good news then if implemented properly... :thumb:

AFP modernization gets top priority
New defense chief vows tranparency in procurement process


By ARIS R. ILAGAN

Incoming Defense Secretary Avelino “Nonong” Cruz said yesterday he will give top priority to the implementation of the much delayed modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and vowed transparency in the procurement process as a deterrent to anomalous transactions.

Meanwhile, outgoing Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita, recently appointed by President Arroyo as the new Executive Secretary, expressed optimism that the appointment of Cruz – a civilian and a lawyer by profession – will usher in better opportunities for the Department of National Defense (DND) that was anchored on his experience as member of the Cabinet oversight committee on internal security.

In an interview, Cruz said that he will push for the modernization of the AFP in order to boost the capability of the military against "enemies of the State."

He stressed, however, that safeguards against anomalous procurement will be in place so that the funding on the modernization process will be utilized wisely.

Cruz, former legal counsel of the President, will formally assume the top defense post from Ermita in the turnover ceremonies tentatively scheduled on Tuesday at the DND in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law in 1977, Cruz said he is open to innovative and fresh solutions in answering the needs of the military personnel to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness.

"Actually, I have invited members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – particularly bishop Fernando Capalla and businessman Jose Concepcion – to have a role in the implementation of the AFP modernization. The participation of the private sector in the procurement could improve the system in upgrading the military hardware."

He will also push for the regular rotation of military officers assigned in supply procurement offices to prevent them from being involved in shady transactions.

As defense secretary, Cruz also said that he will exert more efforts in improving the welfare of soldiers and their dependents by pushing for programs that would provide them more benefits. He also plans to institutionalize an effective insurance system for the AFP.

"He is very efficient, very orderly in his thoughts. He is a young man with very sharp intellect," Ermita said in describing Cruz during a farewell meeting with members of the Defense Press Corps at Camp Aguinaldo.

On the other hand, Ermita said that he is ready to assume his new role as executive secretary.

RAM agrees with Cruz as new defense sec

The Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) yesterday welcomed the appointment of a civilian, Atty. Avelino Cruz Jr. as secretary of national defense.

"This gives form and substance to the Constitutional provision that civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. This may also lessen perception from some sectors that past Department of National Defense (DND) secretaries coming from the military tend to micro-manage the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," the RAM said.

"Secretary Cruz brings to the department professional competence, vast experience in public and private administration and unsullied reputation. As a lawyer, his primary concern for human rights, rule of law and due process will minimize charges of violations by the military in these areas."

The DND, aside from the AFP, has various civilian bureaus like the Government Arsenal, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the National Defense College of the Philippines which exercise inherently civilian functions.

Likewise, DND is primarily involved in the budget process, modernization of the armed forces and reforms in the department which are basically civilian in nature.

The government is currently involved in the peace talks with CPP-NPA and the MILF.

From RAM’s experience with its peace talks with the government, DND’s input in the process will be more objective if coming from a civilian rather than from a former military officer, who may have some involvement in the conflict, RAM said.

"RAM enjoins the public to give Secretary Cruz a chance to prove his worth as secretary of national defense, since the administration has positively responded to the clamor and the Feliciano Commission’s recommendation to appoint a civilian defense secretary."

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN2004082216848.html

If a civilian DEFSEC can hack this out - then he is going to earn my absolute respect and gratitude :bow: :bow: :bow:

Maybe a civilian Defense Secretary is just what is needed to implement a tangible modernization program.

Good move. If he can do this.

Ex-president accused for poor condition of military choppers
05/04 11:19:27 AM


Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Tuesday said the Philippine Air Force (PAF) would have been less dependent on reconditioned US Huey helicopters had the seven billion peso-military modernization fund not been lost during the Ramos administration.

Pimentel said part of this "missing" fund would have been spent for the acquisition of new helicopters with advanced safety features, as well as spare parts, which would have helped prevent air accidents.

Earlier, a Huey helicopter crashed in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija and killed nine persons, including former Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Raymundo Punongbayan.

Pimentel lamented that the neglect of the modernization of PAF’s fleet of aircraft, as mandated by law, has not only weakened the fighting and support capability of the air force but also endangered the lives of pilots and passengers.

"It’s very distressing that the money intended for Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) modernization mysteriously disappeared. If I’m not mistaken, at least seven billion pesos was diverted to still unknown purposes during the time of President Ramos. And it has not been found up to now," Pimentel said.

