Friday, November 27, 2020

Scorpene Manufacturer Set To Open Its Office In The Philippines

The opening of a representation office of the french company well known in building naval defense, is now ready to be operated in the Philippines.

In a press release, the company said the opening means the first step in a long-term commitment to cooperation and partnership in developing naval capabilities in the country.

Naval Group, a naval defense shipbuilder based in France, is a renowned in naval systems supplier and Integrator with a history of more than 400 years in the defense sector.

Partnering with more than 50 navies around the world, Naval Group aims to bring to the Philippines its breadth of experience and unrivaled technical expertise in ships and submarines with combat systems and all critical equipment and services necessary to engage naval power in a theatre of operations.

According to  Alain Guillou, Naval Group Senior Executive Vice President Development,

“We are the only provider with previous experience in helping a country develop a submarine force from scratch and we stand ready to assist the Philippines Navy by providing the submarines but also setting up the training, facilities and supply chain required to operate a fully operational submarine fleet.” 

The company’s extensive portfolio opens many opportunities to address the entire range of Filipino naval needs from the development of the naval forces to the constitution of a world-class submarine force.

Naval Group has demonstrated in many countries such as Malaysia, India, and Australia its capability to support military capabilities and economic growth of its partners. The opening of the representative office enables them to identify synergies and partners to support the needs of the Philippine Navy.

According to Anne Clausard, Country Head of Naval Group.

“The creation of the submarine force is a fantastic opportunity for us to develop long term partnerships with the local industry where there will be transferring of knowledge and technology that will also create hundreds of jobs for the program and beyond.” 

The creation of the submarine force is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippine modernization program aiming to protect the nation's maritime sovereignty and interests. 

Source:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123168?fbclid=IwAR1u6QgfeWOyGlocMUrH6qMD00ykcw8km6T7fdLArFV22pcv50ISt2nNBaA


Thursday, November 26, 2020

Scaneagle Aerial Drones Has Acquired by The Philippine Navy

The capability of the Philippine Navy to carry out various missions at sea will be greatly enhanced by the United States-provided advanced unmanned fixed-wing air system.

It is the first fixed UAS operated by the Philippine Navy.

The ScanEagle and associated equipment, valued at US$14.79 million, was purchased as part of the Maritime Security Initiative Program of the United States.

It was requested by the Philippine Marine in 2017 and formalized in February 2019, following a series of dialogues with the Philippine Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG-Phil).

With the ScanEagle now in the PN inventory, Bacordo stated that the Navy now has an alternative to its helicopters and radar systems to broaden the coverage of its patrols.

Bacordo also stated that the ScanEagle can also be used for rapid damage evaluation in case of disasters or typhoons.

ScanEagle is as reliable as any of the existing PN electro-optical systems or even their radars or helicopter or fixed-wing surveillance.

Vice-Admiral Erick Kagaoan, Deputy Vice-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who represented Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honour and speaker, and Rear-Admiral Loumer Bernabe, Commander of the Philippine Fleet, have graced the event.

Kimberly Kelly, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, and officials from the U.S. Embassy presented the UAS ScanEagle to the Philippine Navy, which will be used by the squadron recently activated under the Naval Wing of the Philippine Fleet, Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (MUARS-71).

Lorenzana's message, read by Kagaoan, said “these new assets will complement the same kind being operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing at the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, which is very close to the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea that needs our consistent attention.”

The ScanEagle UAS is manufactured by Insitu Inc., a subsidiary of Boeing.

It is a small, long-term unmanned aerial vehicle that can be primarily used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. , as it provides near real-time coverage and can be launched from land and onboard major Philippine Navy vessels.

Source:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1122915?fbclid=IwAR0y5ljMjSlCraJcpY-KoDQZC39Ypxw0Qgb5qciw4kICC3_JdDhGANn3Kh0

Monday, November 23, 2020

AFP Is Sending Medical Teams To Davao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations Major General Benedict Arevalo representing the AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay together with National Task Force for COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., led the send-off ceremony for the 25-man medical contingent of the AFP at Villamor Airbase on November 23, 2020.

