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Ten Project BUHAWI Units are ongoing Procurement for the Philippine Navy

Near the end of the Term of former President Rodrigo Duterte in May of the Year 2022, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially turned over to the Philippine Navy (PN) the Project Building a Universal Mount for Heavy-Barrel Automated Weapon Integration or BUHAWI for short and declared it ready for Mass Production.

Project BUHAWI is a Philippine developed and made Remote Weapons Station (RWS) equipped with a Day and Night Optical System and armed with a .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) that is meant to be installed on Sea Vessels.

PN Emilio Jacinto-class Vessel News

September 25, 2024: BRP Mabini returns back into PN Service after three Years

After being sidelined for almost three Years due to Dry Docking and Other Related Repairs (DDORR), the BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), an Emilio Jacinto-class Corvette, finally returned into Service of the Philippine Navy (PN).

The Ship was sent off in a Ceremony from Zambales recently before departing to its latest assigned Operational Area in the Visayas. The BRP Mabini was first commissioned by the PN in 1997, so it has been around the Philippines for almost three Decades now.

Once upon a time, the Jacinto-class Ships with their automated 76 mm caliber Oto Melara “Compact” Main Gun and MS-25 Seahawk 25 mm caliber Secondary Gun were the most modern and capable Vessels of the PN, before the arrival of the Gregorio Del Pilar-class Vessels in the 2010s.

Here is the Link to the The Philippine Fleet Facebook Page Post containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/ThePhilippineFleet/posts/pfbid021B3Vqi1Ksu7tj1WRN6Fhg68K3PnW9U38V3kD744BgTQFkxtWASD2vGnfdAvkNDZ1l

SOURCE: The Philippine Fleet Facebook Page Post, 09/25/24 – 2207H {Archived Link}

September 15, 2024: BRP Ricarte participated in CORPAT PHILINDO XXXVIII-24 Activity

The BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), an Emilio Jacinto-class Corvette of the Philippine Navy (PN) recently participated in the Coordinated Patrol Philippine-Indonesia (CORPAT PHILINDO) XXXVIII-24 Activity with the KRI Marlin (877) Vessel of the Indonesian Navy.

A Ceremony for the Event was held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Davao City. The Activity is meant to enhance the Security against Piracy, Smuggling, Illegal Entry and Illegal Fishing. It also improved the Maritime Interoperability between the two Navies, and fostered a Harmonious Partnership between the two Countries.

Here is the Link to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Facebook Page Post containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/navalforceseasternmindanao/posts/pfbid0QmSYKq94BtBLCgTZUCfiQfvvPpqsYoii7c9SwoGRp1ycYsYm9gp4JaGpXUxM2LhMl

SOURCE: Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Facebook Page Post, 09/15/24 - 0031H {Archived Link}

The Philippine Marines confirms two Missile Launchers only for every BrahMos Battery

One Question I specifically went out to ask at the BrahMos Pavilion during the recent Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 Event was how many Missile Firing Units (MFU) or Missile Launchers does the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have for each of their BrahMos Missile Batteries?

That Information has rarely been mentioned in all of the News Reports about the PMC’s BrahMos Units that I have seen. In fact, I remember seeing it only once, back in August of 2022 when no less than Atul Rane, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Manufacturer of the Missile, BrahMos Aerospace, said it was only six MFUs for three Batteries, or around two MFUs per Battery.

Saab AB’s JAS-39E Gripen at the ADAS 2024 Event

You have to hand it to the Swedish Company Saab AB for pulling a major Publicity Stunt by putting a Full Scale Mock Up (FSMU) of their JAS-39E Gripen Aircraft at the outdoors Parking Area of the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay for the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 Event.

Now everyone who passes by the Roads in front and to the side of the WTC will be able to see and admire the Aircraft.

Philippine Army Artillery Forward Observers seen using portable Laser Rangefinders

The 8th Field Artillery "Final Option" Battalion of the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) of the Philippine Army (PA) recently conducted a Live Fire Exercise (LFE) and Forward Observer (FO) Training in Sulu, and during these Activities, some Troops were seen using what seems like Portable, Handheld Laser Rangefinders.

As the Name of these Devices imply, they send out low-power, non-harmful Laser Beams, usually in the Infra-Red (IR) Spectrum so they are not visible to the Naked Eye, to a Target and then measure the time it takes to get there and for its reflection to get back to the Device to calculate a very accurate reading of the Distance to the Target from the Laser.

China and Singapore Navies conducted a Joint Maritime Exercise in China

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) recently conducted Joint Naval Exercises off the Coast of Zhanjiang in the Guangdong Province of China.

