Duterte expresses hopes acquisitions under revised AFP modernization program will be completed within his term

July 3, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed hope that the acquisition projects under the revised modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be completed within his term.

“I am pleased to know that the acquisition of an air defense radar system and an FA50 PH flight simulator earlier this year will be supplemented by the expected delivery of six A-29B Super Tucano aircraft and other air defense surveillance system,” Duterte said during his speech at the 72nd anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force.

“The PAF will also receive substantial assets 16 projects over one hundred thirty nine billion ( pesos) on the second horizon of the revised AFP modernization this includes the procurement of utility vehicles, drones and other command and control fixed wing aircraft among others,” Duterte said.

“I am hoping and praying that before my remaining three years will expire that all of these things specially the levelled horizon projects of yours will be completed during my term,” he added.

Lt. Gen, Rozzano Briguez, Philippine Air Force chief, enumerated the significant projects under the second horizon of the AFP modernization.

“We inaugurated our FA 50 flight simulator facility to be utilized by the air defense command in training new grade of fighter pilots. We have also installed our second radar at Gozar Air Station in Lubang Island, Mindoro and we are continuously working on the construction of radar basing support system for the third radar of Mt. Salakot Palawan,” he said.

Briguez said more assets for the Philippine Air Force are expected to be delivered within the year until 2020.

“As we reform and transform the Air Force we expect the arrival of one C-130 aircraft by the last quarter for air mobility specially for unified commands. Sixteen combat utility helicopters and an additional six NC-212I light-lift aircraft are expected to arrive starting next year to support various operations. The six new A-29 Super Tucano aircraft is due on Feb. 2022,” he said.

“The arrival of two command and control fixed wing aircraft, one C-295 arriving late July this month and one G-280 jet arriving by 2020, likewise four unmanned aerial system will be coming in this year to support surveillance reconnaissance for both operational and strategic functions,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS