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Philippine Army (PA) News

July 28, 2026: US Lawmakers call for Independent Investigation of the Negros 19 that were killed by the Philippine Army

A Group of Lawmakers from the United States (US) led by Representative or Congressman Pramila Jayapal recently called for an Independent, Impartial and Credible Investigation into the Philippine Army's (PA) killing of 19 People in Negros Oriental, two of which were US Citizens.

The Incident happened last April 2026 and the Unit that did the killings from the 79th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that all of those that were killed were Members of the New People's Army (NPA), but the Lawmakers said that as many as nine may have been Civilians.

The US Lawmakers also said that the killings may be Part of a broader Campaign by the AFP against Activists and Members of Progressive, Civil Society Organizations in the Philippines.

SOURCE: US Lawmakers call for Independent Probe into Negros 19 Killings {Archived Link}

February 18, 2025: Philippine Army Chief says they are getting Anti-Air Missiles, but denies it will be India’s Akash

The Commanding General of the Philippine Army (PA), Lieutenant General Roy Galido recently held a Press Conference wherein he said that they are planning to acquire Short Range Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), but when asked about the recent News from the International Press about the Philippines soon getting the Akash SAM from India, he says that they are still evaluating Options.

This of course does not discount the other Departments of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from getting the Akash, but so far it is the PA that has been the one that has publicly stated it is getting SAMs this Year of 2025.

Gen. Galido did also say though that they are closely monitoring the BrahMos Missile Project that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) acquired from India. I will be making a Review of the Akash SAM, by the Way, but it’s going to take some time before I release it since it seems it is going to be a relatively long one.

Anyway, here is what Lt. Gen. Galido said during the Press Conference: "It’s part of the overall strategy of the AFP to strengthen our Territorial Defense. Investing in Missile Systems will allow us to project our Military Strength and safeguard our Country’s Sovereignty and Interests."

“This Acquisition is part of our Appropriations, meaning it was included in last Year’s Budget. The Army is set to procure Short-Range Air Defense Systems, and the Mechanism to acquire them is currently underway.”

“Our Financial Capability remains a Challenge. As the Chief of Staff mentioned, we are exploring different Options because we cannot commit to a Project without securing the means to sustain it. We have yet to identify a specific Brand. What we are focusing on is the Platform and its Capabilities. Everything is still under Review and Evaluation.”

“Our Approach will likely be based on the outcome of the Philippine Navy’s BrahMos Missile Project. We will take our Cue from that, as this remains a Work in Progress. The Akash? We don’t have that… there is nothing in the Pipeline right now.”

“As I mentioned, Financial Considerations must be fully established before any Acquisition Process can proceed.”

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Daily Tribune” Website: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/02/17/army-shopping-for-missiles

SOURCE: Army Shopping for Missiles {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

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

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

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

May 20, 2025: BBM Administration now reportedly demanding Political Support for its South China Sea Claims before signing any Military Contract

- New AFP Modernization Contracts are now being delayed due to the Philippines’ Demand for Israel to support its Claims in the SCS

Anonymous Israeli Defense Officials reportedly told various Israeli News Organizations recently that the Department of National Defense (DND) has suspended for the past several Months now the signing of new Contracts with Defense Companies from Israel until the Israeli Government issues a Formal Declaration supporting the Philippines' Claims in the South China Sea (SCS).

The DND reportedly wants a High-Level and Public Political Statement coming from either the Prime Minister or Foreign Minister of Israel itself supporting the Philippines' Disputes in the SCS. However, the Israeli Government has reportedly resisted the demand as it doesn't want to take Sides in the Territorial Disputes.

Among the Defense Equipment that the Philippines bought from Israel during the Term of former President Rodrigo Duterte were the Surface-to-air Python and Derby (SPYDER) Anti-Air System, Shaldag Mark V Patrol Vessels and Autonomous Truck Mounted-howitzer System (ATMOS).

MY THOUGHTS:

I’m not surprised anymore at what this Government of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) is capable of nowadays. The much needed Defense Equipment for the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are now being DELAYED simply due to Political Reasons.

And it is much needed because this Government insists on quarreling with China. If Israel is smart, they will continue to resist these Political Demands by the Philippines and value more their Relations with China, which I imagine are much more beneficial for them.

On the other Hand, Israel’s Defense Market is not that big since the Islamic Countries don’t want to buy from them, so I think it will be a 50-50 toss up now whether they will give the BBM Administration what it wants or not.

Also if Israel doesn’t give in, there are many other Defense-exporting Countries that have already expressed its support to the Philippines in the SCS, like the United States (US), for Example, and many European Countries.

There is also India, who fancies itself as a supposed “Rival” to China. If there are Contracts that are already lined up for signing with Israeli Defense Companies, switching them to other Countries will likely cause even more Delays, not to mention the Fact that Israeli Weapons and Equipment are generally more reasonably priced than those from the US or Europe.

India may be able to offer better Prices than even Israel, but I think Israel offers battle-proven and better Quality and Performance Units. I didn’t like getting Defense Assets from Israel before because of their Secrecy, but now I feel a bit sorry for them.

