AFP to buy 6 air support aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will buy six close air support aircraft worth P4.9 billion as part of its continuing modernization program.

The Department of National Defense (DND) is set to hold today the bid opening for the acquisition of the close air support aircraft designed to provide air support to infantry and naval units engaging with the enemy.

Six foreign firms reportedly expressed interest to participate in the bidding for the aircraft acquisition.

They are Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer Asia Pacific; United States-based Beechcraft Defense Co. and IOMAX USA Inc.; Korea Aerospace Industries; European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. - Construcciones Aeronautics SA (EADS-CASA) Airbus Defense and Space, and Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.

The DND announced the invitation to bid in May but this was put on hold pending the approval of President Aquino.

The DND’s technical working group said that technical specifications require aircraft with dual tandem seating and a carrying capacity of at least 3,000 lbs with five hard points. The aircraft must also have two .50 caliber guns built in or through pods.

The winning bidder will be required to deliver the six aircraft within 540 calendar days upon the receipt of notice to proceed.