The Philippine Army Modernization and Transformation Roadmap 2028

Among the military branches that have the greatest effect with regards to their contributions to the Revised AFP Modernization Program, the personnel forming the Philippine Army may be considered the least known that its different strategic, organizational, and procurement programs are being reported bit-by-bit rather than being part of the organization as one. In this matter, this topic deserves its own discussion.

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
Based on the PDF file about ATR2028

Philippine Army Soldiers in their new uniform. Source

Through the years, the Philippine Army is improving its capability, wherein its soldiers have effectively deployed in the field, enhancing their skills further in combat against insurgent groups like the Communist Sympathizers and the Islamic ones far south, these troops also receive various upgrades wherein due time, enhancing both skills and asset of a specific combatant within the Army in line to its aim to have World-Class armed forces in 2028.

But it was so different in the years before these changes, wherein the organization undertook good governance transformation and improving its organizational structure, a far cry from the past that has plagued with various challenges and controversies, ranging from incompetence to graft, in which if left unsolved, will affect the organization as a whole negatively that it even affects the nation's way of defending itself, not to mention various issues that are disadvantageous to the Army like military adventurism and the revolving door policy which makes a present term for a chief of staff (which is from the Army) short where it affects the leadership in which it also affects the direction of the organization in general. 

These sets of problems have provided a sufficient reason for the Army to revamp the institutional norms and policies, leading to this very roadmap that aims to obtain and uphold a credible, dynamic, responsive, capable, and professional Army, wherein it can be seen as an organization that is committed to deliver and perform its mandate of serving and securing the country and its citizens as what the constitution prescribes it. See more: Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The Philippine Army, through this transformation roadmap initiative, has seen various progress varying from its performance to its military procurements which is deemed a big difference from what it was administrations before. Speaking of which, this transformation is still in the process where areas from performance, military assets, and organization will be deeply discussed in this article.

PERFORMANCE

A Soldier in Bohol. Via Inquirer.net

Like the rest of the organization within the scope of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the performance among military personnel improves as new assets arrive wherein strategically speaking, it provides a significant improvement as to how they respond wherein various skirmishes and various achievements that we will about to provide may give an insight as for the strategical actions the Army do have at present.

One example is the very recent news about the Abu Sayyaf group who set foot on Bohol as a staging point for kidnapping people, in which it was failed due to the quicker response of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines against these insurgents with the Philippine Army playing a significant role in the operations, wherein within days, the coordination of all military branches, along with the police and together with the help of the locals, made it difficult for the insurgents to push deeper especially with the death of the one who initiated the attack. 

Another example showing the Army's significant role is with the attacks that took place in Butig, Lanao del Sur, wherein the offensives made it successful to reclaim the town once again from the ISIS sympathizers known as the Maute group as both the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Army jointly initiated the offensive where the ISIS plans of establishing in the Philippines got foiled where that in which, the threat remains to be in existence until at present that the people need to be aware so to speak wherein that sense, Maritime Domain Awareness in territorial waters needs to be enhanced following the events about the situations happened in Bohol. 

Performance-wise, the Philippine Army in these recent military operations exhibits exemplary actions where it was immediately carried out and primary objectives have been achieved. Speaking of which, there is more to be done wherein the Transformation Roadmap still has a lot of strategic, organizational, and procurement plans in which it aims to achieve its goals all the way to 2028.

WEAPONS PROCUREMENT

M-113 vehicles the Army's mechanized division obtains.
From PDA archives.

The Philippine Army just like the Air Force and the Navy also have military procurement plans in which it calls to procure different military assets in which it may be seen as essential to the mandate of the Army, as well as to further enhance its strategic capabilities as an organization wherein soldiers in the field may or will have better weapons in which it may give a better edge against the enemy. 

Apparently, the weapons procurement plans in the Army may change from time to time or with little more occurrence than its counterparts within the armed forces in which it may be found difficult for us to disclose all of the weapons as per planning. Here are just some of the projects where it was publicized by the Army and discussed across defense fields.

M-4 rifles

The M-4 rifles were bought by the Philippines. There are around 56,843 units
procured. From Manila Bulletin

This procurement calls to replace older M-16s that the Army obtains with the hopes of modernizing the soldier's primary equipment to enhance its overall performance on the battlefield. 

