Philippine And South Korea Discuss Future Submarine Acquisition

 Philippines Department of National Defense Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition (ASEC), Jesus Rey. R Avilla, visited the Korean Navy Submarine Force Command on May 12, 2021 to discuss Philippine-Korea submarine cooperation.

Greeted by the Commander of Submarine Force, the two parties discussed various areas of cooperation to enhance the Philippine Navy’s future submarine capabilities.

Issues discussed include transfer of the Korean Navy’s submarine operation know-how, resumption of International Submarine Education and Training Program (ISETP) that has been put on hold due to COVID-19, and regular Navy-to-Navy talks on submarines.

During his stay, the Assistant Secretary also visited the Korean Navy’s submarine workshops, training facilities and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), the builder of Korean submarines. DSME has been offering to Philippines its 1,400-ton submarine under a “Total Solution Package” which also includes crew-training and soft-loan to fulfill the Philippine Navy’s Submarine Acquisition Project.

As an opportunity to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership, the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is also actively supporting this project. 

Philippine T129 Attack Helicopters Ready for Delivery

Did you know? Philippine has acquired T129 Attack Helicopter? Made by the Turkish Aerospace Industries?.

Yes, you hear it right.. And its ready for delivery.

According to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, The said Attack Helicopter who has already selected in its program since 2018 has been prospering.

This is after the United States Government allowing exports of its LHTEC CTS800-4A to use for the building of T129 of the Philippine Air Force.

Remember when the US Government sanctioned turkey, and making restriction for not allowing the Turkish company used its US Licensed Engine for its T129 Attack Helicopter. And because of that, The Philippine selected helicopter to be acquired in Turkish company had been in floating status.

The said restriction started when Turkey procure the S-400 Triumf air-defense system made in Russia.  

But after a couple years of waiting. US Government surprisingly change its decision. And right now, they allowed The Philippines to have its T129 by allowing the Turkish company to use US Licensed Engine in making Attack helicopter.

According to The Philippine Defense Department the budget for the said Attack Helicopter Program is placed around 13.8 billion pesos. Which is made of 6 total units of T129 Attack Helicopter.

It was said that the first batch of 2 units of T129 Attack Helicopters is expected to be delivered in September of this year 2021, and the remaining 4 of the 6 total of six units will arrive in the  Philippines in the next coming years.