Also in attendance were Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Deputy Chief Implementer for Visayas Retired Major General Melquiades Feliciano.

The contingent is composed of five teams of military doctors and nurses, and medical aides from the AFP Health Service Command, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force.

These medical teams will be heading to Davao City to augment the Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 efforts and increase the health system capability of the city. This was after Davao City was classified as “Restricted LGU” due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the area with a number of 5,652 as of November 20.

Source:

https://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/8-afp-news/912-afp-sends-medical-teams-to-davao?fbclid=IwAR29EH8u9H83OLXDmmzI3mwBJSHQPu2WFJ-DfHEuLY2yJWmDwMJ3x43VfL0


BRP Ivatan Transport National ID Registration Kits In Visayas

The Philippine Navy (PN) Heavy Landing Vessel BRP Ivatan (LC298) departed Sangley Point, Cavite City today, November 21, to transport the National Identification System (PhilSys) registration packages to the Visayas area.

LC298 skippered by Cdr. Paul Anthony Yamamoto, carries a total of 35,481 tons of cargo which include 1897 PhilSys registration kits to be distributed in eight provinces of the area such as Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Leyte.

This is in line with the logistics support extended by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) using its sea, air, and land assets to enable the distribution of PhilSys registration kits to 32 PSA provincial offices all over the country. In addition to the Navy, the Philippine Army covers delivery in Luzon, and Mindanao for the Philippine Air Force.

This mission highlights the ability of Philippine Navy, among other branches of AFP, to provide much-needed logistical support, especially during this time of pandemic when transport between islands and provinces is limited.

It further demonstrates the PNs readiness to collaborate with other government agencies toward bringing to the people the services they need.

Source:

https://navy.mil.ph/pn_web_news.php?news_id=2260

The Philippines Is Now Equipped With A Precision Guided Weapon

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday, that the "intelligent munitions" given to them by the US would be of great help to their ongoing efforts to eliminate the terrorist threat in the country.

"These smart munitions with such capability and precision will go a long way in helping AFP rid the country of terrorist threats," said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major-General Edgard Arevalo.

While Armed Forces of the Philippines, has successfully utilized ordinary ammunition in counter-terrorism operations using legacy aircraft, including in Marawi City, AFP spokesperson said the arrival of these modern weaponry will significantly boost efforts to defeat the threat of terrorism.

We may have succeeded in counterterrorism operations, particularly in Marawi, with ordinary ammunition installed in our old aircraft. But with the advent of these missiles and munitions, we are certain that they will greatly boost our campaigns and contribute to the global effort to combat and defeat terrorists,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Major General.

He added that Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, has also expressed his thanks to the US and Philippines defense departments for brokering and sealing this deal.

At a ceremony on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs received a US$18 million (approximately PHP868 million) precision-guided ammunition kit from the United States National Security Advisor, Robert O'Brien.

Some of the weapons handed over include 100 tubular optically guided TOW-2A missiles, 12 Enhanced Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS), 24 Mark-82 bombs, and associated guidance kits to convert them into intelligent bombs. 

Source:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1122629?fbclid=IwAR0frLGB-9911ntCG9VtIm9r-nGcGcoKHomfiW3jO33E_dyVBUsHozE78wA


Philippines Set to be The First Buyer of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile

India and Russia are set to export its jointly developed  BrahMos supersonic cruise missile  in the Philippines , a movement that could disrupt Beijing, Given its border deadlock with New Delhi and territorial disputes with other neighbors in the South China Sea.

BrahMos is named for two rivers -- Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia. The missile is manufactured by a joint venture between India and Russia, BrahMos Aerospace, which was established in India in 1998 and is responsible for the design, development and commercialization of the missile.

"All tests of contemporary versions [of the missile] are successful," said Roman Babushkin, Russia's No. 2 diplomat in New Delhi, in a recent online briefing. Babushkin added that Russia and India are "planning to gradually increase the range of these exclusive missiles and, of course, to begin exporting to third countries, starting with the Philippines."

