Philippine Air Force Discussions and Updates

OPSSG

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Staff member
Philippines reveal multirole fighter options | Jane's 360

I thought from previous media information, they already focus on F-16 and Gripen. Seems now they are saying officially Flankers and Typhoon still in the running...
1. Fairly nonsensical of Jane’s360 (reporting from the Berlin International Fighter Conference 2019). IMHO, the Pinoys are unlikely to shortlist twin engine fighters for their first squadron due to cost concerns. Regardless of which fighter type they choose, to be able to fly 2 to 3 meaningful sorties for the 1st day of war (to contest the air space before being shot down due to a lack of AWACS support), they will also need to spend a 2.5 to 3 billion US dollars to:

(i) buy 16 to 20 fighters (instead of 12) to form a full squadron of 4 to 5 flights, with each flight assigned a specific role with mission appropriate ordinance and targeting or other specialist pods carried;​
(ii) train and sustain this force by acquiring ground based equipment; spare engines and other parts (at least 2 sets) and a flight simulator;​
(iii) buy a tiny initial stockpile of 16 air launched anti-ship missiles to support the navy in a sea denial role (16 missiles enable the targeting of 4 enemy destroyers/frigates assuming a salvo of 4 were launched at each ship); and​
(iv) buy the bare minimum of 128 air-to-air missiles of different types for the 1st day of war stock for a single squadron for OCA and DCA missions (128 missiles allow for only 1 reload of expended missiles for use in 2 sorties), other munitions and systems.​

2. Actions matter more than press releases or reports from a conference on future plans that may (or may not) happen. In contrast to the masterful inaction by Manila, Baghdad and Washington signed an agreement in 2011 to buy 36 F-16 fighter jets. Iraq received the first batch in July 2015 and has gradually received other shipments since. US Air Force Brigadier-General Andrew Croft said that 13 F-16 jets will be delivered to the Iraqi air force in 2018, which brought the total number of aircraft delivered to 34. “Training a fighter pilot takes years,” Croft noted. “So, this is not a short-term investment; this is something for the long term.”

3. Capability management is more than a discussion on fighter platforms and is organized around a concept of operations (CONOPS), because the CONOPS describe how a specified course of action is to be executed. The ability to execute the specified course of action depends on many factors and the relationship between those factors. IMO, the 2017 Battle of Marawi demonstrated the shortfalls in the ability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to execute its CONOPS and air power is more than just about control of the air. The PAF needs a capability roadmap to improve its (1) combat readiness, (2) sustainable capability and (3) force structure for a period of 12 to 15 years after the delivery of the first fighter.
  • From a cost perspective, acquiring fighters is a different ball game when compared with purchasing 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers from Korea at P18.9 billion (US$415.7 million) and a few AGM-65G2 Mavericks and AIM-9L/I-1 sidewinders, from Germany's Diehl Raytheon Missile Systeme GmbH.
  • For comparison, Morocco’s recent acquisition of 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighters estimated at US$3.787 billion will give the Pinoys a sticker price shock on the cost of acquiring block 50/52 or the latest block 70/72 ‘V’ model F-16s. Likewise, Brazil’s order of 36 Gripens for US$4.16 billion will make the Pinoys realise the real cost of acquiring fighters.
Numbers matter. The Pinoys need to allocate long term funding to sustain its force structure, which needs to be two or more fighter squadrons (36 or more), without which the PAF cannot survive the 1st day of war. Right now, with 12 FA-50s armed with short ranged air to air missiles, the PAF will struggle to survive the 1st hour of war.

