Indian Press announces unconfirmed delivery of an additional fourth BrahMos Battery to Philippines

Powered by RedCircle

The Indian Press has been announcing the delivery of a "fourth" Battery of BrahMos Missiles to the Philippines, and if so, then this is an additional Battery as the News Reports and Government Statements from the past Years has always only mentioned three Batteries that were bought based on the Contract signed by the Duterte Administration back in January 2022. 

It is possible to buy an additional BrahMos Battery because if I recall correctly, the Philippines' Procurement Law does allow for a follow on order as long as it is only half the Quantity of the original Contract. Since the original Contract was for three complete Batteries, then half of that will be one complete Battery. 

Tomahawk Missiles allowed on Philippine Soil, the only SEA Nation with US Missiles aimed at China

Powered by RedCircle

For the first time in a long while, the Philippines under the Administration of President Bong Bong Marcos (PBBM) has allowed the deployment of long range Land Attack Cruise Missiles of the United States (US) on its Soil which is now aimed at China

This came in the Form of the "Typhon Mid Range Capability (MRC)" Weapons System of the US Armed Forces. The System arrived in Northern Luzon recently to participate in a Joint Philippine-US Military Exercise. 

AFP should demand from the West to get the same Deal as Argentina's F-16 Aircraft

Powered by RedCircle

I nearly fell off my Chair after seeing the State of the secondhand F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon Aircraft that Argentina bought from Denmark recently. I wasn't really following closely that bit of News because frankly, I thought they would be nothing but just pieces of Junk as they were sold to Argentina for such a low Price of only Usd 12.5 million per Aircraft, or only Usd 300 million for 24 Aircraft. 

However, when they were finally presented to the Public at a recent Presentation, not only did they look good, but were armed and equipped with pretty good Weapons and Equipment. First off, they were armed with AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles (AMRAAM) on the Wingtips, which is the primary or at least most used Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile in the West. 

Philippine SpyDer SAM System News

PAF SpyDer SAM System
PAF SpyDer SAM System
April 12, 2024: PAF test SpyDer SAM in recent Exercise – April 2024
The 960th Air and Missile Defense Group (AMDG) of the Air Defense Command (ADC) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently evaluated the capability of their SpyDer Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System during a Military Exercise. The AMDG was also able to validate their Air Defense Plan (ADP) during the same said Exercise.

Here is the Link containing the original Pictures on the Facebook Page of the Headquarters Air Defense Command: https://web.facebook.com/AirDefenseCommandPAF/posts/pfbid0w4KqFuYWqyggrCTwaZTH6DkQAFzkhct5coL97pHNNGiR2exSdmeyS1c9qvnJzgShl
SOURCE: Headquarters Air Defense Command Facebook Page Post, 04/12/24 – 1535H {Archived Link}

February 15, 2024: Python 5 and Derby Missile FSMUs at the PAF Base 
Just a look at the Full Scale Mock Up (FSMU) of the Python 5 and Derby Missiles being used on the SpyDer-Medium Range (MR) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) of the 960th Air and Missile Defense Group (960thAMDG) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that were on Display on the Group’s Headquarters. 

I am not sure how accurate these FSMUs are to the real Thing, they seem a little bit different than the Pictures of ones that are available in the Internet. Still, these are a good and safe Physical Representation of the Missiles themselves.

Here are the Link to the Post containing the original Pictures on the 960thAMDG, ADC Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0k5veamEMEC8RhyBR4NhiUTUqNJRjeR1s6Gv1y38xAYJXoVC8YEnXBFEwrE2owcUtl&id=100068827736028
SOURCE: 960th Air and Missile Defense Group, Air Defense Command Facebook Page, 02/15/24 – 1303H {Archived Link}

Philippines could be the first Export Customer of the Prachand Combat Helicopter - HAL Director

Powered by RedCircle

There are some recent reports from the Indian Press that said that the Philippines could be the first Export Customer of India's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the "Prachand". The Source is reportedly no less than the Chief Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Aircraft Manufacturer "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)", C.B. Ananthakrishnan

Ananthakrishnan said that Philippine Officials have already conducted a Test Flight on the said Helicopter and he expressed optimism that a sale could be made soon. No confirmation yet from the Philippine Side though. 

PN HHi Corvette News



April 5, 2024: DBM releases fourth Milestone Payment for HHI Corvettes of the PN
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently released the fourth Milestone Payment worth Php 6 billion for the acquisition of the two brand new Corvettes of the Philippine Navy (PN) from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea (SK)

The first Milestone Payment worth Php 3.75 billion was released in December of 2021, the second worth Php 3 billion in May of 2022. The third worth Php 6 billion was released in May of last Year of 2023. The first Corvette will be delivered in 2025 and the second in 2026.