Asked if it had already ordered the weapons, Arsenio Andolong, a spokesman at the Philippine Department of National Defense, told Nikkei Asia that the Southeast Asian nation had inquired about the missile but that the purchase "is still under evaluation." Adding, "It is part of our modernization program to enhance our territorial defense capability."

Last December, the Philippines announced its intention to buy the BrahMos for the army and the air force to reinforce their coastal defences. Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana said the contract would be signed by the second quarter of 2020, which would consist of "two batteries", according to the Philippine national news agency.

A BrahMos missile battery includes three autonomous mobile rocket launcher. BrahMos would be the first weapons system in the Philippines with deterrence capacity, Lorenzana said.

Equipped with stealth technology and an advanced guidance system, the BrahMos can be launched from aerial, land, maritime and submarine platforms and can carry conventional warheads weighing 200 kg to 300 kg. It has a range of 290 km and is supersonic, reducing flight and contact time. Missile velocity makes it difficult to deploy targets. According to BrahMos Aerospace, it cannot be intercepted by any known weapon.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have delayed the purchase and there are reports that the agreement could now be signed early next year.

Earlier this month, New Delhi and Manila hosted an online meeting of their Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar and Teodoro Locsin Jr., his counterpart in the Philippines. They agreed to strengthen the two countries' commitment to defence and maritime cooperation, particularly with regard to military training, capacity building, goodwill visits and equipment procurement.



Saturday, November 21, 2020

BRP SALVADOR ABCEDE (PC114) Performs naval Gun Firing

The naval ship BRP SALVADOR ABCEDE (PC114) performs naval gun firing tests on the Bohol sea waters.

Naval Task Force 50 operational control patrol craft, BRP SALVADOR ABCEDE (PC114) held its test-firing of weapons on board at vicinity seawaters of Bohol to maintain the proficiency of gun crews during the actual firing scenario for mission-ready status.

The main armament of the PC114 is a 40 mm BOFORS anti-aircraft gun and the secondary armaments are made up of.50 M2HB Browning calibre heavy machine guns and 7.62 mm M60 light machine guns.

The regular conduct of an artillery exercise ensures the operational and combat preparedness of all ship’s crew against various air and surface enemies.

The live fire exercise was conducted on November 18 in compliance with COVID-19 safety and health practices. A Notice to Mariners (NOTAM) was issued before the date of the trial fire to inform transiting vessels of the danger within the practice area.

In addition, two picket boats of the 5th PB Division were used to sweep and secure the designated firing zone against unwanted traffic intrusions. The medical team was also onboard PC114, always ready for medical intervention. BRP SALVADOR ABCEDE carried out the activity safely and successfully, without casualties of personnel and equipment.

A naval gunnery target balloon called “killer tomato” was utilized and was hit during live fire. The PC114 under the leadership of the NTF50 continued to excel in gun control beyond battle readiness to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in the central Visayas. 

Source: 

https://www.facebook.com/navforcentral

https://www.facebook.com/navforcentral/posts/3605713872887361



Friday, November 20, 2020

Philippines will Receive $18 Million Worth of Precision-Guided Ammunition from the United States

The Philippines will receive $18 million worth of precision-guided ammunition from the United States next month, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday.

According to the Defense Secretary, 'They gave us $18 million worth of military equipment, which will arrive) next month. These are precision-guided munitions that can be dropped accurately,' he said in an interview with Defense journalists in South Harbor, Manila, when he was heading the departure of BRP Tarlac.

BRP Tarlac has been deployed to typhoon-hit Catanduanes on a relief mission.

Lorenzana hasn’t given any specific details on the ammunition.

He said he recently had a meeting with John Law, chargés d'affaires of the US Embassy in Manila, during which they discussed the Visiting Forces Agreement, US concerns over the West Philippine Sea, US foreign policy, military equipment they were offering to the Philippines, and pandemic-related assistance. 

Source:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1122410?fbclid=IwAR32Si3IOArNN0IuQCi5ZXF8DS1Py6i3MGLsLKeUgtBbzpVKrwsj3kqreHA


Thursday, November 19, 2020

PNR Presented Another Breakthrough

In the midst of a current pandemic and a series of natural disasters, the Ministry of Transport (DOTr) and Philippine National Railways (PNR) Remain focused and committed to promoting transit infrastructure solutions that will greatly benefit the Filipinos well into the future. 

