Philippines: Gazmin presents budget 2013 Budget to Congress PH Navy to get Italian Maestrale class frigates
Saturday, December 29, 2012 7:53 AM Posted by ZAKIR{F}KHURRAM Labels: philippine navy
manila
110 IFV’s for Philippine Army (UPDATED)
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, speaking at the hearing of the House of Representatives’ appropriations committee on the DND’s proposed 2013 P121.6-billion budget, Italian frigates are a ‘key part’ of the DND’s modernization plan.
The 2013 budget is P15 billion higher than this 2012 SND Gazmin told congressmen the budget increase would be used for investments to “beef up territorial defense.”
60 infantry fighting vehicles and at least 38 mobile gun systems and two to three dozen MBT’s has also been revealed for the Philippine Amry’s three mechanized infantry battalions. The plan which, if accepted is for the Army. The DND is looking to aquire a mix of tracked and wheeled AFV’s. Congressional, defense industry, and, Military sources tell MikeinManila that with the increased participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The Army making the bulk of the contribution to these units needs to be capable to handle UN equiptment issued to them during those operations as soon as they arrive in assigned areas. “This will eliminate the down time to familiarize our forces and make them more effective peacekeepers.” one source revealed per the MBT units. “One training squadron and perhaps two active for supporting the Army infantry mechanized units is ideal.”
Philippine Navy officers inspecting the hoped for Maestrale of the Italian Navy
Spanish and Italian as well as French MBT’s have been offered the Leopard 2, AMX30, and, upgraded M60A4 models which have the gun and turret system of the US M1A! Abrams tank are under consideration.
Three Squadrons of 12 MBTs are seen as needed to make the Mechanized infrantry units more
capable in urabn and rural combat situations where the gun systems on the MBT;s can engage tagets at up 10km away. While only a proposal it may see more discussion in 2013 – but – the sources noted MBT’s if procured would likley not be used in internal security operations since most current roads and bridges would be limited to ten ton or less vehicles.
Italy already has offered to bundle purchase options for the Frigates with IFV’s and the idea is considered to be an attractive one. However, these may be for the Philippine Marines. Other AFP units looking at IFV’s are the air force for air base and facilities security in particular those with Anti-Air capabilities.
The
Philippine News Agency reports, that the Department of National Defense
(DND) has presented its 2013 budget to congress. “One of the largest
procurement plans ever for the armed forces of the Philippines.”
say defense officials . Overall the Philippine Navy sees a major boost
to its capability and regaining anti-submarine warfare capability.
High on the list are two Italian Meastrale Class Frigates,
that PNA reports will cost, “US$ 30 million (P6 billion) each to upgrade
the Philippines’ defense capabilities.” the Maestrale’s are modern well
armed frigates are seen as a major jump to 21st century technology for a
navy who for decades operated some of the oldest naval vessels in the
world.Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, speaking at the hearing of the House of Representatives’ appropriations committee on the DND’s proposed 2013 P121.6-billion budget, Italian frigates are a ‘key part’ of the DND’s modernization plan.
The 2013 budget is P15 billion higher than this 2012 SND Gazmin told congressmen the budget increase would be used for investments to “beef up territorial defense.”
60 infantry fighting vehicles and at least 38 mobile gun systems and two to three dozen MBT’s has also been revealed for the Philippine Amry’s three mechanized infantry battalions. The plan which, if accepted is for the Army. The DND is looking to aquire a mix of tracked and wheeled AFV’s. Congressional, defense industry, and, Military sources tell MikeinManila that with the increased participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The Army making the bulk of the contribution to these units needs to be capable to handle UN equiptment issued to them during those operations as soon as they arrive in assigned areas. “This will eliminate the down time to familiarize our forces and make them more effective peacekeepers.” one source revealed per the MBT units. “One training squadron and perhaps two active for supporting the Army infantry mechanized units is ideal.”
Philippine Navy officers inspecting the hoped for Maestrale of the Italian Navy
Spanish and Italian as well as French MBT’s have been offered the Leopard 2, AMX30, and, upgraded M60A4 models which have the gun and turret system of the US M1A! Abrams tank are under consideration.
Three Squadrons of 12 MBTs are seen as needed to make the Mechanized infrantry units more
capable in urabn and rural combat situations where the gun systems on the MBT;s can engage tagets at up 10km away. While only a proposal it may see more discussion in 2013 – but – the sources noted MBT’s if procured would likley not be used in internal security operations since most current roads and bridges would be limited to ten ton or less vehicles.
Italy already has offered to bundle purchase options for the Frigates with IFV’s and the idea is considered to be an attractive one. However, these may be for the Philippine Marines. Other AFP units looking at IFV’s are the air force for air base and facilities security in particular those with Anti-Air capabilities.
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