Contract Signing for PAF's Combat Utility Helicopter Project to happen very soon

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its former Commanding General Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. announced in late 2018 that the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) acquisition project under the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP) has selected the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk as its top choice. This was after the project's TWG evaluated it against other competitors which include the Leonardo AW139M, Korea Aerospace Industries KUH-1 Surion, Russian Helicopters Mil Mi-171 Hip, among others.

The Sikorsky PZL Mielec S-70i Black Hawk International. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin.

The Combat Utility Helicopter acquisition project under the Horizon 2 phase calls for the supply and delivery of 16 units of new Combat Utility Helicopters, including the specified Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package that includes the spares and logistics support, training and conversion requirements, and mission essential plus support tools and equipment. The Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) is worth Php12.1 billion, or around US$230 million. It remains to be seen if the budget will increase to allow the PAF to be able to pay for its selected product.

Sikorksy S-70 Black Hawk helicopters of the Austrian Air Force. The PAF has selected a newer version of the helicopter to be its next Combat Utility Helicopter.
Photo taken from Photo Nexus.

It did not take long for Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana to back Lt. Gen. Kintanar's announcements, that the Department of National Defense (DND) supports the PAF's selection of the American-designed helicopter for the CUH acquisition project. He even mentioned that the Black Hawk is a proven platform, in use by the US Army and many other militaries around the world.

So it is actually surprising that, its already 4 months and no announcement has been made by the DND on the formal awarding of the project to the Black Hawk's manufacturer Sikorsky, or its mother company Lockheed Martin.

Procurement Process:

After the PAF and DND confirmed the selection of Sikorsky's S-70i Black Hawk as its top selection, the TWG and the DND's Bids and Awards Committee (DND-BAC) proceeded with the Post Qualification Inspections (PQI) to determine if Sikorsky and its Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec both comply to their submitted documents and requirements, and if their product complies with the technical specifications.

As early as January 2019, MaxDefense was informed that Sikorsky & PZL Mielec did pass the PQI by the PAF TWG and DND-BAC, thus it is eligible to proceed with the project and receive a Notice of Award (NOA) from the Philippine parties.

The Sikorsky-PZL Mielec S-70i Black Hawk.
Photo taken from and credited to Rob Lovesey @ Flickr.

Finally a Good News:

After a long wait, finally there is good news on this project.

Based on information MaxDefense received from reliable sources, the Notice of Award (NOA) for the project was already released in favor of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.- PZL Mielec last February 2019, and Contract Signing will be happening very soon, 

The event may happen anytime, and could even be as early as within today if the DND has made the entire process quicker than expected.

Drafting the contract may take time, as it involves both parties to agree on the contents of the contract, including the clauses and appendices on requirements, schedules and programs, inclusions and exclusions, items for clarification, any side-agreements, warranties and after sales support, modifications to suite the end user, and other necessary requirements.

Based on experience using the PAF's previous contracts, it may take from as short as one (1) month from NOA release, to as long as almost a year to complete. In this case, MaxDefense expects the contract to be ready for signing within 2 months from NOA release.

MaxDefense was informed that the deal will be a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) mode of procurement instead of the lengthier Foreign Military Sales (FMS) with the US government, and will mostly involve PZL Mielec being the manufacturer of the helicopter.

Notes from Previous Announcements:

a. Training: 

It would also be remembered that the PAF and the DND confirmed during the Defense Budget 2019 hearing with the Senate that training of pilots will be conducted with Sikorsky in Florida, USA. This is despite the helicopters and aftersales support being provided by its Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec.

This allows for easier training of PAF air and ground personnel due to the use of English as medium of instruction, which was said to be a problem when the PAF previously awarded a similar CUH acquisition contract to PZL Swidnik for the W-3A Sokol utility helicopters under the old RA7898-supported AFP Modernization Program.

b. PAF being an Experienced Black Hawk operator:

Another benefit that is worth raising here is that the PAF is actually a long time user of the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, as it has been one of the first Black Hawk operators outside the US when it acquired a couple of S-70A-5 Black Hawk from Sikorsky in the mid 1980s. At least one of the Black Hawks remain in service with the PAF as a Search and Rescue platform of the PAF's 505th Search and Rescue Group.

The PAF is a long time user of the Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk. One unit remain in service with the 505th Search and Rescue Group.
Photo taken from Defense of the Republic of the Philippines Facebook page, credits to Patrick Joseph.

c. Early Delivery:

The PAF and DND also confirmed during the said hearing that Sikorsky-PZL Mielec has committed to deliver the first batch within 6 months. MaxDefense believes that this timeframe is based on the Opening of the Letter of Credit, which is usually the case for most AFP modernization projects.