Yesterday, the PNR presented another breakthrough in its game-changing Clark Phase 1 project, as part of the major North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) program, with the lifting of its first prefabricated segment, headed by Junn Magno, Director General of the PNR ,and Deputy Director General Atty. Celeste Lauta.

The Pre-cast segment or Girder, one of the main components of the rail line construction, is an engineering masterpiece designed and patterned after international railway construction guidelines.

The PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban - Malolos) project, is the 38-km. the rail line that will connect Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. When completed, this modern mass transport system is expected to serve 300,000 passengers daily, and greatly reduce travel time from approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes.

This PNR Clark Phase 1 will integrate with PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos to Clark) and PNR Calamba, forming the NSCR mega railway, one of the biggest infrastructure projects under the massive "BUILD, BUILD, BUILD" program of the Duterte Administration. The project is a mammoth 148-km route length rail line  with 37 stations, 464 train cars, and an estimated 830,000 passenger capacity per day once fully operational.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

BRP Conrado Yap PS39 Conducted Passing Exercise with 2 ROKN Vessels on the Nearby Waters Of Manila

The Philippine Navys (PN) corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS39) conducted Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with two ships from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on the nearby waters of Manila, November 17.

Republic of Korea Navy Kang Gam-chan (DDH-979) and Soyang (AOE-51) compose the Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group that annually travels around the world visiting various ports including Manila. With the prevailing pandemic, however, the ROKN opted for an at-sea exercise with the Philippine Navy on their way to Malaysia in lieu of a port visit.

PS39 established communication with the two Republic of Korea Navy ships at around 10 oclock in the morning followed by low altitude flyby accorded by two FA-50 fighter jets from the Philippine Air Force.

Part of the exercise was the transport of the South Korean-donated 10,000 pieces of face masks and 2,000 pieces of hand sanitizers to PS39 through rigid inflatable boats. 

The gesture was inspired by South Koreas deep appreciation of the Philippines for being the first Asian country to send troops in their support during the Korean War in 1950.

It was followed by the three ships tactical maneuvers and culminated with a farewell sail.


Source:

https://navy.mil.ph/pn_web_news.php?news_id=2254


Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The 1 of the 2 largest Philippine navy vessel BRP Tarlac Carries Tons of Relief Items to Catanduanes.

The Philippine Navy Landing Dock Vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601), carrying 255 tons of emergency goods and building materials, was deployed Tuesday morning in a Typhoon affected area in Catanduanes.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief, said the relief items and construction materials came from the different government agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals.

The BRP Tarlac, one of the two largest Navy ships, is a "critical asset" for civil-military operations and humanitarian assistance disaster relief due to its capability of transporting a large number of personnel, logistics, and supplies.

"This deployment demonstrates how the Philippine Navy's modern assets bolster the organization's readiness and commitment to providing prompt assistance to our disaster-stricken fellow Filipinos to alleviate them from their current ordeals," Roxas said.

The ship's send-off ceremonies took place at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, who represented Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, in the activities.

Catanduanes was among the provinces that suffered the brunt of Super Typhoon Rolly early this month and Typhoon Ulysses last week.


Source:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1122040


Monday, November 16, 2020

Simultaneous Air Drop Of Relief Goods in 50 Isolated Barangays in Cagayan

The aerial relief operations of the Cagayan Provincial Government resumed with the Philippine Air Force this Monday, November 16, 2020.


The target is now to reach 50 isolated barangays in the towns of Enrile, Baggao, Amulung, Alcala, Lal-lo and Sto. Niño to deliver relief packs coming from the Capitol.

The designated areas have not yet been reached by any type of ground vehicle so the only alternative is air drop operations through the 505th Rescue and 205th Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Philippine Navy Vessel PS-31 and LC-299 Transported Relief Goods in Typhoon Affected Area

The Philippine Navy  continues to conduct various rescue operations in different parts of Luzon and Metro Manila while commencing relief operations for our kababayans displaced by Typhoon 'Ulysses'.

