Revised Offer of F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Aircraft to the Philippines approved by the US Government

Revised Offer of F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Aircraft to the Philippines approved by the US Government

The United States (US) thru their Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Website has approved a new Offer for the Sale of 20 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Fighter Aircraft to the Philippines with Spares, Weapons, Logistical Support and other related Equipment worth Usd 5.58 billion, or an average of around Usd 279 million per Aircraft. 

The Sale will consist of sixteen single-seat F-16C Block 70/72 Aircraft and four twin-seat F-16D Block 70/72 Aircraft. Included are the following Installed and Spare Equipment:

- 24 F110-GE-129D or F100-PW-229 Engines (20 installed, 4 spares) 

- 22 Improved Programmable Display Generators (iPDG) (20 installed, 2 spares)

- 22 AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR) (20 installed, 2 spares)

- 22 Modular Mission Computers 7000AH (or available mission computer) (20 installed, 2 spares)

- 22 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (20 installed, 2 spares)

- 22 M61A1 Anti-Aircraft Guns (20 installed, 2 spares)

- 12 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP)

- 24 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS)

BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Guided Missile Corvette News

March 30, 2025: The Philippines newest Guided Missile Corvette, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) can now be tracked on the MarineTraffic Website

The BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Guided Missile Corvette of the Philippine Navy (PN) by the Way is now on the “MarineTraffic” Website. There are several “Miguel Malvar” Ships listed there, but this one seems to be it as it is at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Shipyard in South Korea (SK), and its Destination of “Subic” on April 7, 2025 matches the Information provided by the Main Stream Media (MSM) on the arrival of the Ship in the Philippines.

It is listed on the Websites as registered under the Flag of Mongolia, but it may just be some lame attempt at “Psychological Operations” to confuse People. Interesting that its forecasted Route won’t bring it to the “Taiwan Strait”, or that Body of Water between Taiwan and China, but will instead sail East of Taiwan or thru the Philippine Sea. 

Now the United States (US) and their Filipino Doggies will use this opportunity again to DEMONIZE China and shout, “Military Secrecy” because they want to keep portraying China always as the “Devil Incarnate”. All I can say is that these Information is available in the Internet openly and everyone can verify them if they want to. 

As for China, no, I don’t think they will do anything to this Ship at all, for one, although I am proud of this Ship, it barely matches up to their latest Frigates and Destroyers. Remember that China is a World Superpower with only the US as their Rival, and they have over a hundred and fifty Surface Combatants, they will hardly care of a single Ship like this. 

As I previously reported quoting News Sources, the Ship is scheduled to start its Journey to the Philippines on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Here is the BRP Malvar’s Page on the MarineTraffic Website: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:9459225/mmsi:457900820/imo:0/vessel:MIGUEL_MALVAR

SOURCE: BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Page on MarineTraffic, 03/30/25 {Archived Link}

March 22, 2025: BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Guided Missile Corvette of the PN set to sail home soon, will have a 16-cell VLS and Gokdeniz CIWS

The BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) Guided Missile Corvette of the Philippine Navy (PN) recently posted on its Facebook Page that it is, “... Sailing home soon ...” It is scheduled to start its Journey from South Korea (SK) to the Philippines at the end of this Month of March of 2025. 

Among others, it will hold the distinction of the very first Vessel of the PN that will be equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS), and from the Picture it looks like it is going to have 16 Cells. I thought before it was only going to have 12 based on a previous Picture of it, but now it is confirmed to have 16. 