MaxDefense will provide more updates regarding this project as more information comes in. Considering that the project is moving forward without any more expected roadblocks from people with influence from now on.

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Philippine Air Force May Consider ex-JGSDF UH-1H Hueys as Short Term Solution for CUH Project Delays.

With the Philippine Air Force (PAF) not proceeding with the acquisition of more Bell 412EPIs combat utility helicopters from Bell Helicopter Textron after the problems encountered with the Canadian government, other options are being considered for short to long term solutions.

Based on information MaxDefense received this past few days, as a short term solution, the PAF is actually considering the possibility of acquiring surplus Bell-Fuji UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters from the Japanese government, as the type has been retired from the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) for a few years now. It would be worth noting that the Philippines and Japan has agreed to transfer their stock of UH-1H parts to the Philippine Air Force in a separate agreement, and it would be expected to be easy to possibly approve a request to transfer surplus working airframes as well.

Take note that this is still a proposal and not an actual project.

A Bell-Fuji UH-1H Huey of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. The JGSDF retired all its UH-1H and are currently stored in their bases.
Photo credited and taken from Airliners.net.

According to a source from the PAF, these surplus Japanese Hueys are in even better condition that those actively used by the Philippine Air Force. And even if the PAF decides to only bring a few into service, it would definitely be a big boost for the fleet as the PAF's Hueys and other utility helicopters are dwindling in numbers despite the addition of 13 Bell-Dornier UH-1D Delta Hueys and Super Delta Huey helicopters delivered by Rice Aviation Services Inc (RASI) a few years ago (2 Deltas Huey helicopters crashed in separate incidents since then). It was mentioned years ago that the PAF needs at least 100 readily available CUHs, which means a fleet of at least 150 CUHs for the entire fleet.

An example of a Bell-Fuji UH-1H Huey.
Credits to Rico Swytech and Air-Britain Photographic Images Collection.

It is also worth noting that these Bell-Fuji UH-1H Hueys are different from the Bell-Fuji UH-1J Hueys, The Bell-Fuji UH-1H are similar to the bread and butter Bell UH-1H Hueys used by the PAF, while the Bell Fuji UH-1J are similar to the PAF's own Super Hueys and Super Delta helicopters. The JGSDF has not yet retired their UH-1Js, which will only happen a few years from now once a replacement becomes available.

MaxDefense also received confirmation that at least 2 other options previously discussed in our earlier blog were requested to submit a formal offer to the Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) Technical Working Group (TWG). One involve a brand-new offer from a larger helicopter company. Since we believe the formal offer is yet to be provided, MaxDefense will keep the information for now until it is clear and confirmed good for public consumption.

Until then, keep tab of this blog entry which we will also use should this plan become a reality.

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Canada's Hypocrisy Paved the Way for PAF's Bell 412EPI Order Cancellation. So What's Next for the CUH Acquisition Project?

The recent signing of a contract for the acquisition of 16 Bell 412EPI combat helicopters from Bell Helicopter Textron through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) held last December 2017, was a short-lived celebration after being announced to the world during the Singapore Airshow, as the Philippine government is now preparing to cancel the contract. This is after the Canadian government, specifically its International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, backed by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, said he would review and investigate the sale of the helicopters to the Philippine government, and block it if necessary. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's stand is also not in favour of the deal with the Philippines, and has mentioned that they must look into how Canadian equipment is being used by their buyers.

The PAF never hid its intention on how they will use the Bell 412. It is a Combat Utility Helicopter - a helicopter that can do utilitarian duties both in combat and peacetime conditions. It is not an attack helicopter. The Canadian government knows about this since the 1st contract to acquire 8 units was made in 2014.
Photo taken and credited to the Philippine Air Force.

This action by the Canadian government prompted the Philippine government to act. In his latest press release, Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that they are already preparing the cancellation of the deal with CCC and Bell Helicopters, as to spare the Philippines from possible delays brought by the Canadian government's decision to investigate and possibly block the deal's implementation. According to Sec. Lorenzana, the letter of cancellation could be out by next week.

It was clear from the very beginning that the Philippine Air Force's primary intention in using the Bell 412EPI helicopters is for supporting combat operations, thus the "Combat Utility Helicopter" labelling of the acquisition project's name. It was never hidden from the Canadians, although the description made during the acquisition was that the helicopters would be used for Search and Rescue (SAR) and HADR operations. This is true although it is not the primary mission of the helicopters. Even the earlier order of 8 Bell 412EP during the term of Pres. Benigno Aquino III has the same project name and was acquired with the same intention. The only difference now is that the incumbent president is known for his human rights violations.

