PH expects delivery of Korean fighter jets in 2015

[Retz]

PH expects delivery of Korean fighter jets in 2015



MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Saturday said the government expected the first of the 12 Korean FA-50 lead in fighter jets to be delivered in June 2015.

Gazmin made this statement after the defense department recommended that President Benigno Aquino III allow the payment of the 52-percent down payment for the P18.9-billion fighter jets.

“We recommended the approval of the DP (down payment) and progress billing,” he said.

Earlier, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said state agencies were only allowed by law to pay a 15-percent down payment, with the rest to be paid upon the delivery of the goods.

Anything higher than that would require the approval of the Chief Executive, Manalo said.

The Philippine government’s orders for the jets, manufactured by the government-owned Korean Aerospace Industries Inc., were among the highlights of President Aquino’s recent state visit to South Korea.

The acquisition of the FA-50s would boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for the country’s territorial defense.

The PAF decommissioned its F-5s, the last of the Air Force’s fighter jets, in 2005 after the government focused on internal security operations and poured most of the military’s resources on ground troops from the Philippine Army.

But the Armed Forces of the Philippines found itself having to shift to external defense as China became more aggressive in claiming territories under its so-called nine-dash-line map that includes a number of islands and shoals within the Philippines’ territory.

Stepping up the military’s modernization efforts, the Aquino administration purchased two warships, which are decommissioned US Coast Guard high-endurance cutters, for the Philippine Navy.

Source: PH expects delivery of Korean fighter jets in 2015 | Inquirer Global Nation

The twelve(12) korean fighter jets worth at least 18B. This will be part of the AFP's modernization program.

[safeorigin]

still want saab gripen NG >

[Syuryuken]

Republic of Press Release

Maniwala lang kayo pag andyan na ilang beses ng urong-sulong yang FA-50

[Monseratto]

Hinde pa finale yung deal. Baka aabutin pa ng 2020 sa bagal ng galaw... Baka ma out of production yung jet hinde pa tayo makabili.

[cpsolt]

sana nga madeliver na. btw... have you guys seen the PN agusta helos?
anliit parang sea sprite. welcome addition sa mga bo105's natin.

[Syuryuken]

sana nga madeliver na. btw... have you guys seen the PN agusta helos?
anliit parang sea sprite. welcome addition sa mga bo105's natin.

taxi ng mga heneral yun

[Retz]

Aside from ships, DND shopping list includes planes, choppers, APCs
By ROUCHELLE R. DINGLASAN,GMA NewsJanuary 16, 2014 7:19pm



The Department of National Defense is looking to buy brand-new aircraft and armored vehicles, and refurbished helicopters on top of two warships it reportedly already plans to buy.

The Defense Department is set to buy 15 fixed-wing aircraft, 28 M113 armored personnel carriers, and 21 refurbished Huey helicopters, an official of DND who refused to be named for lack of authority told GMA News Online in a phone interview on Thursday.

DND’s seeming shopping spree of vehicles are part of its Revised Modernization Program, the source said. The program has a P85.3-billion fund that can be used within a five-year period from 2013 to 2017.

The P882-million contract for the procurement of the APCs was awarded last week, the source said.

The contract included the purchase of four infantry-fighting M113s, four armored-recovery M113s, six armored personnel carrier M113s, and 14 fire-support M113s.

The APCs, which have been used by militaries since the 1960s, are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, the contracts for the refurbished helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are still in the pipeline of negotiations.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces public affairs chief, confirmed the Defense department is eyeing the purchase of two warships, worth P75 billion, for the Navy.

“That is part of our minimum credible defense stated in our modernization and capability upgrade program. The two additional frigates are already up for bidding at DND BAC (Department of Defense bids and awards committee),” he said.

An earlier report on daily Philippine Star said the Defense department is eyeing two ships from the United States under the $40-million military assistance pledge made by US Secretary of State John Kerry last December.

The country has acquired two former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters—BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz—that have since been commissioned into the Philippine fleet. The Philippine Navy classifies them as Del Pilar-class frigates. — JDS, GMA News

Source: Aside from ships, DND shopping list includes planes, choppers, APCs | News | GMA News Online

Aside from ships, DND shopping list includes planes, choppers, APCs | News | GMA News Online

[Aittv]

Another world war is on the way.

[Monseratto]

Interesting read between the KFirs and the TA-50... Biggest problem of the Philippines is money...money... and the way it deals with procurement...