4. The combat ready F-16V has been selected by Bulgaria (8), Slovakia (14), Taiwan (66), and Morroco (25) in 2019 alone, with Indonesia (32) also considering ordering 2 new squadrons in 2020. In addition, under a:
  • US$914m contract in 2014, Lockheed Martin is upgrading Singapore’s fleet of 60 F-16s. They will be fitted with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 AESA Radar, and Link 16 data links. These Singapore F-16Vs will serve until the 2030s, when they are replaced by F-35s;
  • US$1.2 billion contract in 2016, Lockheed Martin will modernize 134 Korean Jets to F-16Vs; and
  • US$10.8 million in a May 2019 contract from the US Navy for production of AGM-84 Harpoon Block II missiles for Saudi Arabia
5. I am bored with these endless discussions by the PAF on shortlisting and down selection of the Gripen or Viper. The Pinoys have also received 12 FA-50, as lead in trainers, from South Korea in 2017. The Australian Department of Defence has prepared a publication on ‘Defence Economic Trends in 2018’ and the ‘Trend in 2019’ and from a historical budget perspective, the Pinoys are likely to go for a single engine choice, as their defence spending is only 5.4% of governmental expenditure.
  • The Philippines’ 2018 defence budget was PHP175.4bn (US$3.7 billion) – a 25.1 per cent real decrease on the 2017 defence budget. The 2017 and 2018 defence budget for the Pinoys is consistent with President Duterte’s stated goal of having a ‘strong’ military. But the Pinoy definition of ‘strong’ is very different from that of its neighbours. The size of the PAF operations budget was a historical problem but the current bigger problem is that the PAF purchases items on a piece-by-piece basis in a bureaucratic manner that defies logic (all in the name of clean government, when it is actually a model of bureaucratic inefficiency and symptom of government waste). We have to be realistic on the limited progress made by the Philippines. Philippines in particular, spend too little on defence to be taken seriously about urgency when they talk about trying to regain their air combat capability.
  • 2018 marked the start of the military’s five-year Horizon 2 modernisation plan, which includes plans to purchase fighter jets, airlifters, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters for the air force; artillery, tanks and rocket launchers for the army; and corvettes and offshore patrol vessels for the navy. From a historical perspective, the Philippine defence budget (at US$4.9 billion in 2017 and at US$3.7 billion in 2018), and as a percentage of the GDP (at 1.5% in 2017 and 1.1% in 2018) and as a percentage of the national budget, is consistently less than most of its ASEAN peers. Talk of the Harpoon missile being offered by the US along with F-16V is noted in MaxDefense. But Harpoon is no stranger to the Philippines as during the 1980's plans were made by the Philippine Navy to arm the 4 Andres Bonifacio vessels with the AGM-84 however, the political events of the 80s affected the plan and it did not materialize.
6. As I mentioned before, PAF’s modernization by press release continues (see: Philippines to Re-Focus on Territorial Defense). Talking at conferences is cheaper than buying gear for their fighter squadrons. This is just is another symptom of the colourful political culture of symbolism over substantive changes, with the PAF playing its symbolic part. Capability management is not about the platform alone and much more than buying the 'best' or the 'right' platform. Taiwan’s force structure, including their 6 E-2T/K AWACS and planned upgrades to their F-16 fighter fleet below is instructive of what is needed to survive the 1st two weeks of war for their threat matrix, before external help can arrive.
  • Under a US$5.3 billion Phoenix Rising program Taiwan’s existing fleet of 150 F-16A/Bs will be upgraded to the F-16V standard. and the integration of new precision-guided weapons. Taiwan will also acquire UTC Aerospace Systems MS-110 long-range oblique photography, or LOROP, pods. The MS-110 is a derivative of the DB-110 LOROP pod, and it adds multispectral capability. The DB-110 is a 110-inch focal length reconnaissance system with high-resolution imagery from nadir to a standoff range of more than 80 nautical miles. The new pods replace the 4 Phoenix Eye LOROP pods used by the Taiwanese Air Force’s reconnaissance aircraft.
If the PAF want to buy the Eurofighter Typhoon, or the Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker, go ahead — enough talk, just place an order for the 1st squadron of fighters; and thereafter a second. I would rather continue with a real conversation when the Pinoys finally announce the contracts required to form the second squadron.
 
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Ananda

The Bunker Group

Ok, so basically US give option to Philippines, either 6 AH-1Z Viper at the cost of Half billion USD, or 6 AH-64E at the cost of one and half billion.
Looking back to Philippines DoD track record, I just wondering why US bother to give an option. It's not matter whether Philippines administration can come out on the budget of either option, it's more how long they will come out with decision.

One the other hand, perhaps giving them option US help Philippines Administration to choose the obvious. After all with they got AH-1 donated from Jordan already, it's should be like logical from their training and operational familiarize point of view where heading should be.
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro

Ok, so basically US give option to Philippines, either 6 AH-1Z Viper at the cost of Half billion USD, or 6 AH-64E at the cost of one and half billion.
Looking back to Philippines DoD track record, I just wondering why US bother to give an option. It's not matter whether Philippines administration can come out on the budget of either option, it's more how long they will come out with decision.

