Airbus has offered defense equipment and aircraft to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.
Airbus Chief Representative for the Philippines Jussi Hoikka stated that Asia-Pacific countries are hiking defense budgets and ordering more aircraft to boost defense capabilities amid rising threats and advised Manila to do the same.
Hoikka shared that the aircraft giant is currently in talks with the Philippine Air Force and has proposed selling transport aircraft, helicopters, and an air defense system among other military assets.
The proposal comes in light of the AFP’s Re-Horizon 3 phase focused on enhancing the country’s archipelagic defense capabilities, particularly protecting the country’s exclusive economic zone involved in territorial disputes with China.
To achieve this objective, the plan outlines the need to acquire and expand platforms that strengthen the country’s domain awareness, connectivity, surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Military Aircraft
The Philippines already owns seven C295 medium-lift aircraft, and Airbus proposed the possible procurement of its retrofitted variant equipped with radar for surveillance missions.It can carry a payload of up to nine tons or 71 troops, and cruise at a top speed of 260 knots (299 miles/482 kilometers per hour).
The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport was also offered, as it is a versatile aircraft for refueling fighter jets with up to 111 tons of fuel capacity.
For heavy cargo transport to remote or austere locations, humanitarian assistance, and resupply missions, Airbus pitched its A400M Transport Aircraft.
The Philippine Coast Guard was offered the H225M multirole helicopter, which is suitable for combat, search-and-rescue, and disaster relief operations. It is a heavy-lift aircraft with long-range, all-weather capabilities, and is NATO-certified.
Surveillance and Intelligence Systems
In line with Re-Horizon 3’s objectives, Hoikka proposed the Fortion SuRVIn Suite for comprehensive air and maritime surveillance and the Fortion SkyControl for real-time intelligence integration, enhanced situational awareness and decision-making.
He also put forward the FlexRotor unmanned aerial system to be used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
“With over 3,700 combat flight hours, the FlexRotor is expected to bolster the capabilities of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in identifying and classifying maritime targets in complex environments,” Hoikka said.