It will also be the first Vessel of the PN armed with a Gun-based Close In Weapons System (CIWS) which will be the Gokdeniz. The Contract for the BRP Malvar and its Sister Ship was signed back in December of 2021 under the Administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Here is the Link to the Post of the “BRP Miguel Malvar FFG06 – PF” Facebook Page containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0K5dDxPn9CJondywmh5evcBDB5tBFsT8wDg1bS1zfHhVfoQsa7zVwxTVgYzBy46Zul&id=61572201578491

SOURCE: BRP Miguel Malvar FFG06 – PF 03/22/25 – 1653H {Archived Link}

2022 Marawi Liberation Anniversary

March 18, 2025: Philippine Soldiers made “War Sculptures” using Leftovers from their Supplies during the 2017 Battle of Marawi 

Also shown during the 5th Marawi Liberation Anniversary at the Philippine Army (PA) Headquarters in Taguig City back in October of 2022 were these “War Sculptures” made by Filipino Soldiers during the 2017 Battle of Marawi using only Leftover Materials from their Supplies. 

Not all of the Soldiers were fighting the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) Terrorists all the time during the Battle, and during some of these “Downtimes”, some of the more Artistic Soldiers started creating these Sculptures using Leftover Materials from their Supplies. 

As we can see from the Pictures, one was a Fighter or Bomber Jet Aircraft made from reshaped Brass Casings and Bullets while another one was a Tank made from Rifle and Machine Gun Brass Casings, Ammunition Links, 40 mm Grenade Casings and some other Material. Pretty creative, and a nice Memento for that particular War. 

March 11, 2025: Improvised Grenades w/ Coins or Concrete Nails for Shrapnel used by the Terrorists were shown at the 2022 Marawi Liberation Anniv.

Among the Items shown during the 5th Marawi Liberation Anniversary at the Philippine Army (PA) Headquarters in Taguig City back in October of 2022 were these Improvised Grenades that were used by the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) Terrorists against our Soldiers during the 2017 Battle of Marawi. 

As can be seen from the Pictures, these were basically just small Cylindrical Containers with Explosives and a Delayed Detonating Mechanism on the Inside, and improvised Shrapnel on the outside. One used large Philippine Coins while the other used Concrete Nails as Shrapnel Lining. 

They used either clear Cellophane Tape or Electrical Tape to attach the Coins or Nails to the outside of the Container. Despite being just improvised, these definitely does and did a lot of Damage and Casualties against our Troops during the Battle of Marawi. 

These Examples were recovered by our Forces during or after the War and of course has now been deactivated. 

AFP Simba Vehicle News

March 2, 2025: A look at a Simba Vehicle of the PA during a Static Display and Capability Demonstration in Samar recently

Just a nice look at a Simba Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) of the of the 7th Cavalry "Masasarigan" Company of the Armor "Pambato" Division of the Philippine Army (PA) during a Static Display and Capability Demonstration recently at Camp General Vicente Lukban in Samar. 

The PA started operating the Simba in the early 1990s, and was and is in Fact the only Operator of the Vehicle in the World. The Simba in the Pictures is armed with a .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), and the Vehicle’s Armor is designed to withstand up to 7.62 mm caliber Ammunition. 

Here is the Link to the Post on the 7th Cavalry Company Separate Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0321cs6mZQ7cLrt7afnLDz5sKCsqRGfbuPiKaPXQ9mRBG3QbbNTXSWWgZXS9AxEjxSl&id=61557637163070

SOURCE: 7th Cavalry Company Separate Facebook Page Post, 03/02/25 – 1531H {Archived Link}

June 12, 2024: Simba Vehicles in Iligan City for the Independence Day Celebrations

Let’s show some love also for the Simba Armored Vehicles of our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), they have been in Service with us for three Decades now. We are the one and only Operator of the Vehicle, and although they did very well, this is one Reason I think why the AFP Procurement Law was changed before to ensure that we get Equipment that more Countries use also. 

These ones belong to the 4th Mechanized Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) which took Part in the recent Civic-Military Parade of the 126th Independence Day Parade Celebrations in Iligan City. 