Apparently, the similarities between these two at around 80% wherein interoperability is deemed possible that spare parts can be interchangeable where logistically speaking, it is deemed efficient. 

The only thing here is that M-4 rifles are produced by Colt wherein the barrel was shortened down to the purpose of having an improved weapons performance in close-quarter combat in which albeit there are shorter-barreled M-16s, they are said to be noisy, as well as being inaccurate where it gives the necessity to develop a new weapon like the M-4. 

In this manner, the said weapons at the first batch back then were inaccurate due to ineffective rear sights where it was then fixed by Remington in the sense that the whole program resumed without a hitch. Hence, the M-4 deliveries back then are completed.

The said weapon upgrades are considered as part of the Philippine Army objective called capability upgrade program or CUP in which it may be said part of the greater transformation roadmap where weapons procurements as well military capabilities upgrades do aim to have a soldier better-equipped in the field than ever before.

Camouflage Pattern for Battle Dress Uniform

Gen. Ricardo Visaya and his new Battle Dress Uniform made by
Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp. (Source)

As the Philippine Army materializes the procurement of military equipment for the troops, it is also a good thing if a new battle dress uniform (BDU) will be introduced. And with that, the Army procures these new sets of new BDUs from the Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp wherein it blends more to the Philippine Environment than the older, dark camouflage pattern.

The Company, Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp is renowned in the field of camouflage technology wherein its expertise was recognized by the United States government. Produced new designs monthly, this company is considered one of the best camouflage experts there is in existence, in which they produce camouflage designs for various countries like Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, and even the Philippines through the Philippine Army. 

Such improvements do change the image of the Philippine Army and its troops as what the Army Transformation Roadmap aims to have to the organization in which this said camouflage design made by a reputable camouflage expert there is may help the troops blend with the Philippine environment which makes it difficult from the adversaries to detect in which a soldier of the Republic may still have a better chance to live another day together with newer military equipment like the M-4 rifle.

Having the new camouflage, the Philippine Army is suited up where aside from battle dress uniforms, the armored personnel carriers like the M-113 are also being incorporated with such a design in a sense that it becomes the thing for the Philippine Army for these vehicles from the mechanized division to be blended to the environment as well as to be in uniform to the way the soldiers have used in which it will be a better thing to get advantage where it makes things much difficult to see if possible therein.

Pitz Defense Analysis Note (05-2019): This camouflage deal with Hyperstealth was replaced with the locally-developed PHILARPAT or the Philippine Army Pattern that can be seen similar to the ones developed by the company. Such a move disappoints Hyperstealth a lot which they post this article about the patents that may be violated from this process. Nevertheless, despite the company's concerns, the PHILARPAT became what is to be the standard uniform for the Army to use, which is an improvement from the previous uniforms they obtain.

Modified M-113s by Elbit

Modified by Elbit, these M-113 Infantry Fighting Vehicles are a plus
against insurgents that using a console, these soldiers can fire
directly at a target safely. From John Chua

Gunners will no longer have a doubt of being shot by an enemy gun while firing with the introduction of a product made by Israeli company Elbit to have the said firepower without any worries of being killed upon in which these weapons are named UT-25 and the Overhead Remote-Controlled Weapons Station or ORCWS.

Signed on June 22, 2014, this modified M-113s at a contract cost of PHP 882 million calls for six UT-25 gunned M-113s and four 25mm ORCWS wherein it really gives the Philippine Army under its Mechanized Division its armor capability that can be used in companion with the soldiers in the field. Apparently, the performance of these armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles for that matter can be shown in this video posted by VJ Norz on YouTube:

These modified M-113s which are equipped with remote-controlled guns makes it safer for a gunner to fire upon a target and hence, eliminating it wherein foot soldiers as complemented with military equipment like this will do their job as effectively and as safely as it is where casualties among the troops will be minimized as well as mounting casualties among others like the insurgents. With this, it is hopeful that in line with the Transformation Roadmap, more of these may be materialized upon the queue of the decision-makers within the ranks.

Land-based Missile System

This project was based on the original Shore-based missile system whereupon taking note as per the fate of this said project, it was back then realigned to Second Horizon in favor of helmets and vests.

