Philippine Defense Modernization Update

This is developing page for Philippine Defense Modernization that I will be updating occasionally as information became available and verified and confirmed by reliable source namely news organization, DND websites and press release by at least two sites.
As this is running blog will start from current status going backwards up to 1990’s where the initial modernization started.
This blog is dedicated to my wife who succumb fighting complication of low hemoglobin blood.
This is partial and developing list and will have corresponding link pages to support
Since early 1990’s and for almost five decades military was involved in internal security operations conducting counter-insurgency and secessionists campaign. By emphasis on internal security operations all branches of the military was tied up conducting COIN, close air support, naval support, air and sea lift of troops and equipment as well as limited air and maritime surveillance.
In addition all service are mobilized and support HADR, infrastructure, civic action and support other government agencies and NGOs. Majority of AFP budget focus on ground capability neglecting air and naval capabilities even at a modest level.
Politicization of each services during late 80’s and 90’s further with various coup, further divide by each services senior officers and leaders are vying and jockeying for political advantages and hierarchy as well as corruption issues raise by junior officers from all branches. All this contribute and drained supposed modernization program except some excess defense materials from other countries.
Even when the AFP Modernization RA 7898 came to effect in 1996 did not contribute any new significant acquisition for AFP. Only on the last five years of the fifteen years it move on slow and snail pace when the law expire in 2010.
Some of the noticeable and significant acquisition implemented for RA 7898 are  ships, navy  and air force helicopters, landing platform dock, Medium and light lift aircraft, and support and personnel equipment acquisition.
Realizing  the slow pace of modernization RA 10349 better known as revised AFP modernization act was implemented in 2012 for another 15 years with initial budget of Php75 for first five years. This program was divided into three horizons – H1 for 2013 to 2017, H2 for 2018 to 2022, and H3 for 2023 to 2028.
With each service branch implementing plan modernization program Navy with Desired Force Mix, Air force with Flight Plan 2028, and Army force protection plan. Some of major acquisition are LIFT aircraft, CUH, Frigate,  ASW Helicopter, and radar.
Total cost so far as of June 2019 with various status and updates is Php370 Billion since 1995 that cover RA7898 and 10349 H1 and H2.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

AFP Modernization

Philippine Navy 25 - 30 Additional Ships Update Part 1

Offshore Patrol Vessels Acquisition Project