Here is the Link to the Post containing the original Pictures at the 4th Mechanized Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion, Philippine Army Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/4thMechanizedInfantryKalasagBattalion/posts/pfbid02tVHcW6F9CNDB9zKVRTJas6SCz2AD5YfLmiSDnQMGT2sm1ah567NgcXops36d8g2dl

SOURCE: 4th Mechanized Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion, Philippine Army Facebook Page Post, 06/12/24 – 1858H {Archived Link}

PAF S-211 News

March 5, 2025: PAF to use S-211 Jets for Maritime Patrols instead FA-50PH Aircraft which were grounded after the Crash on Mount Kalatungan

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently announced that the S-211 Basic Jet Trainer (BJT) Aircraft will temporarily take the Place of the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft for Maritime Patrols, this after the remaining 11 FA-50PH Aircraft were grounded pending the Result of the Investigation into the Crash of one them into Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon recently. 

MY NOTES: 

So the S-211 is back to being our Main Combat Aircraft for now, hopefully only temporarily. Remember that it served that Role for around a Decade, from 2005 when the PAF retired its F-5 Freedom Fighter Aircraft until 2015, when the first FA-50PH Aircraft started its Service in the Philippines. 

The last time I checked a Year or so ago, there were only no more than five S-211s in Service with the PAF. We actually have the A-29B Super Tucano that can also serve the Maritime Patrol Role, but they may already be doing that, and of course the S-211 is faster in Terms of Speed. 

This is why I think we really should pick a good, more Combat-capable replacement for the S-211 because there are times like these when the FA-50PH are grounded, and they end up picking the role in their Place. 

The S-211 Replacement could also serve as Force Multipliers, serving as supplementary Combat Aircraft in times of War.  

Here is the Link to the News Article at the “Daily Tribune” Website: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/05/pafs-remaining-s-211-jets-to-be-used-for-maritime-patrols

SOURCE: PAF’s remaining S-211 Jets to be used for Maritime Patrols {Archived Link}

December 16, 2024: PAF donates decommissioned S-211 Aircraft to a Barangay in Pasay

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently donated one of their decommissioned S-211 Aircraft to Barangay 183 of Pasay City. The Aircraft is now mounted on a Pedestal on an Area near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, and I think that if you pass by that Area below the NAIA Expressway (NAIAEx), you will be able to see it. 

The S-211 with the Tail Number 814 previously operated with the 5th Fighter Wing of the Air Defense Command (ADC) of the PAF, and served as a Trainer Aircraft, and participated in Air Defense Exercises and Counter Insurgency Operations (COIN). 

The S-211 is of course newer, and not to take anything away from it, but I wonder why the Barangay didn't get the older but more potent Aircraft, like the F-5A/B Freedom Fighter, for example, or even the F-86 Sabre Aircraft. 

Here is the Link to the Post containing the original Pictures at the PAF Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/piopaf/posts/pfbid09zjo1DDrEtQGtCgsJ7WQnZE76dnvspQrRGpJSH3niA5Bz3e4ZVpkTFbACHkGbSoBl

SOURCE: Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 12/16/24 – 1311H {Archived Link}

China targets Philippines with new Hypersonic-Nuclear Missile-armed Submarines due to Typhon Systems

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The "South China Morning Post (SCMP)" recently wrote that the "Naval and Merchant Ships" Publication in China, which is owned by the "China State Shipbuilding Corporation", published a Report which said that a new class of Submarines is being built for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China which are equipped with Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells. 

These VLS Cells can also be armed with Hypersonic Missiles which are "Nuclear-capable", meaning they can be armed with Nuclear Warheads also. And these new Subs and Missiles seem to be aimed at the deployment of the Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) System of the United States (US) in the Philippines since the Report specifically mentioned it. 

Philippines reportedly unhappy about delayed Delivery of Defense Materials from Israel

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The Israeli News Organization "Globes" recently published an Article written by Dan Shmuel Elmas about how the Philippine Government reportedly was upset about the Delays on the Delivery of the Defense Equipment it bought from Israel because of the Israeli Government's Policy of prioritizing their Military first before Exports, especially during times of War. 