The RSN sent one of their most advanced Surface Combatants, the RSS Stalwart (72) which belongs to their Formidable class Frigates, while the PLAN sent two Ships, the Sanya (574) which belongs to their Type 054A Jiangkai II class Frigates, and the Hejian, a Type 082-II Minesweeper.

PN Jose Andrada-class Vessel News

August 12, 2024: The BRP Magluyan’s Main Mk 38 Mod 1 Main Gun

Just a good, close look at the Mk 38 Mod 1 25 mm caliber Main Gun of the BRP Juan Magluyan (PC-392), a Jose Andrada-class Patrol Boat of the Philippine Navy (PN), during the one Day Refresher Training for it for the Officers and Men of the Ship.

The Training allowed the Crew to have enhanced familiarity with the Safety Procedures and Protocols, and the Maintenance and Troubleshooting of the Gun. Aside from the Cannon, the BRP Magluyan is also armed with .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and 7.62 mm caliber Light Machine Guns (LMG).

The Vessel was first commissioned into Service in 1998, so it has served the PN for over two and a half Decades now

Here is the Link to the Post containing the original Pictures on the BRP Juan Magluyan Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0hF2Q5b2wBdFJxeeUW6JxPTajR7ryx4F5xwBAvBN5NT4yGefNX4D5RjtzvNLzHsNcl&id=100072039261635

SOURCE: BRP Juan Magluyan Facebook Page Post, 08/12/24 – 2216H {Archived Link}

August 16, 2024: The BRP Hilario Ruiz of the PN

Just a rare, recent look at the BRP Hilario Ruiz (PC-378) and its Crew. The BRP Ruiz is one of the 22 Vessels that comprise the Jose Andrada-class Patrol Boats of the Philippine Navy (PN), and it belongs to the first Batch of nine Vessels that were not armed with the Mk 38 25 mm caliber Gun like the other Vessels of the Andrada-class.

It is instead armed with four .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and two 7.62 mm caliber Light Machine Guns (LMG). The Andrada-class are some of the PN’s older Patrol Boats, they were first commissioned into Service starting in 1990, so they have been around for around two to three Decades now.

Here is the Link on the BRP Hilario Ruiz PC378 Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0nT61s7SXsMWLz13honJ3nYrgGRasnHo2igMECdG17sSkRHQnrsTJzqyWivdh4GWrl&id=61562084462235

SOURCE: BRP Hilario Ruiz PC378 Facebook Page Post, 08/16/24 – 1257H {Archived Link}

Egypt to replace their US-made F-16 Fighter Aircraft with Chinese-made J-10C

The Middle Eastern Country of Egypt has reportedly rejected the United States' (US) offer to modernize their old F-16 Fighting Falcon Aircraft to Block 70/72 Standard, and has instead now signed a Contract to acquire the J-10C Menglong (or Vigorous Dragon) Fighter Aircraft from China to replace those F-16 Aircraft.

The Contract was reportedly signed last Month of August 2024, although no other Details yet like the Quantity has been mentioned about it. Egypt will now be the second Export Customer of the J-10, the first one was Pakistan.

Gripen, F-16, KF-21, FA-50, Rafale, Tejas and Typhoon to compete for Philippines' MRF Contract

The Philippines' Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. recently told the Members of Congress that they plan to acquire 40 brand new Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft for a budget of Php 400 billion, or approximately Usd 7.08 billion assuming an Exchange Rate of Php 56.53 per Dollar.

This amounts to Php 10 billion or around Usd 177 million per Aircraft. Teodoro said that they have already started the process of acquisition, and that all interested Bidders are required to offer a Financing Package that allows the Payments to be made in Installments over several Years.

PMC ATGL-L2 (RPG-7) News

February 16, 2024: More PMC ATGL-L2 Pictures during the IRUG 02-24 Exercise

Here are just some more Pictures of the Troops of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Marine Battalion Landing Teams (MBLT) with RPG-7-type Weapons. These were taken recently during the “IRUGI 02-24” 4MBDe Unilateral Exercise

Here is the Post with the original Pictures on the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid032MweAhDUNkQWastY66LRcW3wFbVfRF3vtQwBPM1ybH1DQJoJpoJY8zXoES46U4B9l&id=100064874733181

SOURCE: Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 Facebook Page Post, 02/16/24 – 2115H {Archived Link}

February 11, 2024: PMC Troops with RPG-7-type Weapons spotted

Two Rifle Companies of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 (MBLT-10) of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) tested their Rapid Deployment Capability recently during the IRUGI 02-2024 Exercise, and two of the Troops were seen armed with RPG-7-type Weapons

Here is the Link to the original Post with the Picture on the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid04BS7dSwB6TVfdhdcD8HBPKL5qdugeQ5tJDhESyp31Gv7L6DbBmfZu3bXfpzysepYl&id=100064874733181

SOURCE: Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 Facebook Page Post, 02/11/24 – {Archived Link}

The Philippine Air Force at the 2024 Exercise Pitch Black in Australia

This is a bit of a late Post, because I actually waited for the Philippine Government to post all of the Pictures and Videos they have that I could find about the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) historic participation at the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 before I make a long, “Mega” Video about it, and that time is now.

