terrifying, but we would most lbull sharks can kill as well. Which is worrisome, a report of 3 great white sharks spotted in the country's surrounding seas, or 6 bull sharks reportedly seen in our seas, rivers and lakes?
- Neo
I've seen the powerpoint presentation of PAF mid term flight plan, what is in the pipeline till 2022 are 12 MRFs, so if we are to stick to their budget and plan, we have to dispense with other procurements and postpone them to the next phase if we want to have more MRFs as soon as possible. It will be a decision based on our current situation and pls remember there are 8 bell combat helicopters coming which could also fill the role of CAS
ReplyDeleteSaka attack sub ang zwaardvis. Asw ship parang placebo. Parang deterrent extra sauce lang. Sayang pera. Di nga nadetect ng US ang Akula sa gulf of mexico. Pati asw ships ng sweden di na detect ang russian sub kuno intrusion daw. Masmaganda asw aircraft at attack sub combo. Attack sub pang hunt ng kapwa sub at ships. Britain dahil sa budget cuts wala ng asw aircraft kaya naka depende sa US. Kung di kaya bili eh di lease ng asw aircraft from US and Japan.
ReplyDeleteUltimate deterrence is to reactivate bnpp and have our own ballistic missiles. Panahon ni Marcos research na tayo missle tech and launch mech kaso parang past time lang niya. No long term commitment. Saka corvette/frigate asw wala yan. Patrol attack/antiship craft na lang. Attack sub at mrp and asw aircrafts kailangan to counter china. Subs ang killer ng ships at kapwa sub eh. Proven na yan. Saka pag may sub deterrent na yan di na basta basta lalapit mga coast guard vessel ng tsina.
ReplyDeleteParang china ay Russia tapos ASEAN ay NATO kinalaunan lol.
ReplyDeleteSir Neo pwede nga yang andrasta for coastal defense pero for missions dapat conventional sized sub di midget. Important sa sub ay gaano katagal o endurance sa ilalim ng tubig. Yun ang nagbibigay ng stealth. Masmatagal sa ilalim mas mahirap mahuli. Dyan edge ng SSN vs SSK o nuclear vs diesel at conventional size vs midget. Ewan ko lang ha di kasi ako kumbinsido sa asw ships eh. Sa palagay ko mas effective ang attack sub at asw aircraft combo vs subs. At subs have an edge vs ships lalo na with surveillance aircraft data. Saka kung yung sub may special forces capability pwede tayo maglapag ng special forces sa spartlys undetected at magstation ng troops.
ReplyDelete^ Yes sir, it's imperative that we get subs. Sa lahat ng platforms ito lang yung may capability na umatake na hindi tayo at a severe disadvantage. I agree with sir Max that it has to wait kase nga we sorely lack surface assets too, and that it should come first. But ganun lang dapat yun, ma-delay lang ng kaunti at ma-include sa third phase ng modernization, pero hindi dapat ma-cancel.
DeleteI'm not against regular size subs, I can understand na mas mainam talaga sya over-all. For a nation surrounded by water, these assets should be the real vanguards of defense.
Ang point ko lang sa andrasta is mas mura sya. Half the price of the Scorpene. Eh ang kaya lang naten bilin is 3. And that number is being optimistic, baka nga dalawa lang eh. Imagine 2 subs in 2028. Let's forget about China probably amassing more subs, ships and a carrier by then. Let's just talk about China's subs intruding our internal waters. Sige may 2 tayo Scorpene, yung isa somewhere operating in Palawan, and the other operating near Zambales. And let's the say one needs to surface (or in a worst case needs repairs) eh di isa na lang yan gumagala na yan.
Four subs for the price of two. Actually pwede din naman siguro yung 4 old regular sized subs for the price of 2 new ones. But I'm not sold on old subs as our force. Pwede isa lang and that's just for training, pero yung sub force naten should be new hulls.
Like I said, if may budget tayo, mas maganda ang regular size subs, and I hope we get these eventually. Pero sa plano for 2028, sa midgets muna tayo.
Opinion ko lang naman ito syempre hehe. Di naman tayo military expert.
- Neo
I think the Aquino Administration have failed to modernized the AFP. You see 2016 is past approaching and still we have no military hardware which is missile capable. It is obvious that their is already a war threat from China and this administration still lobying for the military purchase which is still drawing. I would give a rate for this Aquino administration for 3 (1 to 10 rate). lem1
ReplyDeleteLease na tayo ng p3 orion or p8 poseidon kung di natin kaya bumili. Sa mahal kaya lang talaga natin mag lease or second hand eh. Sayang lang ang budget sa pantawid gutom program na yan. Ayaw dyan ni arroyo noon at di nga si soliman makasagot kung pano ijustify yan sa kongreso nung kwinesyon ni cgma. Cguradong sa bulsa o sa election lang karamihan gagamitin yang pondo niyan. Teka ginamit nga pala nilang pang resort ng mga homeless kesa bigyan sila ng pangkabuhayan o trabaho nung dumating si pope. Talaga naman.
ReplyDeleteSaka yung pondo di nila binibili agad eh. Pinapainterest muna sa bangko. Eh nagmamahal din naman equipment sa paglipas ng panahon. Pagnag interest na bulsa ang interest tapos yung pondo di na sapat dahil pondo pa yan based sa datos ilang taon nakaraan. Nakakadismaya. Nasa dna na ata ang pagkurakot.
Sir Neo no sense kasi midget sub. Ang babantayan kasi kalayaan di naman coast ng Phils. Saka di papasok subs ng China sa shallow pero may midget din sila. Mga ships dapat magbantay sa coast at subs natin mag attack sa ships o sub na mag land ng troops sa kalayaan. Di aatake Tsina sa Phils, kalayaan gusto nila. Laki problema nila sa International communuty pag inatake tayo direkta. Bad rep yun dahil wala tayo kalabanlaban eh. Ang kakamkamin nila yung mga isla sa Spratlys panigurado.
ReplyDeleteKung wala na zwaardvis, meron nakadry dock subs ang mga Swedes masmaliit sa zwaardvis. O kaya kunin natin dalawa challenger class from SG na rinetire this march lang kaso masluma sa zwaardvis.
^Sir ang assumption ko lang kase eh by the time na makakuha tayo ng submarine, wala na saten ang KIG. Hindi impossible yun dahil sa 10 to 13 years pa tayo magka submarine, and by that time hindi pa tayo sanay magpa-takbo ng submarine. Iwan na talaga tayo at bukod sa napapag-iwanan na eh ang bagal pa humabol.
DeleteSo ganito lang yan, if we're thinking na the Spratly islands are going to be there for us to defend in 13 years, I can agree with you, but the way things are going, I can see Pag-asa na lang ang matitira sa claim naten. But pwede din mawala yun.
The Chinese won't forcibly take Pag-asa, they circle 'em with their fishing boats, circle them with CG ships, until Pag-asa is totally isolated. So what are we going to do about it? Fire at them? We wouldn't and we couldn't. Kase pag pasok pa lang naten sa vicinity ng KIG, may naka tail na agad saten na sub, may nakatutok na missile, may jets and choppers na nasa vicinity dahil sa man-made islands na ginawa ng China na fully functional na by then.
Check-mate na tayo mga sir, pag nabuo na yung man made islands ng China. For sure mauuna matapos yun kesa makakuha tayo ng subs.
Ang bagal kase ng mga opisyal naten kumilos.
- Neo
Dapat bilhin na natin yung nacken class ng Sweden na naka drydock tapos after 10-20 yrs go na tayo sa a26 subs na ginagawa for Sweden. Tamang tama may discount yun dahil same corp gumawa ng nacken at ng a26. Magbibigay yun ng discount sa eventual upgrade natin from nacken to a26. Masmaganda pagka store ng nacken kesa sa zwaardvis kaya less gastos sa overhaul. Tapos yung isang unit na upgrade na sa aip/stirling dahil linease ng Denmark ng mga year 2000s. Baka 200 million $ o 1 billion php sapat na sa 2 nacken sub + overhaul/upgrade. Laki ng yearly national budget natin triolliones; nacorrupt lang o misallocated! Nakakainis.