Two Senior Defense Executives anonymously told Elmas about how Israel's Ministry of Defense told the Israeli Defense Companies to divert their Supplies for the Production of Military Equipment and Weapons to those that are being made for the Israeli Armed Forces, instead of those that are for Export due to the ongoing War in Gaza. 

PAF C-130 Hercules News

February 5, 2025: PAF C-130 Hercules Aircraft restored to Full Operational Status after 4 Months of Maintenance

A C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was restored back to Full Operational Status recently after being sidelined for four Months as “Critical Structure Maintenance Procedures” were conducted on it. A Blessing and Turnover Ceremony was later conducted for the Aircraft in Clark Air Base in Pampanga to mark the Event.

SOURCES: 

* Air Logistics Command, Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 02/05/25 – 2029H {Archived Link} 

* PH Air Force restores to service C-130 Cargo Plane {Archived Link}

September 15, 2024: PAF C-130 Aircraft transports Food Packs to help Batanes Residents

A C-130 Hercules Transport Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently transported over 800 Family Food Packs to Residents who were severely affected by the strong South West Monsoon (which in Filipino is called the "Habagat") in Batanes in the North, the Archipelagic Province that is closest to Taiwan and which Taiwan is also claiming as their own, but which the Philippine Government is ignoring because the United States (US) doesn't want the Philippines to fight Taiwan or any other Country except China.

Personnel from various Government Agencies there then helped unload the Packs and prepare them for distribution to the Batanes Residents. By the Way, I thought the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that were provided to the US were so they can help us better in Terms of Disaster Response? 

If so, how come is that the US Military Personnel has been “Missing in Action (MIA)” in Terms of such Response in the Natural Disasters that has happened in the last several Months now? 

Here is the Link to the Post on the PAF Facebook Page which contains the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/piopaf/posts/pfbid05JD1FmuDAaziu9MXugdQevQmEa54CeEzoCu3hVKe7cm3iKDthiiCQZnBm2vsXmjXl

SOURCE: Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 09/15/24 – 1529H {Archived Link}

First PN OPV to be delivered in Q1 of 2026, OPVs to use Naval Shield Baseline 4 CMS

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The South Korean Company "Hanwha Systems" recently gave an exclusive Interview to the prestigious Defense Publication "Jane's" where they gave some important updates about the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) that South Korea (SK) is currently building for the Philippine Navy (PN). 

They said that the first of six of these OPVs will be delivered to the Philippines on the first Quarter of next Year of 2026. They also said that these OPVs will be using the latest Version of their Naval Shield Combat Management System (CMS), the Baseline 4. 

BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) Guided Missile Frigate News

December 17, 2024: Just some of the latest Pictures of the BRP Luna Frigate

Just an intriguing look at one of the .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) Mounts on the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) Guided Missile Frigate of the Philippine Navy (PN). And of course another Look at the Launch Canisters of the Main Weapon of the Vessel, the C-Star Anti-Ship Missile (AshM). 

These Pictures were taken during the visit to the Ship last Month of December 2024 while docked in Zambales of Retired Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan, the 34th Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) on the PN. 

Here is the Link containing the original Pictures to the Post of the “BRP Antonio Luna FF151 – PF” Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/kaTonying151/posts/pfbid0gqPxojfDTY2jChydN9vg7RhXDYXfCnrWpuBunBgoTactXmPxWcQ5kEybmQ5ziVeWl 

SOURCE: BRP Antonio Luna FF151 – PF Facebook Page Post, 12/17/24 – 1744H {Archived Link}

June 7, 2024: New Pics of the C-Star and Simbad-RC on the BRP Luna

Just some nice, new Pictures of the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), a Jose Rizal class Guided Missile Frigate of the Philippine Navy (PN) as it conducted a Training for its Crew for its Naval Shield Combat Management System (CMS). 