Anyway, for the first time in its History, the PAF sent some of its Assets to participate in the Pitch Black Multinational Warfare Exercise in Darwin, Australia which was held from July 12 to August 2 of this Year of 2024.

PN Nestor Acero-class FAIC-M Vessel News

September 13, 2024: The Weapons of the BRP Yurong FAIC-M Vessel of the PN

Just a look at the Weapons onboard the BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906), a Nestor Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft – Missile (FAIC-M) of the Philippine Navy (PN) during a visit there by important Civilian and Military Personnel.

These Weapons include the Mk 30-c Main Gun with a 30 mm caliber Cannon, two Mini-Typhoons with .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and the Typhoon MLS-NLOS Missile System. The BRP Yurong is one of the four FAIC-Ms equipped with Missiles, and the FAIC-M Vessel is based on the Shaldag Mark V Design of the Defense Manufacturer, “Israel Shipyards Limited (Ltd)”.

The Ship is one of the most advanced and one of the newest Vessels of the PN, having been commissioned into Service only this May 2024.

Here is the Link to the Post of the BRP Yurong Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0oCuAPCWnmJcEVmm6n2QrCTnpNG1PiUFHeu7rosyiwBy72g42CcM5vPa4gJXZcvGWl&id=61562280296210

SOURCE: BRP Herminigildo Yurong PG906 Facebook Page Post, 09/13/24 – 1259H {Archived Link}

September 11, 2024: The Bridge and Weapons Consoles of the BRP Yurong

Just a look at the Bridge and Weapons Consoles of the BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906), a Nestor Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft – Missile (FAIC-M) of the Philippine Navy (PN) during one of their recent General Quarters (GQ) Drill.

GQ Drills are made to prepare the Crew to handle effectively Real-Life Emergency Situations. The Consoles make it look like the Crew is just playing Video Games, but if so it is actually a deadly and real game because the Consoles are for the Vessel’s single 30 mm caliber Mk 30-c Main Gun, two .50 caliber Mini-Typhoon Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and Typhoon MLS-NLOS Missile System.

The BRP Yurong is one of the four Ships in the Acero-class that is equipped with Missiles, it is one of the most advanced Vessels of the PN and was commissioned only last May of this Year of 2024. The FAIC-M is based on the Shaldag Mark V Design of the Manufacturer, “Israel Shipyards Limited (Ltd)”.

Here is the Link to the Post of the BRP Yurong Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02mR9JbPJRU1YQB11prDK3rDSwpS4MJsDukKF98j29YPdpLFKM5tgha6N3i2DFiv7Pl&id=61562280296210

SOURCE: BRP Herminigildo Yurong PG906 Facebook Page Post, 09/11/24 – 1152H {Archived Link}

China starts testing Laser Weapon on their Type 071 Vessel

Reports from Chinese Social Media show that the Chinese Military has started testing a Laser Directed Energy Weapon onboard one of their biggest Vessels, a Type 071 Amphibious Transport Dock. Pictures show that the Weapon is located on a raised Platform just behind the Main Gun on the Bow of the Vessel.

It is housed on a Dome Cover that can be retracted before the Weapon is used. Not much is known about it yet, but it is believed that is very similar to the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) Mark 2 Mod 0 that the United States (US) is also now testing on a Ship.

PAF FA-50PH Fighting Eagle News

July 30, 2024: FA-50PH and Rafales flies over West Zambales

The FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Rafale Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft of the France Air and Space Force (FASF) conducted Basic Flight Maneuvers (BFM) over West Zambales recently.

The FA-50PH and Rafales then flew with an A330M Transport Aircraft and an A400M Military Transport Aircraft where the Rafales demonstrated their Air to Air Refueling Capability with the A330M and A400M.

This Joint Exercise is Part of the French Military's Projection of a Heavy Air Package in South East Asia (PEGASE) 2024 Mission which, for the first time ever, included the Philippines.

Here is the Link to the PAF Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/piopaf/posts/pfbid0UH6ByX9C2Syv2XS22bzLrFSuGFEjkNpdam1URHLBP1w5UweovoaLLM4vudEtYnKyl

SOURCE: Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 07/30/24 - 1632H {Archived Link}

January 9, 2024: PAF 5FW blesses Assets and Facilities

The 5th Fighter Wing (5FW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted the Annual Blessing Ceremony of their Assets and Facilities including their FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft. The 5FW that this is a new Tradition that they only instituted recently.

