Army to Boost Firepower, Communications, Night-Fighting Capabilities

Acquisition of heavy weapons, communications equipment and night-fighting devices has an estimated funding of P8 billion (photo : Armed Forces of the Philippines)

The Philippine Army's (PA) major acquisitions under its so-called "medium term" phase of modernization program will focus on improving its firepower, communications and night fighting capabilities.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said that this phase started this year and will end on 2016.

He said the acquisition of heavy weapons, communications equipment and night-fighting devices has an estimated funding of P8 billion. These equipment will make the PA a more credible territorial defense force once acquisition is completed.

However, Bacus did not give specific details on what particular weapons and platforms are in the pipeline, as the group that will plan the acquisition is still yet to convene.

"The concerned offices cannot yet give the details because talks are still to convene for these projects," Bacus stressed.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier said that it is planning to acquire a shore-based missile system for the PA.

This project has contract amounting to P6.5 billion.

Patrick Velez, DND vice chair for the bids and awards committee, said, once acquired, the weapon will be placed under the control and supervision of the Army.

The shore-based missiles will be carried out through “limited source bidding".

No other details were given for security reasons. 

(PTVNews)