Among those shown in the Pictures were the C-Star Anti-Ship Missile Launchers, Simbad-RC Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System and one of the Large Screen Monitors being used on the Ship

Here is the Link to the Post on the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/kaTonying151/posts/pfbid02MvhBrEkAS7TkghkmGJnZxDQYukPp79yMoT7uVK4nxChZR69q39DzB5E6KPLiBBszl

SOURCE: BRP Antonio Luna FF151 – PF Facebook Page Post, 06/07/24 – 1725H {Archived Link}

Chinese Military Forces will greatly outnumber US Forces in Asia by 2027 – US General

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The Commander of the 412th Test Wing of the United States Air Force (USAF), Brigadier General Doug Wickert recently said in a Speech that Chinese Military Forces will vastly outnumber soon those of the United States (US) on the Area that is West of the International Date Line. 

Wickert said that by 2027, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China will outnumber US Forces 12 to 1 in Modern Fighter Aircraft, including 5 to 3 in fifth Generation Aircraft and 3 to 1 in Maritime Patrol Aircraft. 

Philippine Army (PA) News

January 9, 2025: PA reveals their Wish List for their Modernization

The Spokesperson of the Philippine Army (PA), Colonel Louie Dema-ala recently revealed to the Press their "Wish List" for their Modernization, and these are what he said:

- Long Range Artillery

- Armored Vehicles

- Infantry Equipment

- Multiple Launch Rocket System 

- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection Equipment

- Air Defense Systems

This is a nice List, but I wonder if they will get all or even most of it because even though the Government of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) approved to buy up to Php 2 trillion worth of Equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it has not been providing the funding for it. 

Php 2 trillion for the AFP Modernization in ten Years means spending an average of Php 200 billion per Year, and yet as I posted about recently, the Budget for that given for this Year of 2025 was only Php 35 billion, which is not a big Difference from what former President Rodrigo Duterte was providing, and certainly very far from Php 200 billion.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Philippine News Agency (PNA)” Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241370 

SOURCE: Modern Equipment to boost Army's Territorial Defense Power {Archived Link}

December 17, 2024: SK Company to provide 137,000 Uniforms to the PA for Usd 6.9 million

The South Korean Company "Hancom Lifecare" recently announced that they have just won a Contract to supply Military Uniforms to the Philippine Army (PA) worth Krw 10 billion, or approximately United States (US) Dollar 6.9 million assuming an Exchange Rate of Krw 1,436 per Dollar. 

The Contract will be for 137,000 Sets of Uniforms consisting of Tops, Bottoms and Hats which they will be partnering with Philippine Companies to deliver them by June of next Year of 2025. This brings the approximate cost per Set to around Usd 50. 

A quick look at their Website shows that Hancom Lifecare specializes in providing Firefighting Uniforms, and I am not sure if they have experience before in providing Military Uniforms. Hopefully the Uniforms at least will have some good Fire Retardant Properties. 

I'm also not sure if this acquisition falls now under the new Procurement Law that was signed into Law several Months ago. 

SOURCES:

* Hancom Lifecare supplies ₩10 billion worth of Military Uniforms to Philippine Army {Archived Link}

* Hancom Lifecare Official Website {Archived Link}

PAF A-29B Super Tucano News

December 16, 2024: PAF A-29 Super Tucanos at Clark Air Base

Just some of the latest Pictures of the A-29B Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga during a Joint Exercise with a particular Western Country which does nothing but interfere in the Philippines’ Affairs so they can keep enslaving it and protect their Interests here. 

The Super Tucanos also conducted Surface Attack Exercises at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range at the Colonel Ernesto Ravena Air Base (CERAB) in Tarlac to sharpen their Precision and Effectiveness during Close Air Support (CAS) Operations.

