The rhk111 Military and Arms Page

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) News, 2024

December 22, 2024: Marcos Sr. Rocket Program Blog I made in 2015

ARTICLE|I just realized that there are some of you here who are not familiar with the History of the Bongbong Rocket Program. So let me just share a Backgrounder about it and the other local Rocket Program of the Father of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM), former President and Dictator of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. on a Blog I made a Decade ago now, back in 2015.

Here is the Link to my Blog at my “The rhk111 Military and Arms Page” Website: https://therhk111militaryandarmspage.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-mystery-of-marcos-rocket-program.html

SOURCE: The Mystery of Marcos’ Rocket Program {Archived Link}

December 20, 2024: Bongbong Rocket unveiled at the AFP Museum

It looks like the Bongbong Rocket will finally be unveiled, and in full Display at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. I remember the first time I saw it at the Philippine Navy (PN) Camp in Cavite many Years ago.

It was the biggest Rocket I have ever seen in Personal and up close at that time, but they strictly didn’t allow the taking of its Pictures then, as posted in Notices on the Wall next to it. I was hoping that it would finally be unveiled, though, and here it is.

The AFP Museum has also been renovated, but it is not yet open to the Public as of now, but will be soon. They didn’t say exactly when it will be open though.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Presidential Communications Office (PCO)” Website: https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-launches-renovated-afp-museum/

SOURCE: PBBM launches renovated AFP Museum {Archived Link}

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

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."

AFP V-150 Commando Vehicle News

December 7, 2024: PMC V-150 participates in SUBBUTEN 01-24 Field Exercise

A look at the V-150 Armored Vehicles of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) of the 4th Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) which participated in the "SUBBUTEN 01-24" Field Exercise recently.

The Vehicles were providing Direct Fire Support to the PMC Troops which were exercising Tactical Manuevers. These V-150 Vehicles are armed with a .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) and a 7.62 mm caliber Light Machine Gun (LMG).

Its Armor can protect against up to 7.62 mm caliber Ammunition, it can carry around nine Passengers and can reach Land Speeds of up to 100 kph.

Here is the Link to the Post of the MBLT-10 Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ZNFU2NbWmMWeAmPUxqKkLTfVjcs9viPh5KHnWsEvjUXhuDBn2YKXivazyz4pxqNAl&id=100064874733181

SOURCE: Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 Facebook Page Post, 12/07/24 – 0938H {Archived Link}

September 3, 2024: The 4th Mechanized Battalion of the PA’s V150 Vehicles

The 4th Mechanized Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) recently celebrated its 14th Activation Anniversary in Lanao Del Norte in Mindanao, and among the celebrations were the blessing of the Unit's Armored Vehicles, which included this V150 Commando Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).

The PA started operating its V150s in the mid-1970s, its Armor can protect against up to 7.62 mm caliber Ammunition, it can carry around nine Passengers and can reach Land Speeds of up to 100 kph.

Here is the Link to the Facebook Page Post of the 4MIB, PA containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/4thMechanizedInfantryKalasagBattalion/posts/pfbid02bYttKE3JA8fdxaUJEGMJiiWhaoc4qkFnSyAhvQaPS7gjBJAjPKASh8YksadhJHVel

SOURCE: 4th Mechanized Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion, Philippine Army, 10/03/24 – 1601H {Archived Link}

Philippine Navy AW109 Helicopter Inventory now down to only three after second crash in three Years

Another AW109E Helicopter of the Philippine Navy (PN) crashed, this one at Sangley Point in Cavite City. A total of five People consisting of the Pilot, Co-Pilot and three Maintenance Crews were hurt in the Incident, but luckily there were no Fatalities.

The Helicopter was doing a Test Flight after undergoing its scheduled Maintenance Inspection when the Incident happened. Four of the Passengers suffered minor Cuts and Bruises while another one sustained a minor Fracture.

US to deploy offensive Tomahawk Missiles against China in the Philippines during a War for Taiwan

While everyone is distracted with the ongoing Political Drama between the Dutertes and the Marcoses here in the Philippines, Information was leaked to the Japanese Press recently that said that the United States (US) will be deploying their Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) in the Philippines in case a War over Taiwan erupts.

Among the Weapons the MDTF is equipped with is the Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) System which, as I had discussed already in two Videos before, is capable of firing two Types of Missiles, the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and the BGM-109 Tomahawk Missile.

SPYDER-MR Surface to Air Missile System delivery to the Philippines completed

It looks like the Israeli Company, “Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited” have just completed the delivery of their Surface-to-air Python and Derby (SPYDER) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System when they delivered the third and last Battery to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently.

The Notice to Proceed (NTP) for these Units was released back in 2019 under the Administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and each Battery cost around Usd 43 million, or approximately Php 2 billion each back then when the Exchange Rate was still around Php 48 per Dollar.

The Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Missile System for the Philippines?

I was supposed to make this Video many Months ago when I noticed that the United States (US) Forces were teaching Philippine Military Troops on the use of the Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Missile System here in the Philippines. I thought, why they heck are they teaching us its use, are we planning to buy it?