One the other hand, perhaps giving them option US help Philippines Administration to choose the obvious. After all with they got AH-1 donated from Jordan already, it's should be like logical from their training and operational familiarize point of view where heading should be.
Isn't Duterte still in his hate the US tantrum at the moment? I thought he was groveling at Xi's feet.
 

Ananda

The Bunker Group
Duterte still in his hate the US tantrum at the moment? I thought he was groveling at Xi's feet.
Who knows on how Duterte will move from one day to another. People call him Trump from Asia, however even Trump has more predictable patern than him.

For one thing, Duterte seems now showing more displeasure to China on SCS matter. Still how he's flipped flops between praise Xi and Trump..well we can just call it "interesting"..
 

OPSSG

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Staff member
In 2017, Manila placed an order for 6 A-29 Super Tucanos that were delivered in Feb 2020. Rather than getting new attack helicopters, it would be better if the Pinoys did a follow up buy of 6 to 12 more Super Tucanos; along with more spares to keep the fleet operational. Let us see how long the Pinoys can keep these new A-29 operational, given the expected budget cuts to come.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is chronically short of parts and does not have enough money to buy enough parts to keep their aircraft fleet operational. In Oct 2019, it was reported by Jane’s that the PAF was looking to return to service seven of its ageing Bell UH-1 'Huey' utility helicopters by using spare parts donated by Japan. Until the delivery of the 16 S-70i Black Hawks, the bulk of the PAF’s helicopter fleet operates at the 1980s-1990s technology level.
Who knows on how Duterte will move from one day to another. People call him Trump from Asia, however even Trump has more predictable patern than him.

For one thing, Duterte seems now showing more displeasure to China on SCS matter. Still how he's flipped flops between praise Xi and Trump..well we can just call it "interesting"..
No matter what happens to Duterte and his changing moods, I strongly suspect that the Philippines (in a fiscally constrained environment) is not going to pay the premium required to acquire new American attack helicopters like the AH-1Z Viper or AH-64E Apache.

From an acquisition cost perspective, the TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter is the preferred bidder — with the Notice of Award (NOA) issued in favor of TAI several months ago. The PAF selected the TAI T129 ATAK in 2018, before Turkey encountered an issue on the engines and avionics supply from the US and UK. The NOA was given to TAI before it became apparent that there is still a problem with Turkey (who are unable to secure the LHTEC CTS800-4A engines and avionics from US and UK) — Pakistan has a signed attack helicopter contract with TAI — even they only gave Turkey until July 2020 to settle it, or they would cancel the contract and even ask TAI to pay for damages for delaying the Pakistani attack helicopter program.

Let us see how long the Pinoys can keep the 2 Jordan donated Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters operational — I am betting that they can only keep them flying till 2024, as they typically operate on a shoe-string spares and parts budget.

Jordan, for its part, has been looking to divest some of its AH-1Fs. In 2018 it offered 17 AH-1Fs for sale, along with spare parts.
 
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Ananda

The Bunker Group
Jordan, for its part, has been looking to divest some of its AH-1Fs. In 2018 it offered 17 AH-1Fs for sale, along with spare parts.
Yes, seems remember in Max Defense they're talking on potential taking that as if not mistaken the cost is quite a bargain.
Unless Philippines changes their budgeting practice, taking over ex Jordan with the parts is more appropriate.
However if the package for AH-1Z already included training and sustainment, as some Pinoy forumers in Max Defense claim, then it can be a good deal too.
 

the concerned

Active Member
I don't want to fall foul of the this and that platform but looking at the situations that happen in Philippines. Would the battlehawk variant of the blackhawk be a option especially as it offers a carrying capacity aswell which personally would give a sniper option.
 

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
Between Feb 2012 to Feb 2013, the PAF took delivery of 8 W-3A Sokol helicopters from PZL-Swidnik (W-3A First Flight: 16 November 1979) in a contract worth 2.858 billion pesos (US$ 77 million). Yet within three years of final delivery, it was reported in Nov 2016 that the PAF decided to abandon the operation of the remaining 6 W-3A Sokol helicopters.

I believe that this news report is incorrect. It is more likely that this technical safety pause to operations of the W-3A Sokol fleet (until they can conduct a proper root cause analysis of the Nov 2016 engine failure). The PAF needs a capability roadmap to improve its (1) combat readiness, (2) sustainable capability and (3) force structure after the induction of a new aircraft type (in this case the W-3A Sokol). Due to insufficient O&M funding, the PAF despite having a ILS contract at the point of purchase is chronically short of W-3A Sokol parts and struggles to keep their aircraft fleet operational.