Here is the Link to the Post containing the original Pictures at the PAF's Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/piopaf/posts/pfbid02dgaCjfJDhn1ZigvARBf6u7WwLZWJ8QteZ99pwdiBDoLd631QbTHcUjcMJ5h4QWTHl 

SOURCE: Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 12/16/24 – 1902H {Archived Link}

August 23, 2024: Brig. Gen. Dionisio tries out the A-29B Super Tucano BATD at the 15SW

Brigadier General Roman Dionisio, the current Deputy Commander for Internal Defense Operations of the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently made a Testimonial Visit to the 15th Strike Wing (15SW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and got to try out the Basic Air Training Device (BATD) of the Wing for their A-29B Super Tucano Aircraft. 

Brig. Gen. Dionisio was also a former Combat Pilot of the Unit and flew the MD-520MG Light Attack Helicopter. 

Here is the Link to the Post on the Facebook Page of the 15th Strike Wing containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/PAO15thStrikeWing/posts/pfbid022XyviwyYnp4K2i6jZic3tdAuNRpXKdtZWu9RProWtsvWRDNfaFbzwYdZ4Um6KtzWl

SOURCE: 15th Strike Wing Facebook Page Post, 08/23/14 – 1250H {Archived Link}

Philippine Army acquires the Silver Bullet Guided Ammunition System for their ATMOS Howitzers

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This is a bit of a late Post, but better late than never. The Philippine Army (PA) is set to acquire another Guided Weapons System in its Arsenal after the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the acquisition of Guided Munitions for their 155 mm caliber Autonomous Truck Mounted-howitzer System (ATMOS) was released to the Israeli Company, "Elbit Systems Land Limited" in August of last Year of 2024. 

The Contract is worth Php 248.19 million, or around Usd 4.26 million assuming an Exchange Rate of Php 58.21 per Dollar. 130 units of Guided rounds, or Precision Guided Munitions (PGM), are going to be acquired for an approximate average cost of Php 1.9 million or Usd 32.8k per round. 

Philippines signs Contract for six more Super Tucanos, delivery to start in 2026

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The Inquirer News Publication reported that the Commander of the 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Brigadier General Juliano Llarenas said during the recent Decommissioning Ceremony of their OV-10 Bronco Aircraft and AH-1S Cobra Helicopter that a Contract has already been signed last December 27, 2024 for an additional six A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft for the PAF. 

Gen. Llarenas also said that, I quote, "Hopefully the Notice to Proceed will be issued today (meaning December 28, 2024 which was the time of the Interview)", end quote. Incidentally, the Manufacturer of the Super Tucano, the Brazilian Company "Embraer SA" made a Press Release several Days after Llarenas' Interview announcing that a "Firm Order" has been made for six of their A-29 Aircraft, but did not name the Customer. 

End of an Era as Philippines retires the last of its OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra Aircraft

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Truly the End of another Era of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Combat Military Aircraft after the last two of its OV-10 Bronco Fixed Wing Aircraft and two AH-1S Cobra Attack Helicopters were finally retired at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point in Cavite recently.  

The PAF acquired the OV-10 Units as secondhand back in the early 1990s, and until this retirement, the PAF was the only one left that was using it in active Military Service. With this retirement then, there will be no more OV-10 Broncos left in use by any Armed Forces in the World.

China Military Hardware, 2024

December 27, 2024: China shocks the World with two new next Generation Aircraft

China “Shocked the World”, or in Filipino, “Ginulat ang Mundo!!!” recently when it unofficially sort of “released” to the Public its next Generation Fighter Aircraft. No official Announcement yet from China, but it seems that these Aircraft were flown in Daylight and in a relatively populated Area so they will be captured on Cameras. 

Not much Details are known about these Aircraft, one seems to be made by the “Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC)” with not just two but three Engines, and could be called the “J-36”. The other one seems to be made by the “Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC)” and has the more conventional two Engines. 

Both Aircraft only has Wings but no other Horizontal or Vertical Surfaces, greatly enhancing their Stealth capability. Both Aircraft are likely Prototypes and the Fact that they are already flying indicates that they could go into Production in a couple of Years. 