The good thing is that, albeit the shelving is still within the priorities of the Army were in that manner, the said project and separated and become two, different projects. That is the renamed land-based missile system which is still a Philippine Army project under the roadmap, and the separate-Philippine Navy version of the Shore-based missile system where the setup is similar to the ones the Philippine Army have. 

All of these are slated by the next horizon which is implemented by next year. Apparently speaking, the possible contender in a project like this is the Israeli Military Industries or IMI and its LYNX MLRS or Multiple Launch Rocket System. Given the interest made in this program, albeit the circumstances that go against the situation like the so-called realignment, the hope is still deemed high that this program will be materialized in the sense that if once available, the Philippine Army will have a boost for its capabilities especially for guided/unguided artilleries like this.

This comparison made by IMI, albeit the bias, seems that
it can prove that the Lynx is a better product to the Phil. Army.

This project as summarised can be seen as one of the big-ticket projects the Philippine Army has where it may be the pinnacle of the Army's capability upgrade program as per the Transformation Roadmap. These in which may still be determined by the certainties and conditions that may be gone favorable as per the way the project materialized upon.

M-71 155mm Towed Howitzers from Israel

Howitzers from Israel are procured by the Philippine Army to improve
field firepower.

These Soltam M-71 Towed Howitzers are offered to the Philippine Army by Elbit which also supplies modified M-113s where it calls for an overall six to twelve units of Soltams in which three of these units will arrive in the following months with the first batch arriving before this month ends.

Apparently, the said procurement program undertakes three bidding procedures, wherein it started in the year 2013 wherein such circumstances upon the first two bid process got failed due to the so-called insufficient bidding documents which do not meet up to the bidding specifications and standards that it is looking. Considering that matter, the delivery of the systems is reported as early as last year as per another defense outlet gives a report about it. 

Even though there are no exact details as per the date when the contract was signed, we may be so glad as well that these artillery pieces will arrive in due time that in the months following by, they will be used not only by the Philippine Army but also by their counterparts in the Philippine Marine Corps where just like any artillery and the role of Philippine Air Force gunships, can be used as support mechanisms where area suppression is deemed needed before the ground troops to proceed and clearing up all the remnants of a certain adversary.

Speaking of which, these said howitzers from Israel may give a boost for the Army and the firepower it needs wherein pulverizing an area filled with insurgents or some adversary for that matter is a necessity to complement with other artillery pieces like the M-114 cannons the Philippine Army have where artillery barrages suppress up the enemy and its defenses.

Pitz Defense Analysis Note: This list as being stated here before is just highlighted to the long list of procurement programs the Philippine Army has where several of those are not disclosed to the public. Moreover, these said programs just like any other thing may be changing without any notice under the discretion of those within the ranks. Also, an update will be made from time to time if any new discussion about this topic arises shortly either in this very article or on our Facebook page.

ORGANIZATION

The Performance Governance System or PGS will be based on
scorecards that assess the areas where the Army sees its
strengths and weaknesses. From ATR2028 WordPress.

This is the main feature where the Army Transformation Roadmap, wherein the organizational format as shown emphasizes the details, in which two things always popped up to this matter that will improve the organization which is in terms of performance excellence and good governance.

In the given timeline of improving the AFP from the Modernization Program to the AFP Capability Upgrade Program (in which all of the weapons procurements mentioned fall under either this category), the Philippine Army through its Transformation Roadmap have its own very program which may help the Army fixed its organizational structure. That is, the Performance Governance System or PGS wherein it is an initiative upon the adaptation of Harvard's Balanced Scorecard Framework which will assess the organization from accounting to military capability through the use of its assets like the ones aforementioned in this article. In the scorecard given, the modernization of the Army where it coincides with its military capabilities is emphasized in Strategic Objective 9 or SO9 of its Performance Measures and Targets. The quotation is given as follows:

For SO9 – “Build and modernize mission-essential capabilities”, the measure is the “percentage of battalions which completed the Battalions of Excellence (BOE) Program.” The BOE Program seeks to build-up and modernization of mission-essential capabilities of Army battalions. Thus, chosen indicator will measure will enable the PA to assess the success of its modernization program. The PA aims to have 100% of its battalions to undergo the BOE Program.