See, the Canadian ambassador was even there when the PAF accepted the last 4 Bell 412EP it ordered, when they were commissioned to service in late 2015.
Photo credits to Bell Helicopters.

But despite being coined as a Combat Utility Helicopter, the name  says it all - its a Utility Helicopter, which means it is planned to be used as a logistics workhorse and could be used in a combat environment, thus the name Combat Utility. The presence of the door guns are only meant to defend the helicopter during low level operations, but not as an offensive weapon. These Bell 412EPIs are also not designed to carry air-launched munitions like rockets and missiles, since the Philippine Air Force has other platforms designed for such requirement, like the Leonardo AW109E Power and the MD-520MG Defender armed helicopters.

Despite the Philippines having a president with human rights issues, is it really fair to use it as a reason to block the sale of helicopters for the Philippine Air Force? The PAF is among the least exposed armed service of the Philippine government due to its nature of work of providing air defense, air surveillance, logistics and air support to the government. And yet, they were unjustly deprived of a helicopter fleet that could improve their capability not only to ferry troops to combat and injured troops away from the battle, but also in conducting logistics support and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) during times of calamity.

A Royal Canadian Air Force Bell 412EP Combat Utility Helicopter (known as the CH-146 Griffon in RCAF service) in Roxas Airport while conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan. The Philippine Air Force intends to use the Bell 412EPI in the same way as the RCAF. So what's wrong with that?
Photo taken from the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Canada itself uses the Bell 412EP (called CH-146 Griffon in Canadian Forces service) as Combat Utility Helicopters. And yet, Canada itself showed the HADR capabilities of their Griffons when they brought a few to the Visayas region in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan in 2013. This demonstration by the Canadian helicopters gave the PAF the reason to choose the Bell 412 over other helicopter designs that were offered to them.

A Canadian Armed Forces Bell 412EP (called the CH-146 Griffon in CAF service) side-by-side with a Philippine Air Force Bell UH-1H Huey during the HADR operations for Typhoon Yolanda victims in the Visayas region in 2013. The Canadians brought the Bell 412EP to showcase its capabilities, which gave the PAF a reason to sign a contract to buy 8 units from CCC in 2014, and delivered by 2015.
Credits to owner of photo.

Canada Wasted the Philippine Government's Time:

The Canadian Commercial Corporation is a crown corporation, a government-owned entity that actually reports to the Ministry of International Trade, which is headed by the same Minister Champagne that is trying to block the sale of the helicopters to the Philippines.

What in the hell was Min. Champagne doing since early 2017 when the CCC, which reports to his ministry, was already processing the deal with the Philippine government? If he knew what was happening, Minister Champagne should have asked CCC to halt the process while they investigate about the matter.

Why did Minister Champagne allowed both the Philippine government and his officials from the CCC to waste their time and effort to close to deal if he is against it in the first place? This is gross disrespect of the Philippine government, which, despite being labelled as a human rights violator, still deserves respect from foreign officials. They could have just kindly said no to the Philippines!!

Now the CUH Acquisition Program will definitely experience unnecessary delays as the Technical Working Group and PAF planners will again need to re-study what other helicopter can be bought as an alternative to the Bell 412EPI.

See? The PAF's Bell 412EPs were actually baptised as Catholics! 

Despite MaxDefense's disagreements with the policies of Pres. Duterte and Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, especially those surrounding the issues of the Philippine Navy's Frigate Acquisition Project, MaxDefense agrees and support the president's decision for the cancellation of the contract between DND, CCC and Bell Helicopter Textron.

In this particular deal, the Canadian government acted like an ass, obviously showing double-standard, hypocrisy, and lack of respect to the Philippine government. Just search about the sale of Canadian-built Light Armored Vehicles to Saudi Arabia to find out what MaxDefense meant.

Canadian-built Light Armored Vehicles being used by Saudi security forces in crackdown of militants. The PAF isn't expected to use the Bell 412EPI in the same manner.

Other Options to the Bell 412EPI:

The Bell 412EPI was actually the best balance between unit price, maintenance and operating cost, size, quality, continuity, and performance that PAF's limited money can buy. 

It is a direct decendant of the venerable Bell UH-1Huey which is the centerpiece of PAF's helicopter operations. The PAF's doctrines, logistics, training, knowledge, and all other skillsets were nurtured by decades of operating and mastering the Bell UH-1 helicopter. We're talking about decades of experience with the platform. What's great with the Bell 412 is its exactly what the Bell UH-1 of the future should be!! Simple, cheap, nimble, capable and with good quality.