For background, on 8 Nov 2016 (side number 310 926) and 7 Aug 2014 (side number 310 921), the PAF lost 2 of the W-3A helicopters through crashes in Sabang on Palawan Island and Marawi in Mindanao. The PAF may have a problem with maintenance that results in hard landings, crashes or even catching fire on the tarmac (eg. C-130H tail number 4726 caught fire on 27 Mar 2019). I am not sure if they are doing enough data analysis of their training and institutional habits to break the mistake chains (resulting in hard landings or crashes) in their reports, lessons learnt or debrief from flight.
...looking at the situations that happen in Philippines would the battlehawk variant of the blackhawk be a option?
In a Mar 2019 contract worth US$241.4 million with Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec with the delivery of these 16 S-70i Black Hawks to the PAF from 3rdQ 2020 up till 2021.

Logically, their TWG should make this possible as the Battlehawk is sharing the same platform as the 16 S-70i Black Hawks being procured. The Battlehawk is modified with modular systems that transforms the utility helicopter into an armed helicopter capable of missions similar to those of an attack helicopter.
  • At IDEX 2011, UAE awarded a US$ 270.5 million (AED 993.5 million) order to upgrade its 23 UH-60Ms with "ABH Kits/Battlehawk kits".
  • The ABH kit enables UH-60M Black Hawks to carry an integrated suite of laser-guided Hellfire anti-tank missiles as well as multi-purpose weapons such as 7-round or 19-round Hydra 70 rocket pods mounted on the pylons under the stub wings at the port and starboard side (having 4 hardpoints). It also includes a swivel-mounted M134 GAU-17 Minigun (7.62×51mm NATO round, six-barrel rotary machine gun turret).
I can think of 2 reasons why this is not possible for the PAF. One, ABH Kits/Battlehawk kits are too expensive for the PAF to procure. Two, due to their strange and defective procurement and support processes, it is too complex a project for the PAF to manage (given their struggle to operate the cheap and simple W-3A Sokol fleet).

The PAF has made it known that their preference is for a purpose-built attack helicopter, with an emphasis on agility, speed, and "diving" capabilities, the use of a nose-mounted helmet sighted gun, and tandem-seating — let us close off further discussions of the Battlehawk as off-topic.
 
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OPSSG

Super Moderator
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On 23 May 2017, security forces from the Philippines conducted a raid in the city of Marawi to capture an insurgent named Isnilon Hapilon. The raid was repulsed, and by the end of the day the so-called Islamic State in the Philippines (IS-P) had triggered their long-laid plans to dominate the city.

Martial law was declared by President Rodrigo Duterte and a five month urban siege to regain the city commenced. The battle was pitched against a well-resourced, sophisticated enemy who had the ‘home ground advantage’.

One challenge facing the snipers was the enemy’s use of small drones in the Battle of Marawi. Enemy snipers regularly flew drones around the battlespace to likely counter-sniper locations, in order to identify the Philippines Army sniper hides. To level the playing field, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a briefing on 19 July 2017 that he offered to his Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana help "to enhance the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities" of the Philippine military. Thanks to the timely use and deployment of Singapore’s aid, military assistance and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to augment Australian and American support to help Philippines fight militants in the Battle of Marawi, the Pinoys were able to successfully attack these militants and suffer less casualties.

Learning of the utility of UAVs from the 2017 Battle of Marawi (see the lessons learnt), the Pinoys quickly acquired the same to retain this imagery analysis capability.
Due to delays by the Philippine government in the release of the initial payment as indicated in the contract, the delivery of the first batch of Hermes 450 did not push through last August 2018 as planned. MaxDefense reports that it is now expected that the first batch of Hermes 450 UAVs will be delivered to the PAF by May 2019. It appears that the delays has allowed Elbit to also push through with the delivery of a second Hermes 450 UAV, which is a new-build unit, allowing for the delivery of two units instead of just one.
In Jan 2020, Jane’s has reported that the PAF has begun operating the Elbit Systems Hermes 900 UAV. Images of two of the nine Hermes 900 platforms ordered from Israel have been circulating on social media since November 2019, with a video emerging a few days later showing one of the platforms in flight bearing PAF markings.

The procurement of the MALE UAVs is part of the PAF’s ongoing modernisation programme, which also includes the acquisition of three Hermes 450 long-endurance tactical UAVs (that Singapore also operates).
 
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Ananda

The Bunker Group

Boeing now in negotiations with Philippines Army for AH-6i (advance model of MD-500). The AH-64E and AH-1Z for AF and now Army also playing on Armed Scouts (but also can be considered attack helicopters).

I don't know how big the Pinoy DoD want to invest, but if they are agree on attack helicopters, the AF should stay out and let the Army having it. The Army ground forces that need cover from attack helicopters need constant changing environment. I don't know how good the AF and Army field coordination with Philippines Armed Forces combine operation, but looking on Malawi's case, there are still time lag between PAF reaction toward Army operation, in my opinion.

Anyway considering the Pinoy DoD practice so far, I'm not surprised if AH-64E or AH-1Z offer in the end turned out to be AH-6i.
They simply historically won't got enough political support for expensive assets, especially for their AF.
 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member

Boeing now in negotiations with Philippines Army for AH-6i (advance model of MD-500). The AH-64E and AH-1Z for AF and now Army also playing on Armed Scouts (but also can be considered attack helicopters).

I don't know how big the Pinoy DoD want to invest, but if they are agree on attack helicopters, the AF should stay out and let the Army having it. The Army ground forces that need cover from attack helicopters need constant changing environment. I don't know how good the AF and Army field coordination with Philippines Armed Forces combine operation, but looking on Malawi's case, there are still time lag between PAF reaction toward Army operation, in my opinion.

Anyway considering the Pinoy DoD practice so far, I'm not surprised if AH-64E or AH-1Z offer in the end turned out to be AH-6i.
They simply historically won't got enough political support for expensive assets, especially for their AF.
It will be logic if the Philippines will order the AH-6i, a small, light, cheap but capable attack helicopter, because the Philippine Air Force already has the McDonnel Douglas MD-520MG Light Attack Helicopter.640px-PhAF_MD-520MG_Helicopter.JPG.jpg

From which i understand the PAF will get soon 2 second hand AH-1Fs from Yordania, so buying the AH-1Z will be more economically and efficiently than taking the AH-64E.(single engine AH-1 versions are not more in production, right?)

But like Ananda said, it all depends how much the government is willing to spend on defence.
 

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Ananda

The Bunker Group


Philippines Defense Minister stating that the cost of both Bell AH-1Z and AH-64E that being offered by US still above their budget. Thus Philippines will look potential offer from other suppliers.

From Pinoy forums, seems they are saying there're still big supporters in their MinDef on Turkish offer for their Attack Helicopters. Also heard that Russian still lobby for Mi-35.
But I do have feeling considering the budget the Minister of Defense talk, it will be more suited to Boeing's offer of AH-6i.

Let's see what's this going to develop further on
 
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OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
Philippines Defense Minister stating that the cost of both Bell AH-1Z and AH-64E that being offered by US still above their budget. Thus Philippines will look potential offer from other suppliers.
Within their US$273.9 million budget for this acquisition program, the TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter is the only aircraft type they can afford. The problem is TAI may not be able to deliver.

In 2018, TAI signed a US$1.5 billion agreement to sell a batch of 30 T129 helos to Pakistan. If Turkey fails to deliver the aircraft by July 2020, Pakistan’s Major, General Syed Najeeb Ahmed hinted at the possibility of new attack helicopter a new contract – with China, which is manufacturing its new attack helicopter called the Z-10ME. Thus far, Turkey can’t get American export permission for the LHTEC T800-4A engines which are made by a Rolls-Royce and Honeywell JV.
From Pinoy forums, seems they are saying there're still big supporters in their MinDef on Turkish offer for their Attack Helicopters.
The operating cost of attack helicopters is possibly too high for the Philippines, from a sustain perspective for this capability. This lack of thinking on sustainment is why it is almost impossible to have a seriously discussion on defence matters in a Pinoy defence forum.
Also heard that Russian still lobby for Mi-35.
Russian aircraft is said to lacking in interoperability with their ally — which is Pinoy code for the JUSMAG giving them free training, ammunition and parts. Despite the cancellation of the PH-US VFA the fact remains: the US is still the Philippines’ only ally, and the country’s defense strategy hangs on the US military’s ability to support the Philippines.