Delete10 billion php sir kulang ng 0
DeleteSubmarines and Frigates are just carriers of missiles that will be used for defensive and offensive capabilities of the AFP. With very limited budget, it is not advisable to procure them in big quantities at this time. Instead remove the carriers and just buy the AShM/SAM missiles in bigger quantities. The PN just needs large numbers of MPACs for a start accompanied & supported by SSVs or even civilian Roll-On/Roll-Off Supply ships (MPAC berthing, fuel, ammunition,sleeping quarters, dining,etc.)for EEZ and long-duration patrol & presence duties protected by coast-based missiles.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry sir, I'm quite sure we're not going to acquire "big quantities" of ships and submarines.
Delete- Neo
The problem with small mpacs is its endurance and range. Although quite good suggestion to have as many missile armed onboard planned 4 ssv. Very good force multiplier and very cheap alternative
DeleteHaving a mother ship (SSV) to house these mpacs would be the best way to go. The only problem I see with this setup is that, the SSVs will be high-value targets.
DeleteThere are two ways to keep our SSVs afloat, if we can afford both of them, why not? But I'm not optimistic about it:
One is..
Our SSVs must be able to detect submarines and eliminate them. Given our SSVs will carry ASW choppers, in which case, makes them ASW capable. But it should have independent ASW capabilities.
The mpacs can be deployed against ships, but they will be useless against aircraft. So the SSVs must have AAW capabilities. Missiles with a range of 6M like the mistrals aren't enough.
The second alternative is..
We give them escorts, a multi-role frigate for each SSV. One reason why I like the frigate acquisition is that, we need heavy hitters even if there won't be enough of them. For the moment 2 would be enough. I just hope in 10 years those "super light" frigates we are supposed to get will come with enough weapons decent enough to protect itself and our SSVs.
With the way the modernization is moving, I'm leaning towards the belief that the modest plans of the Navy will not be completed by 2028.
42 Mpacs? 6 AAW frigates? 18 OPVs? 12 Corvettes? = Pipe dream.
I do however hope , they alter the plan and get as many Pohangs and Hamiltons they can get, and arm them to the teeth. As for mpacs, procure, if not not manufacture a decent number of small missile boats that could fit inside our SSVs.
As for new assets for the PN? I hope they push thru with the subs (midget ones preferably), additional ASW choppers, and maybe 18 Haminas in lieu of frigates/corvettes and gunboats.
- Neo
Masmaganda kung coastal patrol ships with asw helicopters na lang. Mag addon na lang antiaircraft/antiship missle defense systems to follow. Unahin muna yung antiship turrets + asw helicopters addons sa coastal patrol ship. Kaya custom built yan. Paggawa na lang sa ship builders ng Korea sa subic.
DeleteAyoko pa rin ng midget sub. Coastal patrol ships na bahala sa coasts/littorals natin. Basta normal sized subs pa rin for undersea recon at ship/sub hunting. Lubog na yung mga roro o lift ships nila bago pa marating yung coast natin.
Possibly a mix of mpac with both asuw and anti air capability that will guard the ssv and the ssv armed with ecm ciws and torpedo protection and most probably it will be with the upcoming light frigate as one task force
DeleteWhat happened to the MPA/LRPA plans? are they discontinued? Is the PH scrapping the plan since the Americans are doing the patrols with their Poseidons anyway?
ReplyDeleteThe delivery of the C295 has been surprisingly fast, if we order C295s in MPA configurations, I think we'll be having them before 2017.
- Neo
Was at DND recently to ask about LRPA. There was a planned pre-bid conference, but again it was suspended because of lack of urgency or trust from Department of Budget (mis)Management.