He asked the Department of Budget and Management and the Bureau of Treasury whether they were able to trace the fund if only to pinpoint responsibility and to take legal action against persons who might have had a hand in its disappearance or illegal use.

Due to lack of necessary funds, Pimentel noted that the PAF is forced to cannibalize aircraft, where instead of purchasing new spare parts, aviation mechanics replace a defective part with a good one taken from a decommissioned helicopter or airplane.

The opposition senator said that while the PAF has to make do with refurbished helicopters, many of which saw action during the Vietnam war, it is important that these are properly maintained to prevent accidents.

He stressed this point in view of reports that skilled aircraft mechanics are leaving the PAF to accept attractive job offers from commercial airlines here and abroad.

=====================================================


That opportunity he got could have helped the AFP much in making a BIG LEAP.

I just couldnt understand why he decided to lose that very rare opportunity.

Sayang talaga.

Puro naiwan sa nakawan tuloy pera ng AFP modernization.

KANINO KAYANG BULSA NAPUNTA?

"KANINO KAYANG BULSA NAPUNTA?"

Better asks those retired Generals why they wanted a coup. Now that the gov't is hot on their trails, they are opting for a change of gov't. Niloloko nyo pa kami! :nono:

From Asia Defence Journal December 2004

good post spider, you can be useful sometimes, for a singaporean :devilwink:

From Asian Defence & Diplomacy April 2005

where can i subscribe, is that magazine available here?

yes you can subscribe, try www.adprconsult.com.my....but my advice is it's not a janes or military technology quality and it's just a waste of money if your expectation is high. I didn't subscribe it but borrow it from library, i also borrow other 2 magazine like Asian Defence Journals and Janes Defence Weekly. There is also an Australian magazine that i can't borrow because it's at reference section if i'm not mistaken Asian Defence Reporter or something, i forgot.

Malaysia considering billion dollar arms deal Mon May 9, 3:39 AM ET



KUALA LUMPUR, (AFP) - Malaysia is considering a billion dollar arms deal that calls for it to commit part of the country's gold reserves to help finance the purchase of warships and other defense equipment, a report said.

Under the deal, British defence contractor BAE Systems PLC would arrange financing for the arms purchases with a loan secured by gold certificates issued by the Malaysian government, the Asian Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the plan.

Other aspects of the BAE-initiated proposal, such as the tenure of the proposed loan and the specific details of the equipment Malaysia intends to purchase, have not been finalized, it said.

A senior aide to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, who also serves as defense minister, described the BAE plan as "an unsolicited proposal that is being looked at" by the government, the report said.

"No decision has been taken and whatever purchase of defense equipment (Malaysia enters into) will take into consideration our financial position," the aide was quoted as saying.

A spokesman for BAE Systems in London acknowledged that the company is in discussions with the Malaysian government over its defense requirements, but declined to elaborate or to discuss the arms-financing proposal, the paper said.

Malaysia, which has announced a major arms build-up in stages over the past few years, said last July that it had set aside an extra 1.609 billion ringgit (423 million dollars) in 2004 for weapons purchases, including submarines, tanks and helicopters.

Najib said then that a large slice of the money -- 731.1 million ringgit -- would go towards upgrading the Royal Malaysian Navy's power with Scorpene submarines, Fennec and Super Lynx helicopters and new patrol vessels.

Another 523.6 million was for the army, which would acquire main battle tanks and air defence systems, Najib said.

Malaysia has already announced agreements to buy Russian fighter jets for 900 million dollars, French submarines for 972 million dollars, British and Russian missile systems for 364 million dollars and Polish attack tanks worth 368 million dollars.

The naval upgrade comes against the background of increasing concern over the possibility of terrorism in the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world which funnels 50,000 vessels a year between the biggest economies of the West and the East.

The narrow waterway slicing peninsular Malaysia from Indonesia's sprawling Sumatra island, a hunting ground for pirates from ancient times until today, carries a third of global trade and most of the oil needs of Japan, South Korea and China.

Malaysia has denied that its weapons build-up could spark an arms race in the region, saying the purchases are simply designed to upgrade its defences and that it has no aggressive intentions

The Malaysians are anticipating a backlash from the terrorists since they have tried to silently cooperate with the global war against terrorism.
Should the Philippines follows the path of the Malaysians in investing defensive armaments putting such reserves at stake?--Brassballs

USA to underwrite AFP Modernization???

