PHL Coast Guard welcomes 9th new vessel from Japan

"PHL Coast Guard welcomes 9th new vessel from Japan"

Today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed its 9th brand-new Parola-class Multi-role Response Vessel from Japan. The vessel will officially be known as BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) when commissioned to coast guard service. 4405 (4+4+0+5=13) was skipped for the 5th vessel.

“The MRRV-4410 is named after Lighthouse Bagacay which is situated in Liloan, Cebu,” the PCG said.

The 7th and 8th Parola-class MRRVs BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) were officially commissioned to coast guard service in March 2018.

The first Parola-class MRRV, BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) was commissioned in October 2016.

Parola-class vessels are 44-meter ships ordered from Japan Marine United through the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for PCG Phase 1. MSCIP for PCG Phase 1 was funded through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) official development assistance (ODA) loan.

Phase 2 of MSCIP for PCG is already in the pipeline. This project, to be funded with JICA ODA, will acquire 2 heavy weather, high endurance 94-meter MRRVs for PCG.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/PhilCoastGuardOfficial/posts/1642927272472242

"M'sian, Filipino Naval ships held a meeting at maritime border to exchange intelligence"

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and their counterpart from the Philippines held a meeting at the maritime border of the two countries today, to exchange intelligence.

The meeting which involved RMN's KD Sri Tiga and Philippine Navy vessel BRP Ceb, was carried out under the Trilateral Maritime Patrol Programme in Sabah's Eastern Security Zone (Esszone).

The Naval Strategic Communications Branch (Mawilla) 2 in a statement today said this was the third of such meetings between the two vessels.

According to the statement, the vessels were headed by KD Sri Tiga commanding officer Lt Comm Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin and BRP Cebu's commander, Lt Comm Arnold Valida.

Mawilla 2 in the statement added that it would not compromise on security and continue to improve monitoring in Sabah's east coast waters, especially during the month of Ramadan. — Bernama


Source:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2018/05/24/msian-filipino-naval-ships-meet-maritime-border-exchange-intelligence

Info on upcoming anti-submarine helicopters of PHL Navy appears online

Information about the upcoming brand-new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) AW159 Wildcat helicopters from Italian manufacturer Leonardo has appeared in UK Serials Resource Centre’s website.

The information included the serial numbers ZZ549 and ZZ550 for AgustaWestland AW.159 220 going to Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy is expecting to receive these two helicopters 4th quarter 2018 to early 2019 and are eyed to be operational in May 2019.

“The two anti-submarine helicopters with torpedoes will be operational by May next year,” Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said during the Navy’s 120th founding anniversary celebration on May 22.

Sources: 

http://www.ukserials.com/; http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036135

https://www.mintfo.com/security-defense/info-on-upcoming-anti-submarine-helicopters-of-phl-navy-appears-online/3628/

PHL Navy scheduled to receive these assets in next 3 years

The Philippine Navy, during its 120th founding anniversary celebration held at Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City on May 22, made a presentation of capabilities it is receiving in the next three years.

Among the presented assets the Navy is receiving are the two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) AW159 Wildcat helicopters ordered from Italian AgustaWestland, now Leonardo. These 2 ASW helicopters are expected to be delivered 4th quarter 2018 to early 2019 and targeted to be operational in May 2019.

Another expected asset is the donated former Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Pohang-class corvette ROKS Chungju (PCC-762) eyed to be delivered within this year.

The Navy is also expecting the delivery of 8 amphibious assault vehicles ordered from Korean manufacturer Hanwha Techwin, formerly Samsung Techwin. Four are expected to be delivered in April 2019, while final four are expected August 2019.

The two frigates being built by Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are expected to be completely delivered in 2021 with delivery of first unit expected in 2020.



Source: https://www.mintfo.com/security-defense/phl-navy-scheduled-to-receive-these-assets-in-next-3-years/3491/

PHL Navy getting P77-B worth of equipment under 2nd horizon of AFP modernization

President Rodrigo Duterte said during the 120th anniversary celebration of Philippine Navy at Coconut Palace, CCP Complex, Manila that the government is now working on implementing the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program which encompasses a number of projects for the Philippine Navy amounting to PHP77 billion.

“We live in exciting times for our armed forces as we further enhance the capability of our Navy,” he said.

“Since the beginning of this administration, I have exerted efforts to upgrade your equipment and artillery, which now include additional two units of TC90 aircraft, two units of multi-purpose assault crafts and one strategic sealift vessel, among others,” he said.

“Together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), I am confident that one day, we will realize our aspiration of building a strong and resilient nation,” he said.

“I therefore ask each of you to do your part so that in the next 120 years, we can establish a naval force that will last lifetime and maybe we can start invading other nations,” he noted.

Source: https://pcoo.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/20180522-Speech_of_President_Rodrigo_Roa_Duterte_during_the_120th_Philippine_Navy_Anniversary.pdf

Army Firing Battery Participates in the Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise

"Army Firing Battery Participates in the Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise"

Firing Battery from the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment, participates in the Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise held at Col Ernesto Ravena Air Base (CERAB), Capas, Tarlac on 15 May 2018.

The activity is part of Balikatan 34-2018 which aims to enhance the capabilities and interoperability of both the Philippine and US forces.

The participation of Philippine Army Artillery personnel in BK-34-2018 provided them additional knowledge and skills in terms of Field Artillery operation in support to Counter-Terrorism/Urban Operations.

Philippine-US Mechanize holds Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise

Elements of Philippines and US Mechanized units conferred prior to the conduct of Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise. One of the focus of this year’s Bk-34-2018 is on counter-terrorism aimed at enhancing readiness and response capabilities during real world challenges.

The Joint and Combined Live Fire Exercise boost the capability of Mechanized Infantry Units of the Philippine Army in Counter-Terrorism/Urban Operations.




Source: http://www.army.mil.ph/home/index.php/press-releases-2/249-army-firing-battery-participates-in-the-joint-and-combined-live-fire-exercise

"Acquisition of 24 armed helicopters approved in-principle by Duterte"

AW109LUH (Leonardo Company)

President Rodrigo Duterte approved in-principle in November 2017 the acquisition of 24 light armed helicopters with a proposed budget of PHP13.8 billion, this was highlighted by MaxDefense Philippines.

On November 21, 2017, President Duterte announced during his visit to Army General Hospital, Headquarters, Philippine Army, Taguig City that the government has a project to acquire attack helicopters.

“Meron tayong acquisition na 23 attack helicopters. ‘Yun supisyente na ‘yon for a – ‘yung mga rebellion-rebellion lang,” the President said.

Airbus Helicopters H145M

Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong, in November 2017, also made a confirmation regarding the said acquisition under Second Horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. “We are awaiting for the final approval of the Office of the President on the RAFPMP Second Horizon,” Andolong added.

MaxDefense said that back in August 2017 the original plan was acquiring 23 units worth PHP11.8 billion.

MD Helicopters MD901 Explorer

“Up to now, the technical specifications for the helicopters remain a mystery, but so far the specifications is expected to stick to a dual-engined lightweight helicopter,” MaxDefense said. “If that’s the case, the PAF is said to have shortlisted the Leonardo AW109LUH, Airbus Helicopters H145M, while also considering other offers like the MD Helicopters MD901 Explorer, HAL Rudra, among others.”

HAL Rudra

“Despite being approved only in principle, the ball now appears to be with the DBM (Department of Budget and Management),” MaxDefense noted.

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/Maxdefense/posts/704974613006532; https://pcoo.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/20171121-Remarks_of_President_Rodrigo_Roa_Duterte_Following_his_Visit_to_Wounded-in-Action_Soldiers.pdf; http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1016839