The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been trying to sell their Kfirs to the Philippine Air Force since the 1990s, towards the end of President Cory Aquino’s term and all throughout President Fidel Ramos’ term when the Philippines bought a lot of military equipment, but to no avail. As of this writing, President Noynoy Aquino had indicated that the procurement for the Korean Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) FA-50 Golden Eagle (or Geagle) are in its final stages,[1] hence the chances of the Kfir ending up in our inventory is now even more slim. Just out of curiousity, though, I decided to compare the Kfir to the Geagle, see how it fares on a one on one comparison.

‘Aircraft Background’
The Kfir is based on the Mirage III/5 delta-winged aircraft whose blueprints were stolen by the Mossad (as is now detailed in various spy books and articles[2]), and is described as an all-weather, Multi-Role Fighter aircraft. It first entered service in 1975 and saw extensive combat duty with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) before finally being retired by the IAF in 1996. Currently the air forces of Colombia, Equador and Sri Lanka are still operating the aircraft.[3]

All Kfirs being sold now are taken from the mothballed stocks of the IAF, but are refurbished and upgraded with advanced avionics. The latest version in the market is the “Block 60″ armed with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the EL/M-2052. IAI is selling this new version with a 40-year manufacturer’s guarantee for the low price of only USD 20 million each, which would be cheaper than the FA-50 Golden Eagles.[4]

The FA-50 is made by the South Korea’s “Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)”, and is a smaller, license-built version of the F-16 Fighter aircraft. It is intended as a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which can also be used as a Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) for more advanced aircraft, and will enter South Korean Air Force service starting 2014.[5] As of this time, the Philippine Air Force is (still) negotiating for the final procurement of the FA-50 into service. At an estimated price of USD 38 million per unit for the Philippine contract, the Geagle is more expensive than the Kfir.[1]The data so far shows that the Kfir Block 60 is the more capable aircraft overall. In the end, though, the reason for not getting the Kfir may not be based on its capability and performance, but more on our ability to maintain them. Even if these aircraft are refurbished, they still will not be as durable as brand new aircraft and hence will require more replacement of parts. And therein lies the problem because our process for releasing funds for procurement tend to be VERY SLOW.

Funds need to be released on time and frequently because if not, the aircraft are grounded until they can be fixed, resulting in less units in service for the PhAF. We’ve already seen this happen to so many of our aircraft: Three dozen F-5A/B Freedom Fighters bought since 1965, and all were retired by 2005 while over a dozen air forces around the world are still keeping their F-5s in the air all the way to 2020. Another example are the 25 S-211s bought in 1989 of which now only three are in flyable condition.

The same thing will happen with these FA-50s: We will be able to use them while they are new, but after 1 or 1 1/2 decades when they start breaking down we will end up having less and less flyable aircraft in our inventory, just as it had been before, and then we will again start to look to buy brand new aircraft.

The Philippines is in a unique situation where we want brand new equipment since they are easier to maintain, and yet many such equipments are beyond our budget. We can afford second-hand, refurbished equipment, but for aircraft we cannot afford its more frequent maintenance requirements. Hence we end up making a compromise of buying brand new but less capable aircraft.

‘Parting Shot’
The Kfir Block 60 is superior to the Geagle in almost every way, whether it is maneuverability, payload, range, avionics and weapons. The Kfir’s only major deficiency is its expected shorter range due to its use of an older turbojet engine instead of a newer and more efficient turbofan engine. As for the Geagle, contrary to KAI’s claims I don’t think it can be considered as an LCA due to its deficiencies, not in this day and age, anyway.

In fact, the way things look now is that the Geagle would best serve as a Intermediate or Lead In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) FOR aircraft like the Kfir. Hence ideally, we could get the Geagle as a LIFT, and then have the Kfir Block 60 as our main combat aircraft.

However, unless our ability to release money for the procurement of items on a regular basis improves, I don’t think we will be able to afford refurbished aircraft like the Kfir in our inventory as aircraft in general need more STRINGENT maintenance requirements than most military equipment. If an aircraft fails, it won’t fly, or worse it will fly and then fail in the air, possibly causing death and destruction. But if we can get around that problem, then the Kfir would be a good, decent, and passable choice for the Philippine Air Force (PhAF) as its main Combat Aircraft.

[safeorigin]

I'm surprised there's no mention of gripens which currently have the lowest operating cost of any fighter

[Monseratto]

With the TA-50 procurement in limbo due to the downpayment issue, maybe we should lease fighter jets instead like the Malaysian are planning... The SAAB Grippen is a role model in leasing ... And they don't have political strings attached like American weaponry...

Cash-Strapped Malaysia Looks To Lease Fighters | Defense News | defensenews.com

‪

SINGAPORE‬ — Malaysia’s proposed purchase of fighter jets has switched from a procurement competition to a leasing competition due to affordability issues, according to industry executives.

The Malaysian government put its multirole combat aircraft program in the freezer last year for fiscal and political reasons. Now Boeing, BAE Systems and Saab have, or are about to, submit leasing proposals in the hope of making a deal palatable.

It’s possible Dassault Aviation and Sukhoi, which were also on the original procurement shortlist, are in a similar position, according to executives on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow last week.

“The Malaysian government are mindful of the need for an affordable solution, so we understand that all the competitors are putting offers on the table for leasing. The program has become very much about affordability,” said Alan Garwood, BAE’s group business development director.

Until recently, the Royal Malaysian Air Force had been looking for a straight purchase of a new jet to replace 18 aging MiG-29 fighters, due to leave service next year.

But Malaysian budgets are under pressure to be cut, making it politically difficult to approve a multibillion-dollar deal for a fighter while the administration is cutting subsidies on items such as food and fuel while hiking taxes.

An industry executive asked whether Malaysia has the political will to make any kind of selection at this time, leasing or otherwise.

Leasing civil airliners like the Boeing 737 is big business, but in the fighter world, it’s a rare event. Sweden’s Saab is the only top-line combat jet supplier involved in leasing, with existing deals with the Czech Republic and Hungary for the Gripen for several years.

Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia reckons that Saab’s experience in fighter leasing could give it the edge in Malaysia.

“They have planes to spare, they know how to structure this kind of deal and have a good presence in the region,” he said.

Neighboring Thailand is operating the Gripen, having purchased 12 of the single-engine combat jets.

The current leasing arrangements involve Saab upgrading spare Swedish Air Force Gripen C and D models. It’s likely that a similar formula is being offered to Malaysia.

The Swedish company submitted its leasing option as long ago as 2012. Rival bidders were dismissive of the move at the time, but now, everybody is following Saab’s initiative.

“According to our estimates from 2010 to 2011, defense spending in the Asia-Pacific region grew by $31 billion, [a] 16 percent year-on-year increase, while from 2012 to 2013, the level of growth totaled $14.4 billion,” or 6.2 percent, he said.

“Our tentative estimates for regional defense spending from 2013 into 2014 reflect another slower rise in overall growth, with military investment increasing by $16 billion overall, with a little over half of that attributable to China, or 6.5 percent,” Darling said.

The analyst said he anticipates relatively consistent — but steadily upward — year-on-year defense spending for the region, largely driven by China, but to a lesser extent also by Indonesia.

“As China increases its military might and reach, neighbors as diverse as Japan, India, the Philippines and Vietnam are mapping out fresh modernization plans to achieve satisfactory levels of deterrence,” he said. “Even countries such as Malaysia, which maintains healthy relations with Beijing, have recognized the need to upgrade their hardware in light of China’s growing strength and increasingly assertive territorial claims in the East and South China seas.”

[safeorigin]

Gripen is well known for their bang for buck proposal. They only lose put when it comes to last minute political maneuverings like in the Indian MRCA.

The most attractive part about it is the upgrade path to Gripen NG and integration with upcoming 6th gen UCAV so we can skip 5th gen entirely and acquire more affordable air fleet.

Then, if only the leaders have actual spine...

[Monseratto]

Finally...some compromises with KAI over the payment scheme. Project is back on track.

Palace OKs payment scheme for S. Korean fighter jets | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

Palace OKs payment scheme for S. Korean fighter jets
By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 21, 2014 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has approved the payment scheme for the purchase of 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea, taking the deal to acquire the air assets a step closer to completion.

The defense department has been allowed to make an advance payment of 15 percent of the total contract price to South Korean firm Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The project has an approved budget of P18.9 billion and is one of the big-ticket items in the military’s upgrade program.

Malacañang has also granted the defense department’s request to tap a progress payment scheme, wherein the government will pay the supplier on a mutually-agreed upon schedule.

The approval of the payment scheme was contained in a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Feb. 13.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo confirmed the approval of the payment scheme for the multibillion-peso project.

Sources told The STAR the defense department is seeking to complete the negotiations with KAI within the week. Officials are now preparing a contract on the payment scheme.

The government is planning to spend P18.9 billion for the jets to boost the country’s territorial defense capabilities.

It will also spend P135.99 million for the basing support systems of the jets.

KAI initially wanted 52 percent down payment to cover manufacturing costs, but it dropped the payment scheme and agreed to a progressive payment.

Under the new scheme, the government would deliver payments upon completion of certain “milestones” or progress related to the construction of the jets.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the delivery of the jets could start in June 2015.

