Embraer
EMB-314 Super Tucano (photo : Defense Industry Daily)
The Armed
Forces of the Philippines' modernisation programme budget for 2013 approved by
both houses of the Philippine Congress on 22 September includes funding for a
wide-ranging list of items, including 50 new aircraft.
Philippine
President Benigno Aquino described the procurement plan as "the largest
and most comprehensive upgrade programme [in the history of] the AFP and a
needed one for its largely mid-20th century Korean and Vietnam War-era
systems".
Stressing
that it would provide Manila with a "deterrent force with an effective but
minimal defence capability", Aquino also cautioned that the procurements
would be spread over a five-year period. "It won't come overnight,"
he said on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vladivostok.
Among the
major items to be procured are 12 KAI T/A-50 lead-in fighter
trainer/light-attack aircraft, 6 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucanos, 6 light lift
transport aircraft, 25 transport and 12 attack helicopters, 4 search-and-rescue
and 4 anti-submarine multirole naval helicopters, and 3 special-mission
long-range helicopters.
The navy has
funding to buy two Maestrale-class frigates from the Italian Navy and upgrade
its 2 former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters to bring them up to light
frigate status.
(Jane’s)
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