AFP signs deals for boat repairs

It’s time to dust off the shopping list.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has signed contracts with Britain and Belgium for the upgrade of the Philippine Navy’s patrol boats and the purchase of automatic weapons as part of the AFP’s modernization program.

AFP chief Gen. Roy Cimatu signed a contract last Thursday with the British government to upgrade the weapons systems on three Jacinto-class patrol vessels for the Navy.

Cimatu also signed deals with Belgium’s FN Herstal for 500 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAWs).

A statement from the Office of the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability, Materiel and Technology Development (J-9) said the Navy vessel upgrade is a government-to-government contract between the AFP and the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense through the UK-based QinetiQ Ltd. The British firm is reportedly one of the manufacturers of the British-made ships acquired by the Philippines in 1997.

The upgrade of the Jacinto-class vessels, known in the military as Peackock-class ships, includes the fitting of 25-mm. guns "for precision enfilade naval gunfire support and control platform," the statement said.

"This will enhance the present capability of the Philippine Navy to support the conduct of internal security operations, search and rescue and maritime operations," J-9 chief Brig Gen. Crisolito Balaoing said.

The contract for the naval upgrade is worth P270 million, a J-9 official said. The ships were brought to the country by Prince Charles during his visit to the country in 1997, after the UK turned Hong Kong over to China. The three combat vessels were used by the British navy to patrol the coasts of the former Crown Colony.

The purchase of SAWs from FN Herstal is a joint undertaking between the Army and the Marines to increase the firepower of small operating units to improve their defensive and offensive capabilities and lower the casualties suffered by patrol and mission squads.

The P100-million contract for the purchase of the SAWs will involve an initial purchase of 500 machine guns.

The SAW is a 7.62-mm. weapon used by the military personnel of advanced countries, including the United States. It was created in the early 1990s to replace the heavier and more cumbersome M60-series machine gun. Since it is lighter and more compact, the SAW provides better mobility and maneuverability for its bearer and is ideal for use in small-squad operations. The Philippines is the 48th country to include the SAW in its arsenal.

Cimatu has commended all offices that helped finalize the contracts, which will be endorsed to Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, who will forward them to the Office of the President for final approval. — With wire reports