Another issue that was settled was the turnaround time, the period required for the delivery of the jets’ spare parts under a two-year warranty.

It usually lasts 30 to 45 days but KAI initially wanted it prolonged it to 180 days. Both parties have agreed to 60 days.

[badkuk]

Now that we have the planes, do our pilots know how to fly it? i think this is the first time we've had jet planes in the PAF(except for the Blue Diamond team), all the while we've been using piston-driven planes?

Also, do we have a radar system that the planes can use? If none then we're not really leveraging the planes properly.

Still, this is good news for the PAF. sana A-10 Thunderbolt na lang kinuha natin pero mahal :D

Ano kaya magiging callsign ng mga piloto natin:

"Boy Pickup"
"Mr. Suabe"
"Ser Chief"

:D

[safeorigin]

A-10's aren't ideal for COIN. They are meant for CAS anti-tank role.

you may find it distasteful but bronco's are already the ideal aircraft for COIN(counter insurgency) which is the majority of conflicts we are currently facing.

there's a good reason why the PAF is leaning towards the super tucano...

[yebo]

Besides being able to carry various weapons and munitions the supertucanos have 8 hours flight times, making them ideal for both coin and sea patrols.

[badkuk]

hmm, impression ko sa bronco is spotter plane lang. You make do with what you have i guess.

[safeorigin]

Well, assuming the military acquisitions go well, my wish list would be:

-Saab Gripen
-S100B Argus
-Dassault nEUROn

[Retz]

PAF to Receive 2 Attack AW-109s This Year



MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Tuesday that two units of the attack version of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters will be delivered this year.

"Two units will be delivered by 2014 and (by) 2015 (the remaining) six units will be delivered. As per signed contract, two units will be delivered 365 days upon LC (letter of credit) opening," PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said.

He added that the pilots and flight crew who will man the brand-new aircraft have already been identified.
"Pilot(s) and (flight) crew (are now) identified. However, the date for training is TBDL (to be determined later)," Okol said.

The Philippines and AgustaWestland signed the P3.44- billion contract for the attack version of the AW-109s last Nov. 6.

The PAF’s AW-109 "Power" configuration will feature a dedicated mission package and equipment, including a combination of weapon systems.

“It gives us great pleasure to sign this contract with the Philippine Air Force, further reinforcing the already strong partnership with the Department of National Defense. This latest achievement provides clear evidence of the customer’s confidence in the product while we’ve demonstrated that we are a reliable partner, able to offer a cost-effective solution. We are committed to deliver the improved mission capabilities and high quality services the customer deserves,” AgustaWestland chief executive officer Daniele Romiti earlier said.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight-seat twin engine helicopter.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety and survivability features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109s' superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks.

Over 580 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for parapublic, military and commercial applications by customers in around 50 countries.

Source: DEFENSE STUDIES: PAF to Receive 2 Attack AW-109s This Year

DEFENSE STUDIES: PAF to Receive 2 Attack AW-109s This Year

[Retz]

DND may spend P4.5 B for fighter jet munitions



MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense is planning to spend about P4.5 billion to arm the 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets it is seeking to acquire from South Korea.

Defense department data show that the munitions for the fighter jets are not included in the aircraft acquisition program under the revised Armed Forces modernization law.

The acquisition of munitions for the fighter jets will be divided into four phases – P4.33 billion for the first two and P139 million for the other two.

Details of the items to be installed in the jets were not immediately available. Previous reports, however, said the aircraft being eyed can be armed with precision guided bombs and air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.

The defense department said the munitions may be acquired either through negotiated or public bidding.

The mode of procurement depends on the availability of the items in the market. Military equipment being offered by several suppliers are normally acquired through public bidding, while specialized ones are usually acquired through negotiations.

The government aims to shell out P18.9 billion to acquire 12 FA-50 jets from South Korea to improve the country’s territorial defense capabilities.

Security officials are now negotiating with South Korean firm Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the project.

The government also aims to spend P135.99 million for the basing support systems for the fighter jets.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the delivery of the jets may start in June 2015.

The defense department had asked Malacañang to allow the release of a 52-percent down payment to KAI.

The law permits state agencies to pay 15- percent down payment to suppliers while the rest of the amount would be paid upon delivery of the goods.

KAI wants the Philippines to pay 52- percent down payment to cover the aircraft manufacturing costs. Such payment scheme would require the approval of President Aquino.

The acquisition of FA-50 jets is one of the big ticket items in the military’s multibillion-peso upgrade program.

Source: DND may spend P4.5 B for fighter jet munitions | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

DND may spend P4.5 B for fighter jet munitions | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com