With this release, I think that if the Philippine Air Force (PAF) wants to maintain some competitiveness with its Fighter Aircraft, then they really have no choice but to go with the newer Aircraft like South Korea’s (SK) KF-21 Boramae, or the Turkish Kaan.  

SOURCES:

* China Stuns With Heavy Stealth Tactical Jet’s Sudden Appearance (Updated) {Archived Link}

* Yes, China Just Flew Another Tailless Next-Generation Stealth Combat Aircraft {Archived Link}

January 4, 2024: PAF announces plan to acquire China’s FC-31 Stealth Aircraft

PAF TO ACQUIRE CHINA’S FC-31 STEALTH AIRCRAFT!!! Yes, the PAF … The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which recently announced to the Public their intention to acquire the FC-31 Gyrfalcon Aircraft that is made by China. 

No less than the Air Marshal of the PAF Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu made the announcement earlier this Month when he said that the FC-31 will enter service with the PAF “in the near Future”. No other Details yet has been revealed about this acquisition, like its Quantity, Price, etc. 

Pakistan is a close Ally of China and operates several Chinese Military Aircraft, including the JF-17 Thunder and J-10 Menglong (Vigorous Dragon) Fighter Aircraft. 

Here is the Link to the Article at the Defense News Website: https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/04/pakistan-to-buy-chinese-fc-31-fighter-jets-says-air-chief/

SOURCE: Pakistan to buy Chinese FC-31 Fighter Jets, says Air Chief {Archived Link}

Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) News

December 24, 2024: PA, AFP should stop using the Term “MRC” if they don’t mean the Typhon

Dear Philippine Army (PA) Chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido, and also to the Rest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) itself: To avoid confusion, stop using the Term, “Mid-Range Capability or MRC” if you don’t mean it to be the “Typhon” Missile System of the United States (US). 

As far as I know, only the Typhon uses that Term, that is why it is in it’s entire Name, which is the “Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC)”. If you really mean other Weapons System, then use a more General Term, like “Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM)” for Example which the Encyclopedia Britannica says are Missiles with a Range of around 480 km. 

I think you can also use “Short Range Missiles (SRM)” to refer to non-Ballistic or Cruise Missiles with similar Range. If the PA really wants to get Missiles with only around a 370 km Range, which by the Way is not enough to reach China when fired from Luzon, then get the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). 

The PrSM’s maximum Range of 500 km still won’t be enough to reach China when fired from Luzon and thus won’t offend them as much, but will more than cover our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

SOURCES: 

* Army wants mid-range Missiles for PH Defense {Archived Link}

* Missile – Encyclopedia Britannica {Archived Link}

December 23, 2024: PA still intent in acquiring the Typhon MRC

The Chief of the Philippine Army (PA), Lieutenant General Roy Galido said in a News Conference recently that they are still interested in acquiring the Typhon Mid Range Capability (MRC) System which will allow the Philippines to hit Targets in China even when fired all the Way from Luzon using its BGM-109 Tomahawk Missiles. 

Galido said that it will probably take two or more Years to acquire the System, so at least until 2026 since it has not yet been budgeted for acquisition next Year of 2025. Galido also mentioned that how many Systems will be acquired will depend on the Budget they will be able to get for it. 

As I mentioned in a previous Blog, I am lukewarm only in Terms of the acquisition of this System. While it is "very cool" for the Philippines to finally get to have its own of the legendary Tomahawk Missiles, I don't think they will do much of a difference overall. 

As I said, Russia had already fired at least 800 of its own Version of the Tomahawk, the Kalibr, into Ukraine in the last three Years, as we can all see it has not been that decisive for the Russians. 