Here is the Link to the Article at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222094

March 12, 2024: PN starts Training for Crew of its brand new Corvettes from SK
The Philippine Navy (PN) just announced that it has started training its Sailors on how to operate the new Corvettes that are being acquired from South Korea (SK), the first of which will arrive on the second half of next Year of 2025. 

They will eventually be sent to SK later to train with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the Vessels. The second Corvette will be delivered in 2026

Here is the Link to the Article at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Website: https://beta.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220577

Philippine Navy Wildcat Helicopter lands on moving BRP Luna Frigate

Powered by RedCircle

About a Week or so ago, the Philippine Navy (PN) released a Video of one of their AW159 Wildcat Helicopters landing on a Deck of a stationary Jose Rizal Class Frigate (JRCF). Recently though the PN released another Video, this time of one of their Wildcat Helicopters landing on the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) Guided Missile Frigate while it was moving. 

This is probably one of the most difficult Things to do for Helicopter Pilots, as you can see from the Video it wasn't exactly easy as the Helicopter ended up being moved around slightly by the Winds. This Landing though marks a Major Milestone or Achievement for PN Pilots as they were able to do such a difficult Job. 

KAI offers FA-50 Aircraft to Thailand, and also revealed KF-21 Price and Operating Cost

Powered by RedCircle

Early last Month of March 2024, News Reports came out that Thailand intended to retire a Squadron of their F-16C Fighting Falcon Aircraft and replace them likely with the JAS-39E/F Gripen, and that they plan to initially acquire four of them for Usd 530 million, or approximately Usd 132.5 million per Aircraft.

In light of that development, the South Korean Manufacturer "Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)" is offering Thailand to buy their FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) instead. KAI said that for that Price, Thailand could buy eight FA-50s instead of just four Gripen E/Fs. 

AW159 Wildcat Helicopters and Jose Rizal Frigates officially Starts Integration

Powered by RedCircle

After several Years in Service, the official Integration of the AW159 Wildcat Helicopter and the Jose Rizal-class Frigates (JRCF) of the Philippine Navy (PN) has finally started recently. A Series of Lectures and Flight Operations were made to the Crew of both the Helicopter and the Ships to begin the Process. 

The Wildcat Helicopters were commissioned back in 2019 and the first of the JRCF Ships was commissioned into Service a Year later back in 2020 by the PN, and they both have made Joint Operations before, but it seems it is only now that they are officially being integrated together. 

Philippine Marines practice destroying a Bridge which they may need to do in times of War

Powered by RedCircle

Troops of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) were seen practicing how to destroy a Bridge with what looks like Composition-4 (C-4) Explosives during a recent Military Exercise. This Practice is called the "Strategic Demolition of Critical Infrastructure", and one of its purpose is to delay or deny the advancement of Enemy Troops, and to neutralize Enemy Forces as well if the Situation allows it. 

By delaying the Enemy, this could give the Marines more time to regroup or wait for reinforcements. Another Purpose is to disrupt the Enemy's Supply Lines, making it harder for them to carry supplies back and forth from and to their advancing Forces. 

Philippine Marines MBLT-10 trains with ATGL-L2 Rocket Launchers

Powered by RedCircle

The Marine Battalion Landing Team - 10 (MBLT-10) of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) recently conducted the "Panabay 03-24" Exercise which was designed to train them to counter Landing Operations. 

The Exercise allowed the Unit to train with their new ATGL-L2 Rocket Launchers which is based on the RPG-7 design. The PMC bought 702 units for around Php 675k (Usd 13.78k) each, with each unit coming with several Accessories such as Optical Sights, Training Rounds, etc. 

China building fourth Aircraft Carrier, to be Nuclear-powered and use Electro-Magnetic Catapults

Powered by RedCircle

The Vice Admiral and Political Commissar Yuan Huazhi of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) just recently confirmed to the Hong Kong Press that they are building their fourth Aircraft Carrier, and that it will likely be Nuclear-powered, which would make it the first PLAN Aircraft Carrier to be so. 

China's previous three Aircraft Carriers were all conventionally-powered, with the first two, the "Liaoning" and the "Shandong" use Ski Ramps to launch Aircraft while the third, the "Fujian", uses an Electro-Magnetic Catapult System (EMCS)

Philippines’ DND should provide regular Updates on acquisitions like Malaysian Defense Ministry

Powered by RedCircle

The Deputy Defence Minister of Malaysia, Adly Zahari reported recently to the Malaysian Public that the Progress of the Contract for the FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) that they bought from South Korea (SK) is now 27% complete. 