During the CUH acuqisition's pre-contract stage, there were several offers made by other helicopter manufacturers to the PAF. MaxDefense can confirm that these companies include Leonardo with their AW139M and W-3A Sokol helicopters, Airbus Helicopters with their AS565 Panther, and Korea Aerospace Industries with their KUH-1 Surion helicopter.

As discussed in previous posts on our Facebook community page, the preference for Bell 412EPI has several factors. Aside from commonality with existing Bell 412EPs in PAF fleet which makes it easier for logistics, training and transition, and familiarisation for the entire team, the 412EPI also has the right size, being larger than the Panther, but smaller than the Surion. The size difference affects the carrying capacity, range and endurance of the Bell 412EPI versus the smaller AS565 Panther. And while the Surion is larger, the Korean helicopter is also more expensive. The PAF's doctrines on CUH operations was made around the Huey helicopter, which is the ancestor of the Bell 412EPI and shares a lot of common attributes with its older stablemate.

The Surion, being a new helicopter, is still experiencing troubles even back in Korea. Meanwhile, the Sokol, despite being in service with the PAF, has issues regarding its small sliding door openings which are said to have made it difficult for troops to alight and embark, and is also a problem when conducting HADR operations.

Compared to the Bell 412EPI which is actually a militarised civilian helicopter, the KUH-1 Surion is a military helicopter by design, based on the Airbus' Super Puma helicopter. Thus its larger size, which may not fit the requirements and budget of the PAF, unless changes are made.

The defense secretary also mentioned of Turkey, Russia and China as alternative sources. The only readily available helicopter Turkey can offer is the TAI-Sikorsky T-70 Black Hawk, which is Turkish version of the Sikorsky S-70i International Black Hawk. Russia may have made offers with their Mil Mi-17 Hip medium helicopter and Mil Mi-35 Hind, but both helicopters are too large for CUH requirements. Kamov's Ka-60 Kasatka could be closer in size to the Bell 412EP so that is something that we could be keeping our eyes on. China? Moving on...

The PAF also has preference to skid landing gear due to its simplicity and ability to allow the helicopter to land on uneven surfaces. The PAF is not in favor of having retractable landing gear due to its lack of sturdiness and the need for unnecessary costs in maintenance and parts requirement.

The closest helicopter in terms of size and attributes is actually the Bell UH-1Y Venom, made in the US factories of Bell Helicopter Textron. But alas, its price is almost thrice of the Bell 412EPI due to better protection, larger engines, advanced electronics, and other features not found on the Bell 412EPI.

The PAF also received offers for lease-to-own solutions using refurbished helicopters, specifically the Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk and the larger Airbus Helicopters H225M Super Puma. Both can be leased under a 3-year contract, wherein the proponent will supply a batch of 10 helicopters per contract, while also providing the aircrew and ground crew instructors and engineers, and do the maintenance of the helicopters and make them in tip-top shape. The PAF would only pay the lease and the fuel costs every month. At the end of the 3-year contract, the PAF has the option to pay for the helicopters and take-over ownership. Despite being a short to medium term solution, this allows the PAF to have a CUH ready at the earliest possible, as the helicopters can start arriving 3 months after export license has been released by the proponent's home country government.

This is just a proof that such offer exists, despite not being reported by anyone else except MaxDefense Philippines. We intentionally cropped the entire page we consider the contents confidential.

If PAF Really Wants the Bell 412...

MaxDefense believes that there are 4 options for the PAF to able to acquire Bell 412EPIs. 

First is to wait for a new less-overreacting government to be elected in Canada, and try to negotiate again.

Second is to wait until Pres. Duterte is replaced by a new more HR-conscious government either in a legally conducted elections in 2022, or through extra-Constitutional means at an earlier date. 

Third option would be to lease Bell 412EPIs from a 3rd party company. The same way that the Philippine government leased 4 Bell 412EPs during Pres. Ramos' time for use in the APEC Philippines 1996. And have the option to own them after a certain number of years.

And fourth, start negotiating with the Japanese government to acquire the Subaru-Bell UH-X, which is Japan's chosen Combat Utility Helicopter to replace their ageing Huey helicopters. The Subaru-Bell UH-X is essentially a Japanese version of the Bell 412EPI, with specific upgrades made by the Japanese military to fit their needs. It is expected that the UH-X will be made in Subaru's facility in Japan using license-manufactured parts also made in Japan. 

