DND seeks P25 B for modernization projects

Department of National Defense

MANILA – In order to enhance the military capabilities of the country, a total of P24.7 billion is needed to fund 12 projects lined-up for 2015.

As revealed in a Philippine Star Report, the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) is aiming to include several projects for the 2015 budget including lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition, long-range patrol aircraft, multi-purpose attack craft, rocket launchers and base upgrades.

Of the 12 projects on the list, P4.968 billion is allocated for six units of close air support aircraft; P5.976 million for ), two units of long-range patrol aircraft; and P187.43 million for basing support systems in three provinces.

Twelve FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets acquired from South Korea for about P4.52 billion are also included in the list of target purchase for next year.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy has two units of helicopters capable of anti-submarine warfare (P5.402 billion), three units of multi-purpose attack craft (P1.18 billion) and support and logistics for naval bases (P313.62 million), in their project list.

To improve the Army’s capabilities, four projects were listed including 4,464 units of night fighting systems (P1.116 billion), 744 units of rocket launchers (P407.41 million), 1,446 units of 2-5W handheld radios (P430.8 million) and 60 units of high frequency 50W radios (P144 million).