But then Russian President Vladimir Putin started talking against it, and the US and Philippines started to get Cold Feet and said they were going to pull the System out of the Country by September of this Year of 2024.

News related to the acquired Weapons of the Philippines, 2023-2024

November 4, 2024: MBDA introduces new SIMBAD-RC Models, including the four-shot SIMBAD-RC4

The European Defense Manufacturer "Matra-BAe Dynamics-Alenia (MBDA)" has updated their SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System to the new SIMBAD-RC2 and SIMBAD-RC4 Versions which will be ready by 2027.

The main Difference with these new Models is that they are made to be exempted from the United States’ (US) “International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)” Law, meaning that the US won’t be able to withhold Parts and even Services from any Country that buys them, so good thinking on the Part of MBDA.

The SIMBAD-RC2 will carry two Mistral 3 Missiles and weigh around 500 kg while the bulkier SIMBAD-RC4 will carry four such Missiles and weigh around 800 kg.

The Jose-Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates and the six upcoming Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) are armed with two of the current SIMBAD-RC Weapons for each Ship, so these new Products is something that the Philippine Navy (PN) could consider when building future Vessels.

Here is the Link to the European Defense Review (EDR) On-Line Website: https://www.edrmagazine.eu/mbda-unveils-new-simbad-rc-2-and-4

SOURCE: Euronaval 2024 – MBDA unveils new SIMBAD-RC 2 and 4 {Archived Link}

June 20, 2024: Five Countries in Europe to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Missile System

Five European Countries, namely France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia and Hungary, recently signed an Agreement to jointly acquire the Mistral 3 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System. The Mistral 3 is also being used by the SIMBAD-Remote Control (RC) SAM System onboard the two Jose Rizal class Guided Missile Frigates of the Philippine Navy (PN).

The Mistral 3 uses an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Guidance System allowing it to be only aimed initially by the Operator and once it is launched, it will home in by itself towards the Target. It has a Range of up to 8 km, and can maneuver up to 30Gs. Each Jose Rizal Frigate has two Simbad-RC Launchers, and each Launcher has two Missiles that are ready to fire.

Here is the Link to the Article at the ADVANCE Website: https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/europe-advances-on-the-joint-acquisition-of-mistral-3.html

SOURCE: Europe advances on the Joint Acquisition of Mistral 3 {Archived Link}

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Accidents, 2022-2024

November 2, 2024: C295 loses Tire when landing in Batanes while carrying Food Packs

Sad News recently when one of the C295 Medium Transport Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) lost one of the Tires of its Nose Gear when trying to land in Basco, Batanes. The Aircraft was carrying Family Food Packs for the Victims of the recent Typhoons in the Area.

None of the Aircraft's Pilots and Crew were hurt in the Incident. The PAF has around seven of this these Aircraft which were bought from Spain, and as far as I can remember, this is the first time that a serious Accident like this happened with this type of Aircraft with the PAF.

The Incident is still under Investigation, but the Aircraft’s heavy Load and the short Length of the Runway (as I understand it) there in Basco might have something to do with what happened. Anyway, let’s wait for the official Findings of the Investigation, hopefully the PAF will release it to the Public.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “GMA News Online” Website: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/925746/air-force-plane-s-tire-detaches-as-it-lands-in-batanes-with-food-packs/story/

SOURCE: Air Force plane's Tire detaches as it lands in Batanes with Food Packs {Archived Link}

September 29, 2024: PAF Black Hawk Helicopter makes an Emergency Landing at a School in Zamboanga Del Sur

An S-70i Black Hawk Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) headed to Cotabato City decided to make an Emergency Landing at the Tukuran Central Elementary School in Zamboanga Del Sur recently due to unfavorable Weather.

No Casualties were reported in the Incident, but it did cause some minor Disturbance in the Area due to the strong Rotor Wash of the Aircraft. I think what happened here is that these S-70i Helicopters have Weather Radars that allows them to detect Bad Weather Conditions in the Path of the Aircraft.

It allows them to avoid the Weather, but not go thru them, and the Pilots of the Aircraft decided to temporarily land the Helicopter and let the Bad Weather pass before continuing their Flight later.

Here is the Link to the Article at the GMA News Website: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/922000/paf-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-near-zamboanga-del-sur-school/story/

SOURCE: PAF Helicopter makes Emergency Landing near Zamboanga del Sur School {Archived Link}

PN Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) News

October 27, 2024: Typhoon MLS ER on MPAC Mk 3

Just a look a the Typhoon MLS ER Missile Launcher of one of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk 3 of the Philippine Navy (PN). These Launchers typically carry around four Spike Extended Range (ER) Missiles which has a range of around 8 km.

The PN has six of these MPAC Mk 3 Vessels which are all equipped with the Typhoon MLS ER, and are the very first ever Vessels of the PN to be armed with Missiles.