The Civil Military Operations Group-Philippine Navy (CMOG-PN) and other Philippine Navy units have begun to deliver relief packs to the evacuees in different parts of Marikina City and nearby areas. 

Rescue operations in the aforesaid areas being augmented by Disaster Relief and Response Teams from the Philippine Navy and its reserve force are still ongoing.

Philippine Navy reservists are also stepping up relief efforts in different areas in Luzon, augmenting the inter-agency relief operations for families displaced and adversely affected by the recent typhoons.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy vessels BRP Pangasinan (PS31), under the operational control of Naval Forces Southern Luzon and BRP Batak (LC299) from Naval Forces Central transported relief goods and vehicles from Cebu City intended for the victims of recent typhoons that struck the Bicol Region.


Philippine Air Force C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft Flew in Tuguegarao Cagayan

This morning, Philippine Air Force  C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft flew to Tuguegarao, Cagayan to airlift Cabinet Secretaries and rescue equipment. 

As part of the Armed Forces that serves the Filipino people, the 220th Airlift Wing do not only contribute to the country in the military aspect but also aspires to support causes for national development. 

Today, the Cabinet Secretaries will meet with the local govenrment of the Province of Cagayan to talk about the government’s response for the people affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

It is indeed a difficult time for all of us. COVID19, typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, internal conflicts, territorial security and a lot more. In this trying time, know that in full force, our government, your Airlifters is doing its best to respond ANYTIME ANYWHERE! 

The Philippine Air Force  C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft is from the 220th Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force  Air Mobility Command. 

Thursday, November 12, 2020

3 Amphibious Assault Vehicles are Standby for Deployment to The Typhoon Affected Areas

Three Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) are on standby for prompt deployment to affected areas in the nation's capital. 

Amphibious Assault Vehicles are among the modern assets of the Philippine Navy intended for marine operations but can also be utilized during disaster response operations because of their capability to traverse both land and water.

Navy flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo is personally overseeing all the Philippine Navy's rescue efforts through the command center at Philippine Navy headquarters organized for such purpose.

Source:

https://navy.mil.ph/pn_web_news.php?news_id=2243&fbclid=IwAR1Ksm8KyPRZGU-rdn3Wim-BI1cnFOf24IXmx9BXAQO_KpAk2JHKRTlqMVY

PCG Deploys its Air Assets to Respond Typhoon Affected Areas

The Coast Guard Aviation Force (CGAF) deploys BN Islander plane with tail number PCG-251 to conduct aerial surveillance in Marikina, Rizal, and CaMaNaVa area this afternoon, 12 November 2020.

Said initiative is intended to aid the ongoing rescue operations and determine the extent of flooding in the affected areas of Typhoon Ulysses.

Moreover, airbus light twin engine helicopters with tail numbers, CGH-1451 and CGH-1452 will also be deployed to conduct aerial rescue operation. 


Wednesday, November 11, 2020

The State of The Art AI Command Center of PNR

As part of the promotion of Modern Technology, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) formally previewed today, November 11, led by General Manager Junn Magno, their innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Surveillance System and state-of -the-art Command Center that will accompany them in implementing the 7 commandments or health and sanitation protocols at Tutuban Rail Station, Manila.

This initiative is in solidarity with and recognizes the aspiration of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade to advance technology in all transportation sectors, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Using state-of-the-art CCTV Artificial Intelligence Surveillance System, it is easier to monitor the health condition of passengers because it has the ability to detect a person's temperature even before they enter the station.

In addition, the 123 cameras of the Surveillance system are scattered across 17 PNR stations, and this is the agency's response to the "new normal" because it also has the ability to detect people not wearing facemask or faceshields and non-passengers following social distancing.

