46 AFP modernization projects completed under Noy gov’t

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 46 military upgrade projects, including items that improved the country’s maritime security capabilities, have been completed under the Aquino administration, officials said yesterday.

Speaking during the defense department’s 75th anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo, President Aquino said the figure is higher than the combined 45 projects accomplished by the three previous administrations.

He added that the fund allotted for the Armed Forces Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program has reached P41.38 billion from June 2010 to October 2014.

“This is higher than the combined funds allotted by the three previous administrations since 1995 that totaled almost P32 billion,” Aquino said. “We have also completed 46 projects.”

The projects under Aquino also constituted more than half of the 91 upgrades implemented since 1995.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin credited the development to “continuing reforms in the defense establishment through the effective implementation of the defense system of management.”

He said among the 46 completed projects were eight brand new combat utility helicopters, three units of multi-purpose attack craft, armaments, equipment, vehicles, force protection articles, utility trucks and coast watch requirements that enhanced the monitoring of the country’s territories.

The government has also purchased BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, weather high endurance ships now being used for territorial defense and disaster response.

Other big-ticket items that have been delivered include a rocket launcher, 3,840 units of force protection equipment and 81 mm mortar with ammunition for the Army; and 18 basic trainer aircraft and aerial surveillance camera for the Air Force.

Also completed were the purchase of night fighting system, 20W vehicular configuration radio and 40 units of truck troop carriers, two rigid hull inflatable boats, 720 grenade launchers and 230 units of 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun.

Gazmin said there are still 52 ongoing upgrade projects with an approved budget of P26.92 billion.

He said 36 of these projects with an outlay of P23.39 billion are awaiting delivery, including two strategic sealift vessels, two naval helicopters, eight attack helicopters, three medium lift aircraft, two light lift aircraft, assault rifles and force protection and communications equipment.

Gazmin said they have lined up 33 projects to be implemented over the next five years with a total cost of P90.86 billion. Projects under the program include 12 units of lead-in fighter trainer jets and eight units of combat utility helicopters.