MaxDefense believes that the Japanese would be more than willing to sell the UH-X to the Philippines once production starts.

Subaru teams up with Bell to manufacture the Bell 412EPI as Japan's UH-X helicopter to replace ageing Fuji-Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters.
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons.

But in the meantime, the PAF should move fast in finding a solution to this problem. Whatever is their second choice as Combat Utility Helicopter should be given a look as early as now. 

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Other Acquisition Plans of the Philippine Air Force for its Medium Term "Flight Plan"

Earlier MaxDefense blogs discussed the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Air Defense Wing's "Flight Plan" for the medium term goals from now until 2022. But the "Flight Plan" actually encompasses the entire Air Force organization and not just the Air Defense component. Aside from improvements on the air defense capability of the PAF, there are also a lot more to cover all capabilities gaps to reach an acceptable capability status.

Support units of the PAF are also scheduled for acquisition of new assets, some of which have already arrived.




Ongoing Delivery of New and Additional Assets:

On March 30, 2015, the PAF accepted and commissioned its first of three new medium tactical transport aircraft, the Airbus-CASA C-295M aircraft which was acquired under the Medium-Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft project, and is expecting the delivery of the remaining two aircraft within this year. The aircraft will be assigned with the 220th Airlift Wing based in Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

The 1st C-295 in PAF service, during the acceptance ceremonies last March 30, 2015.
Photo taken from GMA News website.

Despite being embroiled in accusations regarding contract breaches and corruption, the PAF also accepted and silently commissioned the first 7 units of a scheduled 21-unit buy of Refurbished UH-1 Helicopters in the form of ex-German military Dornier UH-1D Huey combat utility helicopters last February 2015. These additional helicopters are now with the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. The supplier, a joint venture between Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copters, was given a Partial Notice of Termination as of March 26, 2015, and was given 7 days (April 2, 2015) to justify the continuation of the contract with a new deadline within April 2015. According to MaxDefense sources, the remaining 14 helicopters are all fully assembled, and 6 of these helicopters have already undergone and passed the acceptance test by the PAF and are only awaiting for the PAF to accept them formally should the contract between RASI and the DND continues.

One of the accepted Dornier UH-1D Super Delta during the pre-acceptance tests.
Photo taken from Tim Maceren's FB page.

Assets Confirmed and Awaiting for Deliveries:

Still part of the Medium-Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft project, two more Airbus Military-CASA C-295M medium tactical transport aircraft are expected for delivery soon, and there were indications that the PAF might be able to receive both aircraft before the end of 2015. They will all be assigned to the 220th Airlift Wing.

The CASA C-295 & CN-235 assembly line in Spain. 2 more C-295M are expected to be delivered by Airbus Military-CASA to the PAF within 2015.
Photo taken from flightglobal.com.

Another airlift-capable aircraft that is in the pipeline is the acquisition of 2 Light-Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft (LLFWA) to complement and eventually replace the N-22B Nomads. Indonesia Aerospace-PTDI won the project with their NC-212i, and was expected to deliver the aircraft by March 2015. Unfortunately the project was awarded to IA/PTDI later than planned, so they are now expected to arrive at least by 3rd or 4th quarter of 2015.

The PAF is scheduled to get 2 PTDI NC212i light lift aircraft within 2015.

Aside from the C-295M and NC-212, the 220th Airlift Wing is also expected the delivery of two refurbished Lockheed C-130T Hercules heavy tactical transport aircraft by early to mid 2016. These are ex-US Marine Corps tanker aircraft but it is still unconfirmed if they will retain their air-to-air refueling capabilities. This would bring the total commissioned C-130 fleet of the PAF to 5 units.

The PAF's joint inspection team during the final check on USMC KC-130T no. 022 before accepting the offer of the US government to transfer the aircraft together with another one for refurbishing prior to delivery to the PAF.

Under the Attack Helicopter project, the 15th Strike Wing is scheduled to receive their first batch of a total of 8 AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters by the 1st quarter of 2015, with the first 2 helicopters arriving on December 2014 and is undergoing pre-acceptance tests and checks as of this writing. It is expected that both helicopters will be officially accepted and commissioned by the PAF within this month. 

One of the PAF's AW-109P armed helicopter undergoing tests. Take note of the FN RMP Pod installed on the side weapons mount.
Photo taken from Wikimedia. 