Two Aircraft will be delivered in the third Quarter of 2026 while the remaining 16 Units will be delivered in Batches until the end of 2027. These Aircraft are also set to undergo a Mid-Life Upgrade Programme to enable them to serve with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) until 2055. 

Philippine Navy to upgrade Surveillance Capability of their C90 Aircraft

Powered by RedCircle

The United States (US) based Company "Integrated Surveillance and Defense" (ISD) recently told the "Flight Global" Website that the Philippine Navy (PN) is interested in modifying the C90 King Air Aircraft that was donated to them by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) to have improved Surveillance Capability and that ISD is offering their Services to do it. 

No other Details were provided like what modifications the PN wants to install on the Aircraft, but a quick look at the ISD Website shows that they can integrate Sensors like Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) Systems, Radar Systems, Satellite and Terrestrial Communications Systems, etc. to fixed-wing Aircraft. 

Philippine Army Troops seen issued with AK-47 type Assault Rifles

Powered by RedCircle

What is happening to our Country? Well whatever it is, some of it are good, like when a couple of Units of the Philippine Army (PA) were recently spotted using AK-47-type Assault Rifles. 

One of these Units was the 106th Infantry "Tigpanalipod" Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division whose Troops were seen using AK-47 Rifles when conducting Drills and Patrols. Not all of the Troops in the Squad were issued the AK Rifles though, by my count only around three per Squad. 

Philippine Marines using PG-7VL type Rounds on their RPG-7s

Powered by RedCircle

Just another sighting of the new RPG-7-type Weapon of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), this time during the Reception Rites of new Troops of the 4th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-4) recently at the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Taguig City.

There is an RPG round in the Picture, but it is partly hidden. However, there is enough to see that it looks to me like a PG-7VL type of round, one of the latest High Explosive, Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds available in Production for the RPG-7 Weapons Platform right now. It is longer and looks different than the older PG-7V rounds we usually see in the Movies or Television (TV) with RPG-7 Weapons.

Philippines to sign Agreement for Gripens in March 2024, BrahMos delivery suffers another Delay

The Philippines is finally set to sign an Agreement for the acquisition of the JAS-39 Gripen Fighter Aircraft next Month of March 2024 in Sweden culminating an at least Decade long Campaign to sell the Aircraft to the Philippines, and the delivery of the BrahMos Missile System to the Philippines again suffered a delay, it will now be no later than April of 2024


Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

Don’t forget to click on the Ads or to donate to help support this Website

Philippines to sign Agreement for Gripens in March 2024, BrahMos delivery suffers another Delay
Philippines to sign Agreement for Gripens in March 2024, BrahMos delivery suffers another Delay


The Philippine Air Force’s T129B ATAK Helicopter at the AFP’s 88th Anniversary Celebrations

Here are the Pictures and Videos I took of the T129B ATAK Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) during the Static Display of Military Assets which was part of the 88th Anniversary Celebrations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo recently



Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

Don’t forget to click on the Ads or to donate to help support this Website

The Philippine Air Force’s T129B ATAK Helicopter at the AFP’s 88th Anniversary Celebrations
The Philippine Air Force’s T129B ATAK Helicopter at the AFP’s 88th Anniversary Celebrations


Super Tucanos share one FLIR Ball for two Aircraft? AFP owns the Night against the NPA

The A-29B Super Tucano Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) seems to be operating on a Buddy System, sharing one Electro-Optical/Forward Looking Infra-Red (EO/FLIR)Ball” for every two Aircraft while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) used their newest Assets like the Super Tucanos, Autonomous Truck Mounted-howitzer System (ATMOS) and Hermes Drones to make a devastating strike against the New People's Army (NPA) even under the cover of Darkness



Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

Don’t forget to click on the Ads or to donate to help support this Website. 

Super Tucanos share one FLIR Ball for two Aircraft? AFP owns the Night against the NPA
Super Tucanos share one FLIR Ball for two Aircraft? AFP owns the Night against the NPA


The Philippine Army’s ASCOD II Sabrah Light Tank during the AFP’s 88th Anniversary Celebrations

Here are the Pictures and Videos I took of the ASCOD II Sabrah Light Tank of the Philippine Army (PA) during the Static Display of Military Assets which was part of the 88th Anniversary Celebrations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo recently



Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

Don’t forget to click on the Ads or to donate to help support this Website

ASCOD II Sabrah Light Tanks of the PA during the AFP's 88th Anniversary Celebrations
ASCOD II Sabrah Light Tanks of the PA during the AFP's 88th Anniversary Celebrations


Popular Posts