We also get to have a good look at some of the Hangars they are keeping their FA-50PH Aircraft. I think this Ceremony also now added +100 Holy Armor Protection and/or another +100 Holy Damage Attack on the Assets that were blessed … Just kidding, :D.

Here is the Link to the Post containing the original Photos at the 5th Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command Page on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/5thFighterWingPAF/posts/pfbid02s4rcYDTsa65QsbzXpscrY1rQLChYv3kZkHZ7GrF7rqStsm3PGjKzZM36rYL9tBdXl

SOURCE: 5th Fighter Wing, Air Defense Command Facebook Page Post, 01/09/23 – 2113H {Archived Link}

PAF Plans to get 48 MRF Aircraft for Php 400 billion, and more FA-50 Aircraft for Php 40 billion

An Article on the News5 Website recently wrote about the Plan of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to obtain more Combat Aircraft. Quoting from the said Article: "About Php 400 billion were allocated for 48 Multi-Role Fighters and an additional Php 40 billion for FA-50s to train Air Force Pilots."

However, it remains to be seen if this indeed will bear into fruition as funding remains a Problem, as the Article itself mentioned. At any rate, Php 400 billion for the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft is currently equivalent to Usd 7.01 billion, assuming the Exchange Rate of Php 57.08 for every United States (US) Dollar.

First of two ATR 72-600 Patrol Aircraft to be delivered to the Philippines in 2025

I saw this Piece of News on the Day I released the Video about Thailand adopting China’s QBZ-195T Assault Rifle, and I thought that it will be all over the News, so I wasn’t thinking of putting it into a Video, I thought I would just make a Written Post about it.

Imagine my surprise when a couple of Days later and still not a lot of News Organizations were posting it. I think it might have something to do with all the negative Publicity that Israel has been getting lately about its War in Palestine.

Thailand to be the first Export Customer of the Chinese-made QBZ-195T Assault Rifles

The Special Forces Unit of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) reportedly just approved their adoption of the Chinese-made QBZ-195T Assault Rifle, making Thailand as the first export Customer of the said Rifle.

The QBZ-195T is a Variant of the new QBZ-191 Assault Rifle of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police (PAP) that was introduced into Service just five Years ago, back in 2019.

Lockheed actively promoting their F-16 in Philippines, which may get funding from the US in 2025

The Reuters News Organization recently quoted an Anonymous Philippine Diplomatic Source saying that the Philippines expressed interest in acquiring F-16 Fighter Aircraft from the United States (US) during the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and US State Secretary Anthony Blinken to the Philippines recently, and that funding for it could be provided by the US starting next Year of 2025.

Strangely, this Report was also echoed and with even more specific Details by the Chinese Publication, "Global Times", which I think maybe based on Intelligence Reports that China got about the visit of the US Officials and the Aircraft.

The Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Saga of the Philippines

Photo here

July 24, 2024: F-16V Viper Safety Tag Keychain

The United States (US) recently held an Event celebrating their Relations with the Philippines, and during the Event, the US Company Lockheed Martin Corporation was present to promote their F-16V Viper Aircraft for the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Program of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In line with the said Promotion, they were handing out Souvenirs, one of which was this Keychain that used the Safety Warning Tag design that is normally used on Aircraft. As can be seen from the Picture, it is red in Color and one side has the Philippine Roundel that is used on Philippine Military Aircraft and the "Remove before Flight" Warning next to it.

The other Side has the "F16" Designation on it next to an Image of an F-16V. The Keychain is not mine, by the Way, somebody who got one was willing to share its Image to this Page.

July 4, 2024: PBBM approves MRF Project, but still no Decision on which one to Buy

The Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Romeo Brawner Jr. basically made another "Nothingburger" update about the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Program of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), only that President Bong Bong Marcos (PBBM) had already approved it but that up now they still haven’t chosen which one and how many to buy.

Put this one then as just another of the already many Entries in the ongoing and long-running “Saga” of the PAF’s MRF Project ...

Here is the Link to the Article at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228277

SOURCE: Brawner: PBBM OKs AFP's 'intention' to acquire Multi-Role Fighters {Archived Link}

PAF now seriously considering acquisition of South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Fighter Aircraft

The Vice President for International Business Development of the Aircraft Manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Shin Dong Hak, recently told the Flight Global Website during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) that the Philippines has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to them about their new KF-21 Boramae Fighter Aircraft, and that they are now preparing their Response to it.

An RFI is part of the Philippine Government's official Procurement Process whose purpose is to collect Written Information about an Item that the Government is interested in buying, which in this Case is the Boramae.

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