Another helicopter acquisition program that is expected to bear fruit this year is the Combat Utility Helicopters, wherein the DND acquired 8 Bell 412EP from the Canadian Commercial Corporation under a government-to-government project. 6 brand new helicopters are expected to arrive on or before October 2015, and will be assigned with the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. Due to the need for more helicopters to transport VIPs this year as part of the Philippines' hosting of APEC Summit 2015, 3 of the helicopters will initially be configured as VIP transport helicopters for the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing. It is not yet confirmed though if these 3 helicopters will continue to serve as permanent VIP transport helicopters, or if they will be reconfigured to combat utility helicopters later on.

The PAF is expected to get their new Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters soon, which are said to be almost similar to the configuration of the CH-146 Griffon used by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Photo by Michael Durning, taken from Airliners.net.

Ongoing Projects for Implementation and Approval:

There are upcoming projects that are still being processed as of this writing, and some have even already started the bidding process although were among those affected by the delays in the implementation of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The Close Air Support Aircraft acquisition project is the most anticipated project that has not yet gone past a successful bid submission schedule. This involves the acquisition of 6 brand new ground attack aircraft to complement and eventually replace the ageing Rockwell OV-10A/C/M Bronco being used by the 15th Strike Wing. Among the most anticipated participants in this project are Hawker Beechcraft with their AT-6 Texan II, and Embraer with their A-29 / EMB-314 Super Tucano. The project is currently on-hold, awaiting for the final approval of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The Close Air Support Aircraft project is still pending as of now, but it is anticipated that the competitors will be between the Hawker Beechcraft's AT-6 Texan II and Embraer's A-29 / EMB-314 Super Tucano.

The PAF has also started the bidding for its Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) project, which requires the acquisition of 2 new Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The first attempt to bid the project failed, and ultimately the project was affected by Malacanang's pending approval for the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Aside from the possibility of acquiring brand new assets, the DND is also looking at the offers made by the US government to transfer, either by grant or by sale, or refurbished Lockheed P-3C Orion aircraft, which is a long standing offer by the US but was not availed before due to the high acquisition, maintenance, and operating cost of the aircraft. It is expected tha the PAF's 300th Air Intelligence & Security Group will be operating the said type of aircraft.

New maritime patrol aircraft like the Airbus-CASA C-295MPA (above) and used refurbished models like the Lockheed P-3C Orion from the US (below) are being considered by the PAF.

Future Acquisition Projects:

After acquiring 2 new Long Range Patrol Aircraft, the PAF is planning to acquire another 2 units by 2020. It would be possible that this would be the same model as the first 2 to be acquired by the PAF. The goal is for the PAF to have at least 4 units, depending on the financial and threat requirements of the PAF.


There is also a requirement to acquire four (4) units of Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) aircraft, scheduled in 2 batches of 2 units. The plan is to have 2 units by 2020, and another 2 units by 2022. The ECM aircraft is still a vague acquisition, and interpretation on this project may vary. MaxDefense believes that this is Special Mission aircraft that will be using a transport or business aircraft similar to the expected platform for the PAF's future AEWC aircraft. But others suggest that this could be a special fighter aircraft similar to the US Navy's EA-18G Growler or US Air Force's F-16CJ/DJ Falcon that can perform fighter support and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) more commonly known in US nomenclature as "Wild Weasel". 

The PAF's requirement for 4 Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) aircraft was not defined on the type of capabilities it will possess. It could either be a special mission fighter aircraft similar to the USN's EA-18G Growler (above), or a transport/business jet modified for such purpose like the Embraer R-99B (below).
Photo of EA-19G taken from Naval Air Warfare Center webiste, photo of R-99B taken from Wikipedia.

Other support aircraft that is worth waiting are the requirements for at least a single Air-to-Air Refueling Tanker by 2021. As the project is still expected to be implemented a few years from now, it is still unclear how much is the budget and what are the required specifications of this aircraft. The most probable solution is for the acquisition of either a new or used refurbished C-130 aircraft with Air Refueling Tanker equipment, although it could be as high as acquiring a commercial airliner fitted as a Tanker/Transport like the Airbus KC-30 / A330 multirole tanker/transport aircraft.

The PAF's tanker aircraft acquisition is also too early to tell, but it could only be either a commercial airliner modified to tanker/transport duties like the Airbus KC-30 /A330 MRTT, or will be using a less capable option like the KC-130J Super Hercules tanker/transport.
Both photos taken from Wikipedia.

A step up from the usual combat utility helicopters being operated by the PAF is a plan to acquire a minimum of 4 Medium or Heavy Lift Helicopters, planned to be acquired in 2 batches of 2 units each by 2019 and 2022, respectively. As previously indicated by several PAF officers, the organization prefer a helicopter design that has a rear ramp which was very instrumental on Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Among those they are looking at are the Boeing CH-47F Chinook and the AgustaWestland AW-101.