Hear, hear, hear.

In his column By the Way of May 27, 2005, Columnist Maximo Soliven revealed that DND Sec Avelino Cruz has informed him that the USA is willing to finance half of the AFP Modernization Bill. Solivern's discussion focused first on the new RP China military cozying up and the status of US military aid to the AFP. Let us see.

The IHT report commented that the signing of two agreements aimed at fostering better military and security cooperation between Manila and China "was viewed mainly as a display of China’s growing power and reach, particularly in Asia." However, the US remains "Manila’s main defense patron." Indeed, Defense Secretary Avelino "Nonong" Cruz told me during last week’s Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) defense dinner-forum that Washington DC was willing to underwrite half our defense modernization budget. If that’s true, we’d better take up the US on this…what was it? An offer?

BY THE WAY By Max V. Soliven (5/27)

hmm...

I hope this true, it should start with the most basic needs of our soldiers. NVG's helmet, body armor, transport plane and helicopters and patrol boats. Forget F16 and missile boats the US won't give that to us.
We should beg the US too to fund the modernization of the PNP.

That's good news to hear indeed. Personally I would just wait and see what this outcome is going to be. Mahirap nang ma-disappoint uli.

It's good to hear good news... so when can this start?

it's part of the Philippines Defense Reform..

my fingers are crossed...we ran away from Iraq and Bush made it clear that he didn't like it, now that GMA has been playing the China card, talk like this comes out...

I wonder if Bush just says "Huh, I'm shove your asses back to the Chinks, I was just playing wolf with you"Bwehehehe :demon:

The US underwriting the Modernization is partly bad news, we will not receive frontline hardware (that is the purpose in life of JUSMAG) and most of the prices are heavy on training. Meaning most of the funds they underwrite will go to training. Lastly, if they sell us hardware, they never sell us the maintenance gear included in the TM/FM manuals of the hardware. Some hardware we received in the past, we can not even undertake depot maintenance. The only depot maintenance operation I think that is at par to world standard is the Airforce Maintenance wing and they have transposed the manuals to availability of local equipment and materials. The rest? good luck!

Half? Hmm. What do they want in return? Is the government short on cash once more? Are they like this guy holding the sign?

:kneelsuckers:

Sec. Cruz must really take a closer look at this one. :nono:

Nonetheless, half of the AFP Modernization budget?

:specool:

MARAMING SALAMAT PO, UNCLE SAM! :thumb:

What I would pick for the most crucial two?

Attack choppers and the first squadron of Strike/Fighter planes for air support and external defense should be it.

Then several of the latest version of the Cyclone-class ship and 4 missile corvettes.

:thumb: :thumb:

hmm...it appears this is what Mr. Soliven was talking about

we'll see...

Americans seem to pragmatize the situations with the Filipinos. Rather than rely on American military aid, I suggest the Philippines start to increase bilateral talks with Beijing, if not Beijing then New Delhi. The only power in Asia that can counter the Chinese at this moment in terms of military strength and nuclear power is our Indian friends.

What say you?

AGREE AKO DYAN.

If Uncle Sam is serious in shouldering 50 percent of Philippine Defense Requirements, then A big thanks to our Big Brother. :thumb:

I think the only way to increase our defense capabilities is by STICKING TO OUR old time time friend and ally UNcle Sam.

We only need to show our sincerity and seriousness that Philippines need a massive improvement in defense requirement,
so that our key ally will confidently and continously support the Military Needs of our nation.

By the way, Im waiting for the next a Strike/Fighter and Missiles Corvette to come for our external Defense. :specool: Peace to all.

ano na nga ba nagyari sa 12 "surface attack jets" na makukuha daw natin a few months ago?

Oo nga pala.. paging MBLT and MANOKSI...

Where are the "Surface Attack Jets" that AFP press release to the public? If my memory serves me right, meron ng pera na pambili nun.

Meron na ba talagang ne deliver na eroplano?

Baka press release na lang yun? :grrr: :armycry:

it appears the Philippine Defense Reform program is a bit less ambitious than the late lamented AFP Modernization Plan

but that's just the first stage. PDR talks about six-year, 12-year, and 18-year plans but only the six-year plan is being publicized today, i assume this is what Secretary Cruz was referring to. 'funds from other sources' is another pretty obvious hint. equally obvious, big-ticket items are slotted for the longer time periods mentioned.

what can US$370 million in six years get for the AFP?

hope these guys have done their homework. we'll see...