Moreover, it doesn't alone cover the enhancement of capabilities. In such a manner, doctrines about it may also be as important as well given that in it, will do serve as a guide for each and every military personnel as well as decision-makers upon ranks to follow. And with this, the quotation for the doctrine is given as follows:

For SO8 – “Adopt and institutionalize best practices in management, operations, and support system”, the performance indicator is the “Doctrine Development throughput time” or the total amount of time spent in developing a doctrine (from conceptualization to promulgation of manuals). The efficiency in doctrine development will facilitate the adoption and institutionalization of best practices in management, operations, and support system. By 2028, the PA seeks to reduce the doctrine development throughput time to 365 days from 3,248 days in 2010.

In this short and long-term strategies given, it can be said that the Army is deemed promising on the needs given wherein being a major organization within the Armed Forces of the Philippines, an overhaul is deemed needed wherein being as part of an overall modernization it coincides, such institution will further develop as it aims to be.

SUMMARY

The Philippine Army infantry squad as emphasized in its 120th
anniversary. From www.army.mil.ph

In an aim of having a world-class Army, The Philippine Army is together with the Department of National Defense where revamping the very system itself is a necessity where the structure, the capabilities, performance, and governance are meant to get improved in the sense that this major branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will definitely do its mandate to defend the nation from both internal and external threats.

 

Even though being an archipelago which may be seen as a priority for both Navy and Air Force to be enhanced for territorial defense, it does not stop the Army to also improve itself where aside from battling insurgents around, it may also have a role as well in territorial defense in a way that it helps out doing such a mandate in its way which involves up-arming ground troops, artillery and mechanized divisions in a sense that fighting on the country's soil seen as the last line of defense. 

Speaking of which, Modernizing and buying weapons does not stop on one or two branches alone. Instead, as what the Government Budgeting Process sees best, each service branch of the armed forces has the privilege just like any other government agency to propose based on the needs where it's all up on the political will as to whether it may be funded or not. 

Overall, the Philippine Army is deemed optimistic in the sense that in performance and good governance as what the Transformation Roadmap emphasizes, it will be good not only for the organization but also for the country in general in which improved capabilities and proper management are a necessity for a successful defense of the sovereign Philippine Republic.

(c) 2017 PDA, revised 2021 edition. 

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Horizon 2 and the Budget Obstacle

As the horizon one nears its end, another phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Program opens where along with it comes wonderful opportunities wherein more sophisticated weaponry and the strategies, as well as the skills it coincides, are on its way. It goes with promising procurement policies and lineups as well as obstacles like political will and budget. All of this will be discussed in this article.

OVERVIEW - THE FAST-APPROACHING TIMELINE

This Horizon includes MRFs like the SAAB Gripen. Photo and aircraft
for reference use only.

At the time of this article was published, we are now slowly approaching the end of the first stage or as what it was called the Horizon 1 of the revised AFP Modernization Program which spans from 2013 to 2017. Apparently, the Armed Forces of the Philippines pursues to have a world-class military with minimum credible defense capabilities from domestic defense to territorial ones. Speaking of which, it will improve their mandate to defend the sovereign nation against various threats from localized insurgents to foreign adversaries. 

Horizon 2 plans obtain the most essential weapons procurement that will give a huge boost to the Philippine Armed Force's military capabilities and mandate than what the Horizon 1 can supplement. In such a manner, the primary contents of the projects within this horizon range from additional two frigates to multi-role fighter jets as well as from Shore-based weapons systems to attack helicopters and fast crafts with the lists go on and on across the branches in the military where such kind of military assets surely provide a great boost for the military's firepower than it may have for decades.

In any plan, there will always be obstacles. And with regards to obstacles, it may be ranging from budgeting to political will. Upon the latest reports given, the budget allocated to this horizon amounted to around 100 billion Pesos or 1.9 billion US Dollars. In such a case, basing on the number of military equipment as well as the price of each big-ticket projects, it seems to be like such amount of money is insufficient or not deemed enough to satisfy the needs. Hence, the point of this discussion will be focused on this kind of matter. 