Among those being considered for the PAF's upcoming Medium/Heavy Lift Helicopter project are the AgustaWestland AW-101 (above) and the Boeing CH-47F Chinook (below).
Photo of AW-101 taken from AgustaWestland website, photo of CH-47F taken from Australian Aviation website.

There are also several projects that the Philippine Air Force is planning to acquire that are not listed in the "Flight Plan" report, but are actually logical in nature.



There is an impending plan to acquire at least 2 VVIP-configured Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and a new VIP fixed wing jet aircraft for the 250th PAW, although it is said to be funded separately from the Revised AFP Modernization Program. For the helicopters, the budget will be taken from the Department of Energy (DOE) with an ABC of Php 2.09 billion. The VVIP fixed wing aircraft will be acquired by the Office of the President and has an ABC of Php 3.69 billion. The VVIP aircraft budget will be enough to acquire either a standard Boeing 737-800, or probably even a Boeing Business Jets BBJ. This would represent an improvement as the currently the only VIP aircraft in PAF service is the old Fokker F-28 Fellowship aircraft which lacks in size, range, and modern safety features.

The PAF's 250th Presidential Airlift Wing will be operating VVIP aircraft that the Philippine Government will be acquiring. These will be acquired without using the AFP Modernization Program budget.
Photo of S-70i taken from Wikipedia. Photo of BBJ taken from AVBuyer website.

There are also plans to increase the number of additional orders for transport and utility aircraft that were already ordered by the PAF. These include the Medium-Lift Fixed Wing aircraft, the Light-Lift Fixed Wing aircraft, the Attack Helicopter, and the Combat Utility Helicopter. This will be subject to availability of more funds, and the overall performance evaluation of the aircraft acquired. 

If all aircraft acquired by the PAF are all performing well, expect the PAF to request for additional Airbus-CASA C-295 aircraft (probably the newer C-295W version), the Airbus-PTDI NC-212i, the AgustaWestland AW-109P, and the Bell 412EP. The increase in acquisition would allow the PAF to retire its older assets, namely the Fokker F-27 Friendship, the GAF N-22B Nomad, and the Bell UH-1H Iroquois.

There are also plans to acquire a long-term replacement for the Aermacchi AS-211 being used by the PAF, as a trainer that will bridge the gap between the SF-260FH primary trainer and the FA-50 LIFT. It is still unclear if the plan calls for a jet or propeller powered aircraft model. Another type of aircraft being considered are medium sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drones" that will be used for surveillance and observation. The PAF is looking for a model that has enough range and endurance to reach the country's territories and EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, including the Kalayaan Group of Islands. Previous offers made was by Elbit Systems for a maritime patrol version of their Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), although it remains to be seen if the AFP will accept the said offer.



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In general, the PAF's modernization program has been moving slowly but surely, boosted by the support provided by the Aquino Administration. To address the slow movement, MaxDefense believes that it only goes back to more funding and a faster procurement process. Add to that the instilling of a culture of project continuity within the PAF, the DND, and the whole Philippine government. 

Apart from the equipment acquisition projects, the PAF's Flight Plan also discusses the importance of changes and improvement in the organization, training, research and development, human resource system, doctrine and knowledge system, bases and support systems, and values system. All this work hand-in-hand to further improve the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force towards a world-class organization tasked in defending the Philippine skies and supporting the Filipino people in any way possible.

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Acquisition of FA-50 SAA/LIFT and Bell 412 CUH for PAF, 3 Oil Tankers for the PN

Finally, the impending contract signing for the purchase of 12 FA-50 Fighting Eagles from Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) to fulfill the Surface Attack Aircraft/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (SAA/LIFT) requirement is becoming a reality. Contract signing is scheduled tomorrow, March 28, 2014, 3:00pm at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officer's Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. 

The KAI FA-50 was selected as the PAF's new SAA/LIFT aircraft.

Aside from the SAA/LIFT acquisition, also for signing tomorrow will be for the purchase of 8 Bell 412 helicopters for the combat utility helicopter (CUH) and VIP transport requirements from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). Both projects were procured via government-to-government (G2G) deals.

The initial 8 new Bell 412 helicopters are also coming in for the PAF, reportedly as combat utility helicopters to take the place of the W-3A Sokol and eventually replace the UH-1H Huey.

Representing the Philippine government is AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Aside from the representatives of CCC and KAI, the Ambassadors of South Korea and Canada will witness the historic contract signing together with the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) president and other government and defense officials.