I think the Fact that the Duterte Administration bought a lot from them before also is being unfairly held up against them now by the BBM Administration, hence the many Demands and Excuses to try to not to get from them anymore.

SOURCES:

* Philippines freezes Israeli Arms Deals over South China Sea Standoff {Archived Link}

* Philippines ties Israeli Arms Deals to recognition in South China Sea Dispute {Archived Link}

April 15, 2025: US approves potential sale of TH-73A Training Helicopters to Philippines, another US Item that the BBM Administration might buy

The United States' (US) State Department thru their Defense Security Cooperation Agreement (DSCA) Website recently approved the possible sale of an undisclosed number of TH-73A Helicopters to the Philippines worth Usd 120 million.

The Sale includes at least one Training Simulator and several other related Equipment. The Aircraft itself will be used for Training Purposes.

MY NOTES:

So, this is just another potential buy by the Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) from the US, aside from F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Fighter Aircraft, Typhon Mid Range Capability (MRC) Missile System, etc.

The 'Bangag' is really going all out with the US now. Not sure which Service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) this will go to, but these are bigger than the Robinson R22 and R44 Helicopters than the AFP is using right now.

I guess it makes sense since the Helicopters that the AFP now has like the AW159 Wildcat of the Philippine Navy (PN) and the T129B ATAK Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are bigger and more sophisticated Aircraft, hence they probably felt the need for a more capable Trainer Aircraft also.

The Bad News is that these TH-73A Helicopters also have higher Operating Costs than the R22 or R44 because of their bigger Size and Sophistication. The TH-73A by the Way is based on the AW119 Helicopter and can seat a total of 5 Passengers and Crew.

It is used by the United States Navy (USN) for their Training and is Code Named the “Thrasher” in their Service.

You can see the DSCA Article at their Website here: https://www.dsca.mil/Congressional-Notification-Archive/Article/4155316/philippines-th-73a-training-helicopters-and-support

SOURCE: Philippines – TH-73A Training Helicopters and Support {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, 2022-2026

October 25, 2026: Philippine Air Force SF-260 Aircraft are Death Traps, killing eight Pilots in four Crashes in the last three Years

Two SF-260 Basic Trainer Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were involved in an Accident recently while conducting a Training Flight over Fernando Air Base in Pampanga. The SF-260 is a two-seater Aircraft, and unfortunately all four Pilots in both Aircraft lost their Lives in the Incident.

The two Aircraft fell within the Perimeter of the Air Base and no other Casualty has been reported. All SF-260 Aircraft have been temporarily Grounded pending the Investigation on the Matter.

The 2026 World's Air Forces Directory of the Flight International Website lists the PAF as having 18 of this Aircraft in Service as Trainers at the start of this Year, but the ChatGPT Super Intelligence (SI) pointed out that already four such Aircraft have crashed in the last three Years.

One crashed in 2023, and another three this Year. In all four crashes, all of the eight Pilots died or none survived. And in all four Incidents, the SF-260 were just conducting regular Flight when for one Reason or another, the Planes just went down and ended up killing their Pilots.

MY THOUGHTS:

IMHO, all these SF-260 Aircraft should be immediately retired and replaced with better Aircraft, eight dead Pilots in three Years is just too much at this Point. I think though that this will severely affect the Operations of the PAF, so at the very least if they keep these flying then they should put strict Operational Restrictions on them.

These SF-260 Aircraft don't have Ejection Seats, so of course the first Priority would be to get Replacement Aircraft that do have Ejection Seats. However, such Seats will of course add complicated Equipment on the Aircraft and thus will make them not only more expensive to acquire, but also more expensive to maintain.

Next is that as I have been saying whenever a PAF Aircraft Type crashes a lot, sophisticated Full Mission Ground Simulators should be acquired also to help the Pilots train and make mistakes first on those before they fly real Aircraft.

This is especially true for young and inexperienced Pilots, even if they are flying just Basic Trainer Aircraft, they still need to be tested and they still need to learn and correct their Mistakes in a non-lethal Environment.

So a lot more Things for the PAF to buy now, Basic Trainer Aircraft with Ejection Seats and Full Mission Ground Simulators.

Disclaimer: The pictured SF-260 Aircraft is not necessarily the one that crashed, it is just a representation of how the Aircraft looks like.

SOURCES:

* Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 10/24/26 – 1422H {Archived Link}

* Air Logistics Support Command, Philippine Air Force Facebook Page Post, 09/08/25 – 2255H {Archived Link}

August 10, 2026: Philippine Air Force FA-50PH Aircraft suffers Mechanical Issue while flying home from Australia, forced to land in Indonesia

One of the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that participated in the Pitch Black Exercise suffered a minor Mechanical Issue while on its way home to the Philippines from Australia.

This forced the Aircraft to make an unscheduled landing in Ambon, Indonesia where PAF Maintenance Personnel inspected and repaired it. The Aircraft was later declared Mission-capable again and continued its Journey back to the Philippines.

SOURCE: Fresh from 'Pitch Black': PAF FA-50 makes brief stop in Indonesia after Mechanical Issue, flies safely back Home {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).

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