Upgraded/refurbished M16 rifles, armor , helmets, the basics first...

Big ticket items next.

RT,

You have a good idea there.

BTW, small tickets can be easily handled by our annual budgets and can even be donated by the US, just like in past. :armygrin:

It will be best if we utilize this fund for the big tickets.

Getting budgets this big dont come often. We should utilize them the best way possible.

$370 million?

Let's see.

For our AIR FORCE;

7 units of Gripen at $20 a piece would cost = $ 140 million

or ...

14 units of F5E from Korea or Taiwan or Singapore at a friendly price of $5 million a piece = $70

Then reserve 50-80 million for attack choppers, 12 units so to speak.

50-80 million should be reserved for our radar, communication and base defense systems.

For our Navy;

The 200 million or whatever remains should be used for buying more second-hand "missile corvettes" or "multi-role frigates" and ships similar to Cyclone-class for coastal patrol and anti-terrorism and special operations tasks.

This should include upgrading our MRA or purchase of newer ones.

We have quite enough APCs, tanks, trucks, artillery pieces, and transport choppers including "combat boots". I believe our annual budgetary allocations can handle any additional requirement on these.

Even the improvement of medical facilities can be handled by our annual budget.

Let's use this big amount of money, which dont come often, for getting things that our ...

... CONGRESS WILL HAVE A HARD TIME DECIDING ON IT, if in case we again request for such amount from them.

Dont forget that it took the Congress so much time and presidential pressure before they passed the AFP modernization bill.

Let's not waste this fund for small items that we can buy with our annual budget anyway.

Just my idea though, big brother. :armywink:

$370mil plus spread in 6 years, lets see about 62 something million in a year.Yeah I would like to go for refurbishment of present assets 62 mil split into 3 branches. So 20 something mil each branch.I can suggest sticking to the basic equipment emphasis on rifles,communication and transport.While the alloted budget from the goverment can concentrate on salary,benefits,base management and upgrading of equipments and medical facilities.But in the same token it should not be a good excuse in not trying to find other means of boosting the budget for the AFP.

Look at these pictures of the current fighting with the AFP and the MNLF-MBG in Jolo.

Look at these pictures of the LRC-i think those are LRC-...
Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
Pic4
Pic5

Notice the weapons they are carrying and gear they have. Those are aid from the US. Now look at these regular Army soldiers...

Pic5
Pic6
Pic7
Pic8
Pic9

Notice their gear, no Vests, older Alice-type load bearing gear, M-60 ammo across torsos, and importantly no helmets. Weapons systems have improved. Look at these pictures of Marines...

Pic10
Pic11

Look at the marines, they have helmets-steelpots but helmets nonetheless-, notice their equipment as some of these marines the have newer combat load equipment-the SWAG designed ones?-. Great things the Marines have.

If the US is going to fund something dont waste the money on fighters, surface attack jets, missile corvettes, missile gun boats and all these nonesense. Let it go to funding the improvement in the capability of the AFP's ground forces. As you can see there is alot of improvement in the Army and even in the Marines. If the US is going to fund something, let priority go to individual gear, equipment, and most importantly training. The GRP/AFP can focus on individual weapons for soldiers.

---NOTE: alot of the Army and Marines in these pictures might be carrying one of the refurbished M-16s, the ones with new hadnguard and pistol grip from -A2 models, 30,000 of which was delivered from....u guessed it, our Uncle.

We should not also forget the NAVY and AIR FORCE which has a very important role in GUARDING OUR TERRITORIAL DIGNITY.

Fighter Jets for Air Force and Corvettes for Navy is not a waste since it will be used for protecting the whole surroundings of Filipino Nation and disputed territory. Concentrating on improving one branch of AFP is like curing one part of your pain but the disease still exist. Peace to all. :armycheers:

If you remember not too long ago, the US wanted the RP to concentrate more on domestic matters as it is what is plaguing the country. I do agree we need to boost our AF and Navy capabilities, but it is the individual soldiers that count. Without these people and without them being able to finish their job, it is quite pointless to have an army. What army can defend with rusted weapons and no body armor.
My point is, we should start slow and start at basic. Like Maslow's heirarchy of needs, we should go for the individual soldiers physiological needs. When we take care of this, there should be no problem moving on to bigger assets.