REVIEWING THE HORIZON ONE

This is a modified M-113 APC/IFV upgraded by Elbit. Courtesy of
MaxDefense

The horizon one spans from 2013-2017. And as far as this is concerned, we are almost approaching the end of what is so-called the first step in modernizing the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines. Speaking of which, there are projects within this horizon that are already materialized and there are some that are still materializing or in process for that matter.

As for the Philippine Army, there are still at around four projects that are still not yet completed and still on the process of procuring them or rather, being rehashed into the second horizon like the Shore-based missile system which is now called as Land-based missile system considering that the former becoming a separate project for the Navy. 

At this step of the modernization program, there really is a great emphasis on the big-ticket projects that each of the military branches do have like the Navy's Tarlac-class Landing Platform Docks, Del Pilar-class Patrol Frigates and the soon-to-have missile-armed frigates from South Korea, Air Force's FA-50PH, Medium-lift aircraft, Leonardo AW-109 Power gunships, Bell 412 Combat Utility Helicopters, two more C-130Ts and the incoming AW-159 antisubmarine helicopters in which its arrival will be next year. 

For the Army in this horizon, they have additional M-113s  from the United States via Excess Defense Article (EDA) plus several modified M-113s which was upgraded into fully-armed Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) by Israel's Elbit Systems as well as CAMOPAT or the new, well-blended camouflage pattern for the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) from Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corporation from Canada and M-4 rifles for the soldiers to use. 

Assets such as FA-50s and Tarlac-class Landing Platform Docks are now subjecting to complete its respective deliveries not later than May this year. Moreover, upon these things being materialized, it is deemed good that the AFP is somehow gathering its forces as to what it is being planned at. 

However, the assets laid out for Horizon 1 alone cannot suffice the needs. And with this, the other two horizons or phases of the whole modernization program have its own share of military procurement that will help achieve the goal of a minimum credible defense posture.

BIG TICKET PROJECTS AND THE BUDGET OBSTACLE

Revised AFP Modernization Program Phases.

In procuring military assets just like each and every acquisition requires funding whereas per the standards of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), it was undertaken through several processes prescribed where it will be undertaken procedures such as the multiyear program as what this law about the AFP Modernization Program prescribes for (See Section 5 of the said law)

Giving more emphasis, the phases have its own share of the overall budget wherein it was specifically allocated to the various projects as per respective plans among the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. 

That is alongside the annual appropriations of the budget of the Armed Forces within the allocated share of the Defense Department which it comes to the increase of funding considering the increasing number of materiel and personnel which is deemed precedential as the whole armed forces take it to a whole level. 

Before digging deeper, let there be a discussion first as to what projects which in particular ones that are essential the AFP laid for the Second Horizon so as for the sake of better vantage point as proportionate to the budget, in particular, the significant ones where it gives a great impact to the overall capabilities of the armed forces.

Air Force - The Flight Plan, Second Horizon.

The timeline of the Flight Plan implementation where segments
such as doctrine, funding and exercises emphasized.

The Philippine Air Force has its particular procurement plan which is part of the whole Modernization Program wherein its name is the Flight Plan 2028. We will not discuss it deeper since various outlets are already discussed. But for this discussion, it is worthy to have the second horizon part of this plan of the air force wherein several parts of an ideal air defense system may be procured upon.

As for their case, the second horizon calls for the procurement of two to three squadrons of multirole fighters, radar for early detection, patrol aircraft, additional helicopters, among others. 

Given the timeline, the second horizon is deemed a moment of truth for the air force where through the years of only having light fighters like the F-5 and today's FA-50PH which are presently classified as Lead-in Fighter Trainer or LIFT, it may be the first to have a fully-functioned multirole fighter where it may have an effective hi-low mix of fighter jets in the inventory or somewhat to augment the FA-50 light fighter trainers in which such jets saw combat recently on bombing insurgents up. 

Moreover, these said fighter jets are seen as essential in developing an effective air defense system wherein in accordance to the flight plan, weapons procurement will help enhance the so-called Philippine Air Defense Identification Zones where in due time it will achieve up to area readiness one from the present area readiness four.

Aside from multirole fighters or MRFs, the said horizon also calls for procuring air defense system mechanisms ranging from AWACS to land-based radar as well as other necessary weapons that will help protect the skies from intruders in the air in which it includes additional LIFT aircraft like the FA-50 where it calls to have six to 12 more units (see graph below.) 