My only hope is that China will not see as much a Threat the Philippine-owned Typhons compared to United States (US)-owned Typhons as it will less likely be armed with the Nuclear Version of the Tomahawk. The Possibility is still there, the Philippines and US could get into a Secret Agreement to do so, but it is less likely. 

Here is the Link to the Article at the https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/23/news/national/philippine-military-says-will-acquire-us-typhon-missile-system/2026478

SOURCE: Philippine Military says will acquire US Typhon Missile System {Archived Link}

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) News, 2024-2025

March 26, 2025: How the AFP rose from the Ashes of Martial Law, and picked a Fight with China

I think every Filipino knows that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for Decades after the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Revolution was not funded enough or largely ignored. However, most Filipinos seems to have forgotten WHY it is so. Some think it was just Laziness on the Part of our Government, or something like that. 

However, as far as I know, the Reason for that is simply because People thought and felt that the AFP helped perpetuate the Dictatorial Regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Remember that many in the AFP were accused of committing Atrocities like Torture, Murder, etc. 

Of course in the End it was the AFP that helped topple the Marcos Sr. Regime, but it took a long time, around 14 Years after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. Hence I think there was that feeling of Blame in the AFP, hence for a long time it wasn't funded as much. 

But Things changed in the 2010s, when some supposed "Geniuses" thought, "Why don't we pick a Fight with China? That will convince People to spend more for the AFP". Why China? Because the bigger the Enemy, the more Money that needs to be spent to fight it. 

Also it is convenient that the United States (US) which our Military idolizes so much also wants to fight China. So it was like hitting at least two Birds with one Stone. And the rest is History, it worked beautifully. A Decade after the 2010s, our Military finally entered the Missile Age, and it is where we are now ...

March 19, 2025: Philippines may acquire more Missiles and other Systems from India, wants to collaborate with Ukraine on Drone Warfare – AFP Chief

The current Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), General Romeo Brawner Jr. recently gave an Interview with the Indian Press where he outlined some of their latest Acquisition Plans, and among these are: 

* The AFP is looking at the possibility of procuring more Missile Systems and other Platforms from India

* The AFP is also interested in collaborating with Ukraine to develop their Drone and Counter-Drone Technology, especially after Ukraine's extensive experience with Drone Warfare in their ongoing War with Russia

MY NOTES:

It seems that the AFP is now moving forward with their Plans to acquire more BrahMos Missiles which they said before they would do this Year of 2025, and possibly maybe even the Akash. The Philippine Army (PA) earlier denied that a Contract for the Akash will be out soon, but it may still go thru. 

I am still working on my Blog about the Akash, not sure if I’ll finish it soon because of all these Political and other Distractions right now though. As of now though, I don’t like it, too heavy and only a few Missiles ready at the Moment. Not even sure of its Cost, still researching but it doesn’t seem to be as cheap as it should be.

As for Ukraine, I think it is very apt that the AFP wants to work with them since the 'Bangag' Administration seems to be intent now in turning our Country to be the next Ukraine, the “Ukraine of Asia”, the next Sacrificial Battleground of the West against its Enemies. 

So it will be like the “Passing of the Baton”, from one gullible and manipulated Country to the next ...

Here is the Link to the Article at “The Economic Times”: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/plans-to-procure-more-missile-system-platforms-from-india-top-philippines-general/articleshow/119210460.cms

SOURCE: Plans to procure more Missile System, Platforms from India: Top Philippines General {Archived Link}

Multi-billion Pesos worth of BrahMos Missiles just being kept in an ordinary Warehouse?

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The current Senate President of the Philippines Francis Escudero said last Month of November 2024 that the Missiles that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bought from India several Years ago just ended up in an ordinary Warehouse because there was no funding for the storage of them in Zambales. 

Quoting from the Newspaper Article itself, "For instance, the Senate President said the AFP purchased Php 8 billion worth of Missiles from India three years ago that are still stockpiled in a Warehouse today because it failed to allocate funding for the Storage of the Missiles in a Base in Zambales."