DND finalizing terms for jet acquisition

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is finalizing the terms of reference for the acquisition of 12 fighter jets from South Korea to beef up the military’s security capabilities.

“We are threshing out the terms of reference before we present them to the bids and awards committee,” Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR in a phone interview yesterday.

The terms of reference contain details of the acquisition, including the equipment to be delivered, features and technical specifications, payment schemes and costs, among other information.

The details were discussed in a meeting of security officials last Thursday. The government hopes to start the negotiations with South Korea soon but did not give a specific timetable.

Manalo said the purchase of the jets remains a priority.

Officials were quoted as saying that the terms of reference for the 12 FA-50 fighter jets might be completed within the month.

The government has allotted P18 billion for the purchase of the jets that would boost the capabilities of the Air Force.

Manalo said they are waiting for the sales agreement from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a state-run firm that coordinates with countries seeking to acquire South Korean military assets.

He said the DAPA would sign the deal in behalf of the South Korean government and would guarantee the performance of the assets even if these are manufactured by a private company.

Earlier, the interagency government procurement policy board allowed the DND to proceed with the pre-negotiations with South Korea for the purchase of the FA-50s manufactured by the Korean Aerospace Industries.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has ordered security officials to hasten the acquisition of 21 UH-1 helicopters so these can be delivered in time for the rainy season.

Gazmin gave the assurance that procedures would be followed despite the speedy acquisition of the helicopters.

“I have asked Undersecretary Manalo to fast-track the acquisition without violating any law so we can use them during the rainy season,” Gazmin said over radio dzRH.

The defense chief said the 21 UH-1 helicopters or Hueys would be delivered within the year.

The DND will acquire the 21 refurbished Hueys through negotiated procurement after the two biddings for the air assets failed. The government expects to complete the procurement by July.

The government has allotted P1.26 billion for the 21 helicopters, which were originally intended to support poll-related duties. However, failed biddings delayed the acquisition.

AFP chief visits PAF

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista made his first visit to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) headquarters in Pasay City last Monday, more than four months since he assumed as head of the military.

Bautista was warmly welcomed at Villamor Airbase by airmen led by Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro de la Cruz, who was a contender for the top military post.

During the visit, Bautista thanked Air Force leaders for supporting and helping the military’s security plan.

The visit was meant to discuss efforts to enhance the Air Force’s capabilities.