President Duterte has approved the acquisition of P289 billion worth of military assets, including a squadron of fighter jets, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
A ranking security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that President Duterte, who is also the Commander in Chief, already gave his go signal for the acquisition of modern military hardware under Horizon 2 of the AFP modernization plan.
Among the big-ticket projects under Horizon 2 are two squadrons of multirole fighters (MRF) and a frigate.
The AFP’s Horizon 2 is worth P289 billion — covering the period 2018-2022.
“The list has been approved, the next process is to finalize the technical side,” the official said.
The official said there is no timeline for the completion of the acquisition, saying “it depends on how quick our people will work and we are working on it quickly.”
“It depends, it can be implemented immediately if there is go signal to the senior leaders,” the official explained.
The official said there is no specific model yet for the MRF, but added the AFP is eyeing two squadrons composed of 12 units.
“There is no specific aircraft or platform. The choice for platform will undergo process,” the official said.
According to the source, there are still some projects under the AFP Horizon 1 (2013-2017), primarily designed just to rebuild the capabilities of the AFP and focused only on internal security operations, that are yet to be completed.
Under Horizon 1, the AFP acquired 12 brand new FA50 lead-in fighter jets from South Korea –already delivered and now commissioned with the Philippine Air Force, and two frigates for the Philippine Navy.
Also acquired previously were C295 medium lift aircraft.
The AFP Horizon 2 is designed for the military’s shift from ISO to external defense. Among the other projects under it are the acquisition of four maritime patrol aircraft, 24 attack helicopters, another medium lift aircraft and a tanker.
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