Gonna repeat my mantra: basics first

Flipzi: The fighters and naval vessels you mentioned can come in next right after we bring our troops to respectable standards in terms of basic equipment...

Datu: Excellent comparison and analysis you did. :bow:

:exactly:

The LRC gears are fitting for small-scale operations or CQB or Spec Ops missions.

The surface attack jets (Strike Fighter concept / Multi-role fighter) are for the larger operations such as the Summer 2000 campaign and the Sulu conflict.

Dont also forget that these strike jets are for securing the survival of Spec Ops units if in case they will be pinned down or if they will be overpowered or too outnumbered.

The Navy ships ARE IN FACT JUST AN INTERIM STEP TO PREPARE OUR NAVY FOR FUTURE CONFLICTS.

Even our Navy's capability is not yet enough to provide a similar security like that of Bocaray to other tourists spots like in the Bohol-Cebu and Palawan and even Puerto Galera or Samal or Siargao.

Believe me, any single incident of terrorism victimizing the tourists will dampen if not pull our tourism industry down again. Dont forget the Dos Palmas case.

For heaven's sake, we cannot lose another part of our territory.

NO MORE MISCHIEF ON SPRATLY'S, PLEASE. :exactly:

RT,


You and datu have good reasons here.

What i am considering though is the strategy of maximizing what we can get out this big budget.

Start with the basics?

We've already gone past the basics.

We have our LRC and SWAGs and they are ADEQUATEY ARMED AND TRAINED ALREADY.

The Marines with their NFWS already manifested how equipped our foot soldiers are now.

Our Scout Rangers are doing the same thing.

You see? We are past the basics already. There maybe some concerns on this but this can be handled by the AFP's annual budgetary allocations.

Let's give the AFP the leap that it needs to bring our military into the next level. :exactly:

True also but if we can get the AFP the first squadron of the MRF or interim figthers and the needed naval vessels to protect our economy ,...

....IMAGINE WHERE THE NEXT FUNDING WILL BRING US TO?

With your concerns, we can get these small items from our annual budget anyway. It's just a matter of good decision-making on the part of DND and AFP.

BTW, the Chinese are fond of getting their subs venture out beyond their borders.

I dont believe that they havent been in our waters since the time they acquired the technology.

It is best that we use this funding to enable our Navy to check AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Modern frigates with helicopter-launched and ship-launched torpedoes and maritime Patrol Aircrafts similar to P3.

Attack subs maybe, but definitely NOT A BAD IDEA AT ALL. :thumb:

What I meant with basics doesn't just cover LRC or SWAG or the SRs, I mean this for every soldier. Their equipment needs to be upgraded to a higher standard; at least up on par with other nation's already buit militaries like RoK or Japan. If we have good equipment, better training for the basic grunt, we can reduce casualties, improve combat effect, and save a military on the verge of demoralization.
To aquire MRF's is simply a dream for now, so we must set our goals as realistic as possible. There are no current countries willing to attack us because to do so is logistic suicide. However, I believe the sooner we can accomplish the goal of upgrading and maintaining our troops, the easier it is for us in the future to aquire external defenses.

As far as the Philippines is concerned with countering China on the sub, it would be very difficult, especially now. I wouldn't be surprised if China has some subs in our waters right this minute.
So what I would do for now is to improve our monitoring capabilities. This can help us in many ways and we can allocate more funds to rebuilding our internal defenses. By doing this we can detect and track spy subs, possibly intercept signals and know what plans lay ahead, and this would give us a better opportunity to counter with whatever means we have... even if we only have one frigate. Of course, later on when we get stable, I would love to see a powerful naval force for the Philippines as I believe that the Navy will play a very crucial, if not the most crucial, to our country's defense in the near future.

in order to "monitor" Chinese subs lurking underneath the waters surrounding our archipelago, it will REQUIRE the PN to have things such as guided-missile corvettes with ASW warfare capability, maritime patrol aircraft with ASW detection capability (P-3 Orions?) and multi-role naval helicopters.

in short, THE PHILIPPINES REALLY NEEDS TO INVEST IN ITS EXTERNAL DEFENSES ASIDE FROM FUNDING COUNTER-INSURGENCY OPERATIONS. :fire: