Its obvious that the PN couldn't win any kind of battle against the chinese, what im saying is that it should have some ships in the area to monitor these kind of agressions.
@wanabe it would be stupid to shoot down those jets. we dont want to start a war just because of that. But if there were PN ships around the area supporting those patrol aircraft, those chinese ******** would think twice before bullying us.
The chinese are getting away with these kinds of agression because its clear that the PN cant do anything about it even if they wanted to. Its like a child vs a grown man with a gun.
Please note the
*, I would suggest going back and editing such language out, before a Mod comes and does it for you. DT does have rules about being respectful of other nationalities.
Having said that, even if the AFP had a half dozen modern frigates, armed with a current SAM system like ESSM, Aster 15 or 30, or SM-2, they would realistically only be useful in self-defence, and if the PRC/aircraft chose to begin an engagement. If the AFP attempted to 'push back' and the PRC chose to engage, there is little the AFP could do. At least with the current status quo, it is virtually impossible to cast the Phillippines as an aggressor in some sort of disagreement about the Spratleys.
As for the AFP purchasing surplus P-3 Orions from AMARC and refurbishing them... I do not think that is a good or viable idea. At present, the most recently built P-3 Orions are two decades old. Those available from the boneyard are most likely going to be some of the much older P-3A or B model Orions, with production dates likely from the early 60's. By way of example, IIRC one of the P-3K Orions in service with the RNZAF is an ex-RAAF P-3B Orion which entered RAAF service ~1967... Between the fact that the aircraft are going to be decades old, and having been sitting in the boneyard, work would need to be done to refurbish them to a flyable state, nevermind work being required to deliver a useful MPA capability. Not to mention the aircraft itself is fast set to become an orphan with air forces set to retire the design over the next decade as the P-8 Poseidon enters service. Between these factors, as well as the significant costs to purchase the capability and equally significant if not greater costs to maintain the capability, it does not seem to be a good idea.
Also, while someone within the Phillipine Navy might have stated a requirement for submarines, there are (IMO at least) far more important and realistic needs which need to be met first, and would not require anywhere near the level of funding. Remember, the Phillipines Navy does not currently have a submarine force. In order for it to establish one, not only would the actual sub/subs need to be purchase, but ALL the requisite infrastructure would also need to be developed. This means the appropriate sort of dockyard facilities to conduct maintenance and repairs. The correct procedures and protocols to determine what needs to be maintained/replaced and when. Also crew training schools need to be developed to provide ongoing crews for the sub/subs after they enter service. An agreement could be arranged so that an initial crew intake could be trained by another country, but that is not (again IMO) a viable ongoing solution.
As for the idea of the AFP purchasing some smaller MPA for use, that is a very good idea. The question does still arise however if the AFP could afford to make the purchase, and/or once the purchase was completed, would there be sufficient funding to properly maintain and operate the aircraft. As mentioned previously, the cost for a CN-235MPA worked out to ~USD$23 mil. per aircraft in a relatively recent South Korean contract. Could the AFP afford to commit to a contract for USD$100 mil. for four MPA aircraft, and if the AFP could afford that, could it afford to also meet the cost to operate and maintain the MPA?
-Cheers
