AFP modernization to include bases upgrade

MANILA, Philippines - The improvement of existing military bases will be part of the items to be funded by the new Armed Forces modernization law, a defense official said Wednesday.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the facilities would be readied for the arrival of the military assets to be acquired through the same law.

“Included in the items to be funded by the P75-billion (modernization budget) are the facilities,” Manalo said in a press conference.

“That includes the hangar and the berthing facilities for the Navy. These are included in the infrastructure that we will need,” he added.

Manalo, who oversees the military’s modernization program, noted that the hangars would be used to house the helicopters and other air assets. The berthing facilities, meanwhile, will provide space for floating assets to dock.

The government will also provide support facilities for naval bases in Cebu and Palawan.

Manalo, however, could not tell if the bases in Subic would be covered by the upgrade efforts.

“As for Subic, there is no definite decision yet,” he said.

Manalo said the modernization program would also involve the construction of access roads for aerial radars to be used to monitor the country’s territory.

Earlier, the government announced that it is ready to provide the US and other allies access to its bases in a bid to counter China’s aggressive activities in the region.

Officials, however, clarified that there is no plan to put up new foreign military installations as this would violate the constitution.

The Philippines is strengthening its security ties with its allies and beefing up its defense capabilities to defend its territory in the face of China’s bullying.

‘Our lives are at stake’

Manalo stressed that the modernization of the military is crucial in addressing internal security threats and in asserting the country’s sovereignty.

“What we want is a minimum deterrence capability so that those who plan to wage war with us would think twice,” Manalo said.

“Our lives are at stake here,” he added.

President Aquino signed last December a new Armed Forces modernization law that allotted P75 billion for the first five years of the capability upgrade program. The law effectively extended the modernization program that was enacted in 1995.

The new law seeks to enhance the capabilities of the military, which have been depleted  due to lack of resources. It requires the military, defense and budget departments to submit to the president a list of equipment to be acquired.

The Department of National Defense (DND) plans to undertake a total of 24 modernization projects to enhance the military’s capabilities.

Manalo declined to enumerate all the projects for security reasons but revealed that these include the acquisition of rocket launchers, hand-held radios and night fighting system for the Army.

For the Air Force, the government aims to acquire radar systems, close air support aircraft, combat utility helicopters, and 12 lead in fighter trainer jets for the Air Force.

Manalo said the FA-50 fighter jets will be acquired through government-to-government transaction from the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI). The government has allotted P18.9 billion for the fighter jets.

The Defense department is awaiting the sales agreement from Malacañang, which will pave the way for the start of negotiations with KAI.

For the Navy, the government will acquire two frigates worth P18 billion to improve the military’s maritime defense capability. Manalo said at least five companies from South Korea, Spain, Australia, and Singapore have expressed interest to join the bidding. He said they include Hyundai, Daewoo and Navantia and Austal.

Other equipment to be acquired for the Navy include the amphibious assault vehicle, naval helicopters, multi purpose attack craft, and base support facilities.