The FA-50 was chosen as the PAF's "stepping stone" and interim fighter while awaiting for the government to acquire multi-role fighters for them. Candidate FA-50 pilots and ground crew will be trained in South Korea as part of the deal, which in turn will become FA-50 instructors themselves for future cadre pilots. While churning in pilots ready for further training to handle MRFs, the FA-50 will also be used as an interim fighter for air policing and patrol duties over the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone (PADIZ) and EEZ.

The FA-50 will bring-in a  new generation of fighter-ready pilots for the PAF.
Photo taken from Korean Aero website.

Meanwhile, the Bell 412 was originally the PAF's choice for the CUH requirement until the W-3A was chosen by the DND after winning the tender for the CUH acquisition project after a number of attempts. With the W-3A Sokol decided to better serve the PAF as a Search and Rescue (SAR) asset, the PAF went for another attempt to acquire new CUH, this time through government-to-government dealings with CCC for the Bell 412.

PAF's Bell 412 CUH might have close resemblance to Canada's CH-146 Griffon, which saw service with Canadian armed forces assisting in relief efforts after Typhoon Yolanda.

Aside from these air assets, the Philippine Navy is set to receive 3 oil tankers as a donation from the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed yesterday, March 26, 2014 to formalize the donation. These ships were previously assets of the now defunct PNOC Shipping and Transport Corporation (PSTC), a wholly owned subsidiary of PNOC. Although no news yet on which ships will be acquired, PSTC oil tanker assets are mostly below 3,000 gross metric tons in displacement. Although small, these ships are assets that would boost the PN's capabilities in terms of resupply and underway replenishment.

The PNOC Emilio Jacinto (top) and PNOC Lapu-Lapu (below) are just among the oil tanker assets of the PSTC. No confirmation yet on which oil tankers are to be turned-over to the PN.
Photos taken from Feehily04's Flicker page (top) and MarineTraffic website (below)

More details will be discussed in succeeding MaxDefense blog entries in the coming days. In the meantime, let us celebrate the upcoming contract signing marking the official purchase of the 2 aircraft platforms for the PAF.

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Updates
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March 28, 2013:
Finally, contract signed for 12 KAI FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers, and 8 Bell Textron 412 combat utility and VIP helicopters.

Photo from KAI's Facebook page.

KAI has officially counted the PAF's FA-50 orders. Illustration above shows expected T-50 series possible sales projected by KAI.
Photo taken from KAI's Facebook page.

Photo taken from AFP.

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June 27, 2015:
Headway for both the Oil Tanker for the Philippine Navy, and the FA-50 and Bell 412EP acquisitions for the Philippine Air Force.

The Philippine Navy commissioned the first of the 3 tankers it received from the Philippine National Oil Company' Shipping and Transport Corp., last May 23, 2015. The ship, formerly the MT PNOC Lapu-Lapu, is now known as the BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81) of the Philippine Navy. The two other ships acquired by the PN are still scheduled to complete their refurbishing and repair works, before they can be commissioned and join the PN. It is expected that at least one of the ships will be commissioned within 2015.

The BRP Lake Caliraya during its day of commissioning with the PN last May 23, 2015.
Photo taken from the Philippine Navy website.

For the Philippine Air Force, KAI announced through its official Facebook page that they have successfully completed the first flight of the first FA-50PH bound for the PAF. A total of 12 were ordered, and the PAF expects the first 2 mission-ready FA-50PH to be delivered by either December 2015 or January 2016.

Also, the first 2 Bell 412EP for the PAF were delivered on the last week of May 2015, and another batch of 2 units were delivered on the last week of June 2015. All 4 were assembled locally in Manila. The first 2 sports the colors of the Presidential Airlift Wing, while the second 2 were in olive drab similar to the UH-1 helicopters of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. 

One of the first 2 Bell 412EP delivered last May 2015, sporting the colors of the Presidential Airlift Wing in anticipation of VIP transport requirements for the APEC Summit 2015 in November.
Photo from Shuuichi Hikoushi of the Philippine Planespotters Group.

According to MaxDefense sources and contributors, the PAW units are being tested in Clark Air Base, while the 205th THW birds have just completed assembly and are scheduled to ground and flight testing very soon. All 12 units are expected to be delivered by next year, although the pace of Bell in its delivery suggests that they could complete delivery of all 8 units before the year ends.

One of the second batch Bell 412EP delivered on June 2015, taken at the NAIA grounds on June 27 by a MaxDefense reader who wants to remain anonymous. Based on its color scheme, it appears to be one of the combat utilty helicopter variants bound to fly with the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

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