Secretary Tugade expressed his support for this PNR project. In his tribute to DOTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez, the Secretary announced, "I am deeply proud and inspired by the significant milestones that the PNR has reached and given the toughest of times, this is the perfect example of the way we should address the challenges of our times.I call it the 3 I's - Initiate, Invest and Innovate.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Naval Forces Northern Luzon Ready To Face Ulysses

Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) had alerted its operational subordinate units and Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) this November 11, 2020, in anticipation of the possible onslaught of Tropical Depression Ulysses in its area of responsibility covering Regions I, II and III.

As part of its preparations, the Command ensured the readiness of its disaster response capability. Essential equipment such as M35 and KM450 trucks, 3 rubber boats with outboard motors, generators, cutting tools, and life-saving equipment were inventoried to guarantee a high level of response against the devastating typhoon. 

Moreover, its OPCON surface and air assets were on standby and ready for search and rescue operations, if needed.

The Philippine Navy, through the NFNL, is one with the local government units in bringing prompt, responsive and effective assistance to the communities that will be affected by this yet another typhoon amid the ongoing pandemic.

Exclusive Footage of Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawks Inside The Clark Air Base

Exclusive update!!! coming from the Department of National Defense. 

Rare footage of Philippine Air Force, S-70i Black Hawks are now stationed in the Air force hangar in Clark, waiting for test flight.

Remember last Monday of November 9, 2020. The AN-124 Antonov Ruslan carrying 5 units  of S70i Black Hawk of The Philippine Air Force were already landed in Clark Air Base at around 9:48 am. The said cargo aircraft was departed from Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, in Poland on Nov. 7 and arrived at Clark Air Base last Monday.

The 16 helicopters, acquired from Polish Aviation Works (PZL-Mielec), were manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA and had a contract price of US$241.4 million (or around PHP11.6 billion).

The acquisition of the S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters made by Polish based Aircraft Manufacturer PZL-Mielec is part of Combat Utility Helicopter, of Philippine Air Force's,of Horizon 2 Phase 3 Acquisition Project of the Revised Armed Forces of The Philippines Modernization Program.

Monday, November 9, 2020

DND Confirms That Black Hawks Were Already Landed On The Philippine Soil

The Department of National Defense Confirmed that the Five of the 16 Polish-made Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters acquired for the Philippine Air Force were already in the Philippines soil. And the remaining batch expected to be delivered via sea next month.

"Yes, the five arrived in Clark Air base in Ang-heless City, Pampanga) aboard an Antonov heavy transport plane A N-124. The second batch with the number of 6 units, was loaded on a ship that will arrive on Dec. 2," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

The 16 helicopters, acquired from Polish Aviation Works (PZL-Mielec), were manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA and had a contract price of US$241.4 million (around PHP11.6 billion).

The project was procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland. And the negotiations were completed in 2019.

The acquisition of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters is part of Combat Utility Helicopter, of Philippine Air Force's, Phase 3 of Horizon 2 Phase Acquisition Project of the Revised Armed Forces of The Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

The Antonov plane took off from Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, Poland on Nov. 7 and arrived at Clark Air Base on Monday.



Sunday, November 8, 2020

Finally The Philippine Black Hawk Helicopters Has Arrived

Finally!!! the Black Hawks of the Philippine has arrived!!.. This is when the Embassy of the Philippines in Poland stated that the first batch of S-70i Helicopters has been loaded on Antonov AN-124 Ruslan for the delivery to the Philippines.

According to the Philippine embassy in Poland, The first batch of 5 helicopters, Black Hawk S-70i, for the Philippine Air Force, made by PZL Mielec, is now loaded in Antonov AN-124 Ruslan. And it has been said that it will probably land on November 9th at 10:00 am at Clark Airport.

“The purchase of 16 S-70i combat-utility helicopters manufactured by the Polish Aviation Works-Mielec (PZL-Mielec) is an excellent example of cooperation between our two countries,” - Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, CDA of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila.

Remember last February of 2019, The Notice of Award (NOA) was released, in favor of the Poland based aircraft manufacturer PZL Mielec. With the amount of US$ 241.4 million worth of contract, for the 16 units of S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters, which is under the Combat Utility Helicopter, of Philippine Air Force's, Phase 3 Acquisition Project, of  Horizon 2 phase, priority project, under Revised Armed Forces, of The Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).