These in which as what it intends at will secure the airspace as well as having a vantage point where ruling the skies are a necessity to win a conflict. Other from the jets, night capable attack helicopters are also considered where apparently at present, PAF's AW-109 gunships are equipped with FLIR thermal imaging/night vision sensors that aids pilots with regards to conducting nighttime operations as well as aiming at targets in the dark.

A table that gives an idea as to what kind of equipment
and the quantity that the PAF is looking for. From Flight Plan 2028 report.

Training of the personnel, as well as the ground crew, are also part of this program. Apparently, the use of FA-50PH really do serve as a transition platform for the pilots to enhance as more of such combat aircraft may be introduced on wherein for at least a decade the Philippine Air Force doesn't have any fighter jets after the retirement of the last of F-5A/Bs in 2005 which takes the toll with regards to the effectiveness of defending the airspace. These in which are slowly being suggested and putting back in place once again.

Navy -  The Desired Force Mix/Sail Plan

Hyundai Heavy Industries' partial design of the Navy's new missile-firing
frigate. Final design to be out later this year.

Like the air force, the navy also has a lineup of weapons to be procured in which it ranges from fast attack crafts to corvettes as well as having frigates and command/control structures such as the Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock.

In the second horizon, assets like two additional missile-guided frigates, six new corvettes, and even three submarines for that manner are seen wherein these said naval assets improves the capabilities of the navy to protect and defend out the seas considering that the Philippines in itself geographically speaking is an archipelago wherein a decent navy with a credible defense output can suffice the needs of protecting Philippine waters especially now with numerous reports of continuous intrusions with the latest being on Benham Rise. 

Also unto this matter, the said horizon it is expected for the navy to retire the remaining World War 2 era ships by 2020 where the projects slated at this phase may be seen as a probable replacement for the older hulls which at present is still functioning and operating in the seas which from the recent years shows the problems plaguing the navy in which one may hope that it will be improved as newer hulls are coming in and several more are expected to come if it goes according to plan as the time goes by. 

These in which remains to be seen where the lineup in the phase may change upon the discretion within the armed forces. As for the fast attack crafts, partial reports suggest that Israeli Super Dvora and Shaldags are offered to the Philippine Navy in which the results about it remain to be seen and to be released in due time.

The lineup of assets is shown in this graph from the Navy years ago.

In the graph shown above, the Second Horizon aside from those aforementioned also calls for additional medium-lift helicopters wherein it will be designated or embark on the Landing Platform Docks like the Tarlac-class as it is intended for supplemental support assets that will help transport necessary provisions whenever and wherever it needs. 

Also, alongside the asset comes the necessary training and infrastructure training where assessment in every matter of consideration from personnel to facilities where it will retain the functionality of the hulls for the due time in which enhancing the skills and experience hones further for the effectiveness of using these assets in combat.

Army - The Transformation Roadmap 2028.

The Army's new camouflage pattern from Hyperstealth Canada.
Courtesy to the photo owner.

Unlike the Air Force and the Navy, the Philippine Army doesn't really show in particular about its weapons lineup despite that various reports of modernization of its assets and doctrine as well as facilities, reorganization and personnel are being made piece by piece.

In the Philippine Army's recent planning, it is noticeable about the improvements made in the horizon one which in particular it deals with RCWS-armed M-113s and New camouflage patterns for battle dress uniforms for better blending to the environment. 

Aside from that, the Army is also opting for a Land-Based Missile System wherein it is originally called the Shore-Based Missile System until just recently the Navy has a separate program of the same name. 

Also, the army is opting for night vision goggles wherein it will improve nighttime capabilities for the troops on the ground as well as the plans for additional IFVs and even tanks wherein such things about it remains to be seen considering that issues on infrastructures, logistics, operations, and maintenance are deemed to be considered and further details about it may release at its necessary due time.

Albeit to the lack of details at present about the Army's procurement program in Horizon 2 (an article for this topic will be up soon), it is still deemed promising where for the AFP in general aside from the Navy and the Air Force, modernizing the whole military infrastructure of the Philippines is deemed an imperative for a nation where defense becomes a necessity as various threats do intensifies from time to time.

