DND: 37 military upgrade projects completed under Noy

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration has so far completed 37 military upgrade projects worth P9.2-billion and is expecting the implementation of 14 others this year, the Department of National Defense said Monday.

Among the big ticket items that have been delivered include a rocket launcher, 3,840 units of force protection equipment, and 81 mm mortar with ammunition for the Army; 18 basic trainer aircraft, an aerial surveillance camera, and eight combat utility helicopters for the Air Force.

Completed projects that benefited the Navy include the acquisition of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar frigate from the United States Coast Guard, the purchase of night fighting system, 20W vehicular configuration radio, and 40 units of truck troop carriers, two rigid hull inflatable boats, 720 grenade launchers, 230 units of 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun, three naval helicopters, a landing craft utility and three multi-purpose attack craft; and coast watch system upgrades.

The other completed projects were the setting up of a military mobile communication network, construction of an operating room at the Armed Forces medical Center, the setting up of a fixed military communication system, metallic raw material for the arsenal, a 14-station bullet assembly, and case manufacture and cartidge assembly machine.

"We are getting closer to our desired state in terms of capability and readiness with our recent acquisitions, and those we are expecting to be delivered in the next few months," Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a statement.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is drawing closer to its projected minimum defense posture with the expected deliveries of more equipment under its modernization program,” he added.

The Defense department defines “minimum credible defense posture” as the establishment of an effective force presence inside the Philippines and its exclusive economic zone. It also refers to exhibited competence to defend the country and protect its national interests when the need arises.

Minimum credible defense includes the ability to conduct wide surveillance and monitoring of developments within the country’s territory, establish extensive command and control, and the capacity to provide an expedient and efficient response to untoward incidents.

Fourteen projects worth P6.2-billion are expected to be completed before the end of the year. These projects include the delivery of assault rifles for the Army and Marines, additional UH-1H helicopters for the Air Force, close combat optics, and explosive ordnance disposal equipment.

Ten projects worth P17.3-billion are scheduled for delivery in 2015 including Army armored vehicles, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, light lift and medium lift aircraft, and naval helicopters.

Two of the 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets worth P18.9 billion are expected to arrive next year. The jets will be acquired from South Korean and constitute the
biggest item in the list of military upgrade projects.

Other projects in the military’s modernization program are in the advanced stages of procurement or are nearing completion. These include the additional rifles for the Army, frigates and amphibious assault vehicle for the Navy, and air defense surveillance radar for the Air Force.

The revised Armed Forces modernization program for 2013-2017 has a budget of P85.3 billion which will be spread out over a five-year period. Of the said amount, P 8.6 billion will be allocated to the Army, P43.3 billion will be given to the Air Force, P 28.2 billion will be allotted to the Navy and P5.2 billion will benefit the Armed Forces General Headquarters.