The Pinoy gossip pipeline indicates that it is more likely that they get the Mi-17; but that does not make sense too.
IMO, the Pinoys are wasting everybody’s time when it’s DOD decided to proceed with submitting a Letter of Request with the US State Department for the potential sale of either the Bell AH-1Z or the Boeing AH-64E. As I see it, the Pinoys are not serious about buying weapons to help in defending their own country (in good times or bad). Nothing new about their lack of ability to raise, train and sustain a capability without substantial external help.
But I do have feeling considering the budget the Minister of Defense talk, it will be more suited to Boeing's offer of AH-6i.

Let's see what's this going to develop further on
Agreed. Let us see how it develops.
 
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Ananda

The Bunker Group
Within their US$273.9 million budget for this acquisition program, the TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter is the only aircraft type they can afford. The problem is TAI may not be able to deliver.
Yeah, that's the reason I put my prediction of AH-6i that will end up in Pinoy hands. They admitted don't have enough Budget for AH-1Z or AH-64E, while the Turkish ATAK will going to have problem same as their Pakistan deals, on engine availability.
Some in Philippines media and forums seems think that the US don't give Turkey permit for export license of the engine due to the deal is with Pakistan. They seems to think that if Turkey sell the ATAK to them, the US will give the engine export license.
That's seems too optimistic on the issue of export license in this case. I do think that besides due to Pakistan issue, the US also did not want Turkey come to take slices of market with US engine.

Turkey seems indicating Pakistan that their own indigenous engine will be available soon. While in other hand, the engine time table it self from beginning set at least 7-8 years from original project initiation at 2017.


For that I agree that no Turkish ATAK will be available soon to the market, unless the potential customer want to wait up to 2025 when Turkey engine will be or 'if' available within 'promised' schedule time frame and successful with 'promised' performance.

That's a lot ' what if' for potential customer to hedge on, in my opinion.
 
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Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
Just read on MaxDefense Philippines:

It seems to be that the Philippine Navy has requested the US government for the delivery of a 76mm Oto Melara Compact naval gun from US EDA, which MaxDefense believes might be bound for one of the Tarlac-class landing platform dock.

The Tarlac-class is actually designed and built to receive later an Oto Melara 76mm Compact or Super Rapid gun.

Can someone confirm this or has someone more information about this?
 

OPSSG

Super Moderator
Staff member
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed a contract agreement on 28 Aug 2020 in Manila, with Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Company (MELCO). MELCO gains it first export success with acquisition of four Air Surveillance Radars for the PAF. Also included in the deal is the transfer of a J/TPS-P14ME mobile radar as part of the deal.
The pending delivery of six A-29Bs is good news for the PAF; who are also awaiting further helicopters and other aircraft donations from the US, including another 2 C-130Hs as EDAs.

The first upgraded C-130H transferred from US EDA stocks for the PAF will arrive later this year and 2nd C-130H before before 1Q2021 — due to Covid-19 induced delays.
 
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Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
On Wednesday 9 September 2020, the new six Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos destined for the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) arrived at Malta/Luqa after a flight from Alverca (Portugal). The delivery flight started on 29 August 2020 at the main production base of Embrear, São José des Campos, São Paolo (SJK, Brazil).

At Malta/Luqa, the construction numbers and future Philippine serials of the A-29s were checked.
These are:
PT-ZZM - 1901 c/n 31400250
PT-ZZN - 1902 c/n 31400251
PT-ZZO - 1903 c/n 31400252
PT-ZZQ - 1904 c/n 31400253
PT-ZZS - 1905 c/n 31400254
PT-ZZU - 1906 c/n 31400255
Photos taken by Shaun Psaila and Mario Caruana

Hopefully the Philippine Airforce will take good care of them, so when MILF or any other terrorist organisation start problems, they can hunt these MILFs down with the new Super Tucano's.
 

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ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
Why do they paint shanks teeth on the nose? Every man his dog and the neighbours dog are painting sharks teeth on the nose of single engine prop driven aircraft that carry guns. Ain't ever seen a flying white pointer yet and if I did, I'd be busy changing me trousers.
 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
Why do they paint shanks teeth on the nose? Every man his dog and the neighbours dog are painting sharks teeth on the nose of single engine prop driven aircraft that carry guns. Ain't ever seen a flying white pointer yet and if I did, I'd be busy changing me trousers.
I do not completely understand what you mean. If you mean why the neighbours (the Indonesian Airforce) paint sharkteeths on the EMB-314, i think that is because of "tradition", in the past TNI-AU's P-51 Mustangs also have sharkteeths painted under the nose.

But i dont know about the history and traditions of the Philippine Airforce.
 
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