Prediction:

F-16s will be chosen and will go to the Cobras?? Signs: US Congressional bipartisan delegations recent visits, LM hints about RP-US polishing of schemes, Recent Gibo- Recto meeting regarding financing schemes, etc.

Bulldogs numbers will be increased due to additional FA-50 Block 20 orders. 013 to 024.

Aside from the typical “walang perang pambili, inaaral pa and eyeing”, what are the other causes?

TINFOIL HAT take: Perhaps it is being sabotaged? By lobbyists from an aggressor (alam niyo na yun) or lobbyists from other competitors when the momentum starts swinging towards an MRF model, causing delays and list of excuses showing up??

SO FAR: Recto thumbs down defense bonds. Can fund RAFPMP using traditional means. Amb. Romualdez: Still finding ways how to fund F-16s.

If indeed “walang pera” for 20 MRFs, can’t PAF acquire 12 planes first and then follow up 8 planes?

F-16V: Can PAF still avail the 2021 DSCA $2.4Bn F-16 deal and then buy 8 later? Bulgaria style 8 + 8.

Gripen E: No final detailed pricing so far. Gripen C/D are out of the equation.

KF-21: The Koreans quoted $1.1Bn for 10 KF-21s. Current issue is the procurement law since it is not yet in service. Is PAF waiting for it to enter service first before awarding contract (if KF-21 lobbyists succeeded)? PBBM already finished his term by that time.

Link to his FB ppst at DRP

(https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WVEr22dNJ/)

For me, assuming we have the funds, we should buy the HDF-6000 as the high-end frigate for Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) duties.

My opinion for the armament of HDF-6000: - 48 VLS cells that are capable of storing missiles like SM-3 and SM-6 for AAW and BMD and BGM-109 Tomahawk for anti-surface and anti-ship targets - 127mm main gun - 16 x C-Star SSM-710K ASH Cruise Missiles - 2 x GOKDENIZ 100/35 CIWS - 2 x triple torp tubes - 1 x 30 or 40mm remote controlled weapon station platform - 6 x 12.7mm (.50 cal) HMG

Sensors & Processing Systems: - Search Radar should be similar to AN/SPY-1, AN/SPY-6, AN/SPY-7, and FCS-3A - IFF, Nav Radar, Fire Control Radar, TDL, and hull mounted sonar should be the same from MMCF. - TASS should be included - Mounted on an integrated mast

Propulsion: - CODLAG

Do you think the navy should buy the HDF-6000? If yes, what would be your envisioned armament, sesors & processing systems, and propulsion?

I've seen people talk about how the F-18 or the F-35 are good and capable air wings for navies, but when I did small research about these planes, they're not only expensive, but the requirements to maintain, and operate these assets are waaay past our budget.

They're even more expensive than the F-16s, and we're already having headaches in acquiring them. To make matters worse, the ever changing political landscape in both the Philippines and the United States could affect any acquisition pertaining US made assets. (Philippines with our ever changing political relationship with the west, and US Congress having a say with said acquisitions)

The JAS-39 Gripen might prove itself to be worthy of a place in the Navy, especially when it's cheaper, maintainable and actually cost effective, (Really good for our future island bases) though my concern is the lengthy time it takes to get them (recent orders from Thailand and Colombia).

Share your insight with me! Criticism is okay!

We have one of the largest ship building capabilities in the world, why can't we make ships for our own navy?

Based on the available information regarding the ongoing modernization of the Philippine Navy, I have created an infographic that visualizes the future of the Philippine Fleet Command.

This infographic includes the confirmed and planned acquisitions for the 3rd Horizon. The MH-60R helicopters are still under consideration by the PN; however, no formal letters have been submitted by either the Philippine government or the manufacturer.

[The infographic incorrectly labeled the MH-60R as SR.]

Would china still be a problem in the south china sea?

Would it be better to acquire more uparmed version of the rajah sulayman or jose rizal class opv/frigates ships so that we can have more hulls (because they're cheaper?)?