Here is the Link to the Post of the 3RD BA Division Facebook Page containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/3rdBA/posts/pfbid0yatV2rjXoJMP584fjktRkbeFFTqVYfqceFebodcpAV87rVN7rweDc44KDR7fHnecl

SOURCE: 3RD BA Division Facebook Page Post, 10/27/24 – 2118H {Archived Link}

October 20, 2024: Recent look at MPACs BA-482 and BA-485

Just a look at the Multi Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk 1 with Hull Number BA-482 and MPAC Mk 2 with Hull Number BA-485 recently. These are some of the earliest MPACs of the Philippine Navy (PN), BA-482 having been commissioned into Service in 2009 while BA-485 was commissioned in 2012.

So both Vessels have now been in Service with the PN for over a Decade now. The MPAC Mk 1 and Mk 2 are armed with .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns (HMG) and 7.62 mm caliber Light Machine Guns (LMG) and can reach speeds of at least 74 kph.

Here is the Link to the Post of the 1st Boat Attack Division Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02MrqxUtXa62tdNZ2FwvazSZVKpP3BFNsiU3rS72BajjA59H11chF7DqjGfTH5ZaW7l&id=61563013395759

SOURCE: 1st Boat Attack Division Facebook Page Post, 10/20/24 – 1249H {Archived Link}

Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 News

October 27, 2024: Gokdeniz CIWS at ADAS 2024

A Scale Model of the Gokdeniz Close In Weapons System (CIWS) shown at the Aselsan AS Booth during the recent Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 Event in Pasay.

The Gokdeniz is installed on the two new Miguel Malvar-class Corvettes of the Philippine Navy (PN) which are targeted to be delivered by next Year of 2025. The System can fire 35 x 228 mm caliber Ammunition at a rate of up to 1,100 rounds per minute and has an effective Range of up to 4 km.

October 24, 2024: PN’s new LD at ADAS 2024

A Scale Model and its Description Plate of the new Landing Dock (LD) of the Philippine Navy (PN) shown at the PT PAL Indonesia Booth during the recent Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 Event in Pasay.

The Contract for two of these Ships was signed in June of 2022, and each Ship costs around Usd 101 million.

Here is the Link to my Blog at “The rhk111 Military and Arms Page” containing more Information about it: https://therhk111militaryandarmspage.blogspot.com/2019/07/military-equipment-acquisitions-under.html

SOURCE: Military Equipment Acquisitions under the Duterte Administration {Archived Link}

Karma, Gripen out, only KF-21 vs. F-16 for Philippines? “KF-21 can be delivered in 2026” – KAI

A Report from "The Korea Economic Daily" News Publication said that the new South Korean made KF-21 Boramae Aircraft has been shortlisted together with the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Philippines' Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Program.

If this is correct, then it seems that the JAS-39 Gripen is now out of the Program, at least for now, which would be sort of a "Karma" already since by all Indications, it seemed that in late 2021, the Administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte was ready to sign a Contract for the Aircraft.

Philippines to integrate JDAM into Aircraft, to replace Lizard Guided Bombs of the Super Tucanos?

The United States’ (US) Department of Defense (DOD) recently announced on their official Website that the Philippines is among several Countries who are paying thru Foreign Military Sales (FMS) a Contract to integrate the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) into its existing Aircraft.

The JDAM by the Way is a Kit that is attached to existing conventional Bombs to turn them into Guided Weapons. Its Guidance System mainly uses a Satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS).

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

October 2, 2024: BRP Ruiz participates in Fluvial Parade and Town Fiesta ni Agusan del Norte

The BRP Hilario Ruiz (PC-378), a Jose Andrada-class Patrol Craft of the Philippine Navy (PN), recently participated in a Fluvial Parade honor of a Saint and to celebrate the Town Festival in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

The BRP Ruiz was first commissioned into Service with the PN in 1995, so next Year of 2025 will be celebrating its’ 30th Year of Service with the PN. It’s always good to see the PN give support to the Local Communities they operate in like what they did here in this instance.

Here is the Link to the Post of the BRP Hilario Ruiz PC378 Facebook Page containing the original Pictures: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02oWvwGKv2Dv6uYdLpL5czhUfEmEE71AUvqSCiHmT51uwW1KZvPzdqewr9w8MhP41Yl&id=61562084462235

SOURCE: BRP Hilario Ruiz PC378 Facebook Page Post, 10/02/24 – 1031H {Archived Link}

September 3, 2024: BRP Flojo helps celebrate the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month

The BRP Filipino Flojo (PC-386), a Jose Andrada-class Patrol Craft of the Philippine Navy (PN) recently participated in a Flag Raising Ceremony and Rank Inspection to celebrate the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) at the Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Cebu.

The BRP Flojo was first commissioned into Service with the PN in 1996, so it has been with the Navy for almost three Decades now. It is armed with a single 25 mm caliber Cannon on a Mk 38 Mount as its Main Gun, four .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) and two 7.62 mm caliber Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Here is the Link to the Post of the BRP Filipino Flojo – PC386 Facebook Page containing the original Picture: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0qBnu93yQHcGZb7oYfGxXicBUHGGVqfcLk1NJfpNoc8KzLwcB5ZhTEZGtECRHn1Xwl&id=100057417160855

SOURCE: BRP Filipino Flojo - PC386, 09/03/24 – 1837H {Archived Link}

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