ReplyDeleteNabasa ko yung bidding requirement para sa mpa. Gusto pang recon at attack. Baket di bumili ng s-3 viking or dassault atlantique2? Yung s-3 retired na pero upgradeable pa at interested din south korea. Gamit din ng aurora ng canada yung system ng s-3 so relevant at dependable pa yan. Grabe ka indecisive parang mga di lalaki.
ReplyDelete^ sir, yan ang problema ng DND/government, gusto ng one platform na may madami capabilities tapos ang pera naman nilalaan eh kapos na kapos. Kaya yung mga proyekto usad pagong. As if may time tayo para patagalin pa ang modernization.
Delete- Neo
Sir Neo 3 billion php lang 2 unit ng atlantique2. Pero syempre may dagdag pa yan sa maintenance, upgrade, parts, training, weapons/addons, etc so baka umabot din sa 5 billion php depends sa offer ng dassault. GDP natin ay 270 billion usd. Kung at least 5 % ay nakalaan sa dnd yearly meron tayo mga 13 billion usd! Kaso alam mo na sa pantawid gutom aka na bulsa na o gastos sa eleksyon nakalaan. Tsk. Nagpapamahal pa ay commission % ng mga opisyales para sa deal o proyekto. Dapat alisin yang mga mandatory komisyones at unnecessary allowances na yan. Yan habol nila kesa magserve sa totoo lang.
DeleteHmm kung bago lang pwede out na ang s-3. Ang dassault atlantique2 ang swak na swak sa budget at requirements. Usap na lang tayo sa French embassy. Dapat nung bumisita si Hollande brining up ito. Kainis yung mga opisyales natin. Iba kasi ang nasa isip. Lapit na kasi election eh lol.
ReplyDeleteHindi sila indicisive di po natin kasalanan kung ayaw magbid ng s3 viking at antique2 na yan. We have to follow the process kasi in the end baka lalo tayu matagalan pag pinaimbestigahan yan at kung anu ano pa
ReplyDeleteExcuse me eblogger. Pero 2 atlantique2 ay 3 billion php lang. Mas longer pa endurance at speed kesa sa casa o modified c130 planes. Saka 2 beses na nagfail ang bidding so up to the gobyerno na to do a direct bidding or makipag usap na sa friendly country na makapagsupply satin based on our requirement. Kausapin ang france at invite si dassault. Alangan sila lumapit tayo ang may kailangan. Yan problema satin wala na nga tayo mapride pa. Ang unang plan naman ay no bidding at direct kuwa tayo sa US ng p-3 orion eh. Saka di ka lang bidding, nag window shopping ka rin at nagiimbita ka ng supplier na gusto mo para makipagcompete! Sa bawat bidding may manok na dyan gobyerno syempre. Pero sa huli binabase pa rin sa presyo at requirement kung di kaya kunin ang manok. Kaya di pa rin cgurado na yung manok ang makukuha.
DeleteAyaw natin reactivate ang bnpp eh magtatayo naman ng nuclear plant sa spartlys ang tsina. Pagnagkaproblema yun apektado tayo. Palayasin sila dun at pigilan magtayo ng nuclear planta!
ReplyDeleteYung constitution dapat di pinagbawal ang nukes. Dapat gawin na ang doctrine ay for defense/deterrent at di tayo and first striker.
Di na rin counted ang atlantique2 kasi di na sila nagawa ng bago so refurbished din. Talagang atr 72 at casa 295 na lang. Dapat 5 na lang casa 295 inorder nila tapos 2 nun ginawang mpa. Magfollow up na lang sila ng 2 pa order na modified to mpa.
ReplyDeleteSir Max, do you think jets that is labeled as "Air Superiority" like F-15 is best for our MRF?
ReplyDeleteLet us all campaign against Chiz Escudero, Franklin Drilon and many other politicians who don't support the AFP Modernization Program. Let us not forget Bongbong Marcos who blames the government for escalating the tensions in the West Philippine Sea by seeking the help of the US. Bongbong Marcos still wants to maintain a friendly relationship with China despite China's aggressive behavior by building islands inside our territory. These politicians are very unpatriotic.
ReplyDelete