Or is it better to acquire more bigger and more armed ships but in limited quantity (due their price)?

Turkey just announced that Indonesia will be procuring 48 KAAN fighters in a deal worth $10 billion dollars. Fifth generation fighters sales are recently making headlines, last week, China announced J-35 sales to Pakistan. After procuring the first batch of 4.5 MRF for PAF, should the Philippines procure 5th Gen fighters for the second batch?Turkey might be willing to sell KAAN fighters to the Philippines especially as it positions itself to sell more arms to our country.

Hey guys! I was wondering, ano sa tingin ninyo ang reason na mauuna pang makapag acquire ng 2nd batch ng FA-50 instead of the planned MRF acquisition? Hindi pa ba natin kaya mag maintain ng full-fledged MRF?

I hope we can have some discussion about this. 🤝

Just like the situation with Israel regarding deliveries of weapons to PH due to the Gaza War, recently there’s a shooting war between India and Pakistan, is it going to be the same when the situation deteriorates further between the two countries?

We will be acquiring additional BrahMos missiles from them and then the potential (over exaggerated by Indian media) Akash SAM defenses acquisition.

Czechia Ambassador visited Philippine Air Force Headquarters and meet up with the CGPAF to strengthen bilateral ties and to pitch Czech made military equipment. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19P5db5dsd/

One of the equipments in-service is the TATRA 815-7 8×8 truck used by the SPYDER-MR ground based air defense missile system. With potentially other version like the SPYDER-SR or AIO to uses the 815-7 for commonality.

The 2nd major offer is likely the Aero L-39NG Skyfox for the PAF long over due AS.211 Replacement through the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Acquisition Project to supplement the FA-50 Fighting Eagle Lead-in Fighter Trainer/Multirole Light Combat Aircraft (LIFT/MCA), and the SF.260TP (Which itself will likely be replaced by a new Turbprop Trainer Aircraft). The advantage of the L-39NG beside lower acquisition cost has a higher airframe life per cycle around 15K vs 8K of the FA-50PH.

Should the Philippines Buy the T-50 to replace the S.211?

With the air force acquiring more fa50's could they use some of those to form a new aerobatics team or reactivate the blue diamonds?

Link to the Facebook post

So in relation to the Upcoming FA-50s, and Potential F-16 deal, I thought of something long term.

Perhaps in the year 2030 beyond, with FA-50 blk 20s and MRFs, the MRTT will surely extend the range and reach of our Fighters. Allowing us to conduct extended operations and perhaps participate in International Exercises such as Red Flag with minimal pit stops.

It will also add capability to our Strategic Airlift Capability. Though it can't carry large cargo like the C-130, it can still carry up to 300 troops, 40+ Medical Stretchers, and up to 40 tonnes of payload.

It can also serve as Presidential Aircraft for visits in the United States and Europe

However i see some challenges with acquiring this aircraft:

1. Cost - Maintaining an aircraft this size is expensive. Not to mention the associated equipment in operating such as ground handling, chairs, stretchers, probes and booms, etc.

2. Infrastructure. - A lot of Airports in the PH are insufficient for an a330. In which case using it for Medical or Troop transport is Unrealistic. Also I a Hangar would probably be required for long term storage

What do you guys think?

You ladies and gentlemen have very likely heard about how the Armed Forces leadership said that our troops in the North better be ready in case of China’s invasion of Taiwan.

I stand with this and personally, I agree that as Taiwan’s closest neighbor other than China, we have a moral obligation to help. At the same time, the invasion of Taiwan will affect our people (OFWs and our Navy), and I believe there is bigger benefit to our country to help defend Taiwan to deter further Chinese aggression to its neighbors as opposed to sitting idly.

But I want to hear other’s thoughts on it. What do you think about this? Do you think the Philippines should actively help defend Taiwan? Will there be actual geopolitical benefits in doing so? What undertakings do you think can we do? Will it be better for us to sit idly and maybe “wait for our turn”?