The Philippine Air Force (PAF) with the supervision of the Department of National Defense (DND) is set to procure six fixed-wing aircraft worth P4.96 billion to replace the vintage OV10 bronco fleet aircraft which are currently used for close air support and aerial reconnaissance platforms.
The procurement was confirmed by Raymundo Elefante, Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations, and Material.
Asked what type of aircraft would be bought, Elefante could not give specific description except to say these would be used for the internal operation.
“These are close air support aircraft for our troops engaged with the enemy on the ground, and will also serve as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance” ISR platform,” he said.
PAF official who does not want to identify on the condition of anonymity said, It could be the propeller type A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft or the Scorpion Light Strike/ISR Fighter.
According to the government’s Philgeps website, a public bidding will be conducted by the Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of National Defense for the immediate procurement of the said aircraft.
The pre-bid conference for interested bidders is on Jan 11 at the DND building at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, officials from the DND-BAC said.
The procurement of Close Air Support Aircraft,” is part of the PAF’s “big-ticket items” worth P43.27 worth of modern assets to be purchased under the overall 2013-2017 Modernization Projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. – JCE.
This is a good move. I am glad this administration is finally upgrading our capability. I hope they also put emphases not only on air but also on the seas. We need a good navy for patrolling our seas. Particularly that we have many islands dotted around the area.