The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its appreciation to the United States, the country's principal ally, in the wake of reports that the American government is allocating USD40 million worth of aid to the Filipino military this 2015.
This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla in a press briefing Friday.
Earlier, US Assistant Defense Secretary David Shear said that the US has provided USD300 million worth of military aid to the Philippines since 2001 and would allocate another USD40 million in 2015.
The money will help the AFP in its ongoing modernization efforts.
Padilla said the USD40 million will be used in various ongoing capability upgrades of the Philippine military.
However, he declined to comment on where the money will be spent as this will be discussed by the US and Philippine panels.
But Padilla said the AFP has a pressing need to acquire more modern communication equipment and those dealing with maritime domain awareness so that the country will be able to defend its littoral areas.
Maritime domain awareness refers to the capability to monitor, detect and deter poachers and other intruders encroaching in Philippine territorial waters.
Padilla said AFP was allocated USD50 million in 2014 and it was used to acquire two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes which are expected to be delivered by 2016.
(PNA)
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