31 Desember 2022
HDP-2200+ Offshore Patrol Vessel (image : HHI)
2023 is a big year for the Armed Forces of the Philippines especially for it's modernization program. Here are the lists of the big AFP projects that is expected within 2023.
1. First steel cutting of the first new HDC-3100 Corvette and the HDP-2200+ Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Philippine Navy to be built by Hyunday Heavy Industries.
2. Construction of the 2 new Landing Platform Docks w/c will be an upgraded version of Tarlac-class LPD. The project will be handled over by PT PAL, a shipbuilding company in Indonesia.
3. Delivery of additional 4 Shaldag MK-V Fast Attack Interdiction Craft. The said delivery was confirmed by Navy's new Flag Officer in Command Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr during the commissioning of the first 2 Acero-class last November 2022.
4. The delivery of 20 Sabrah ASCOD II light tanks and 10 Sabrah Pandur II 8x8 wheeled tanks, as well as Guarani wheeled armored personnel carrier in the Philippines. It would be remembered that Elbit Systems premised to delivered the Sabrah light tanks within 2022 but only received one this December which was displayed during the AFP Founding Anniversary. Meanwhile, the 10 Sabrah Pandur wheeled armored tank are expected to be delivered in 2023.
5. The delivery of the first batch of the Brahmos shore-based anti-ship missile system. Philippines is now in the process of receiving the first batch of the Brahmos shore-based anti-ship missile system of the Philippine Marine Corps. The Philippines acquired 3 batteries of the Brahmos anti-ship missile system, our first supersonic missile ever in the country.
6. The delivery of the last batch of the T-129B ATAK helicopters from Turkey. This month the 3rd and 4th units of the said helicopters were formally received by the Phillippine government and the last remaining 2 units will be received in 2023 if no delays occur.
7. The delivery of the first batch of additional 32 units of S70i Blackhawk helicopter. Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec has completed the first 3 of 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters that DND ordered early this year, and could be arriving to the Philippines soon.
Design of LPD batch 2 for the Philippine Navy (image : PAL)
8. The possible delivery of the K136 Kooryong Multi-launch Rocket Systems from South Korea. It would be remembered that the Department of Budget and Management released Php 21 million for the logistics to bring in these systems plus ammunition to the Philippines. These MLRS and the ammunition are said to have been donated by the South Korean Government, but the Philippines will pay for logistics, repair, training, and others. The Philippine Army is expected to receive 3 batteries worth of MLRS, while the Philippine Marine Corps is expected to have 1 battery.
9. Some movement for the acquisition of the Multi-role Fighter Acquisition Project of PAF. Up until this point in time, the Philippine Air Force is still undecided whether Lockheed Martin's F-16 Viper or Saab's Gripen JAS-39 C/D will be the future multi-role fighter jet of the Philippine Air Force. Recently, both companies are already making their moves and both sweeten their offers. Saab offered 12 new-built JAS 39 C/D Gripens in MS20 configuration, with Saab adding 2 more for a total of 14 fighters, Lockheed Martin offered their latest new-build F-16C/D Block 70 Viper, although the offer was around USD 2.3 billion for 12 aircraft. US Government offered to provide between 2 to 6 additional F-16 C/D Block 30 Fighting Falcon fighters to allow PAF pilots to start training and operating fighters in preparation for the new Vipers. But then again, the Philippine Air Force is still struggling to secure enough funds to start the procurement process.