The Budget Issue

2017 Annual Budget. Several Big Ticket Projects undertake
Multi-year funding. Via PhilStar.

In every procurement, there are always obstacles that need to overcome to make military asset acquisitions a reality to further enforce capabilities. And with this, the main obstacle for this horizon is indeed more on budget allocation.

Even as early as the year 2015, it was already stated that the horizon 2 budget sets to allocate at around 100billion pesos or in that year's exchange rates, US$2.1 billion. Two years later at present, such funding remains at 100billion pesos or a deferred exchange rate of US$1.9 billion. 

Speaking of which, given the budget allocation concerning the number of military assets procured, it seems that the said allocation is insufficient to suffice what the military presents with regards to acquisition projects where it may hamper modernization efforts in a sense that the Armed Forces will be not that "fully modernized" or capable for that matter where the aim of having a Minimum Credible Defense Posture may not be achievable in due time. 

Somehow, the said budget may also change considering that the SecDef also plea for an increase equated to around 2 to 2.5% of the Philippine Gross Domestic Product or GDP. Apparently, for the budget concerning the military proposals, it can or may only be said in due time if the Philippine Government may agree on the procurement proposal the AFP pleas that are beyond the given 100 billion peso budget or to somehow being stick to it while risking having projects with Fitted For But Not With (FFBNW) provisions or watered-down assets. 

Given the circumstances, it can be said that the budget in itself may be subject to change depending on the conditions or rather at the discretion among the parties concerned. Speaking of which, it is deemed worthy to have a close watch as well as having an update about the said matters about horizon 2 and its budget.

WHAT REMAINS...

Horizon 2 is somewhat another phase of the AFP Modernization Program where a series of military acquisition project lineups are in place. And for that manner, these phases as further signs of progress will further enhance the overall capabilities of the Armed Forces as it really aims for a highly competitive military which makes a guaranteed deterrence against all threats the Philippines as a nation may face. 

Moreover, the said procurements having series of obstacles like the lack of budget allocation is a normal thing that may be solved through political will and effective budget management. These in which guarantee that taxpayer money does worth it. 

Take note, the Second Horizon budget may change or not but one thing remains, which is that the AFP Modernization Program is still ongoing albeit the phase and the problems it coincides that somehow, progress is being made. Somewhat a capable-based military is preferable over a budget-based one.

=================================

UPDATES AS OF JULY 16, 2017

In connection to this article, ADAS or Asian Defense, Security, and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference released their primer which pertains to the Horizon two procurements wherein the initial costs of the projects accumulated in this Horizon reaches at around Php 300 Billion or more for it to get implemented. So to speak, it is beyond the Php 100 Billion budget proposal for this horizon as per the discussion is given. For more information, check their website at www.adas.ph.

To see the details clearly, just check the photo.

As being discussed here, the lists are deemed the usual sight as per the planning set by the AFP Modernization Program which each branch with their "plans" or "roadmap" which makes it has a minimum credible defense by the year 2028. 

So to speak, the chances for the plan or its setup may change as the time goes by considering the factors that may affect it especially the budget which at present may be increased due to the confidence ADAS posted in their infographic. In this sense, it is better to see whether it will happen or not. But with this always comes the hope that the AFP will fully enhance its capabilities that it is looking for years from now.

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AFP's Delivery of Weapons in May 2017 and More Procurement Plans

In the news that have blurted out, it seems that the Philippine Armed Forces' military procurement projects like the FA-50PH and the Tarlac-class LPDs will deliver within a month with the former being ahead of the schedule which is detrimental to the positivity of having good deals in the future.

IN THE NEWS

FA-50PH dropping Mk. 82 bombs. The Philippines is the first user to use such jets in actual combat.

The Philippine Air Force is expecting to complete its delivery of 12 units (or one squadron) of FA-50PH by May, which is ahead of the schedule given by the contract of December 2017. Meanwhile, it is also expecting that the BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) will also get delivered in the said month or earlier considering the terms of its contract which specifies the date to May 10. Speaking of which, earlier arrival of assets than what the contract really provides really help improve the overall capabilities of the whole armed forces, as well as the promising potential of having better deals of their respective manufacturers like the Korean Aerospace Industries or KAI and PT PAL Persero of Indonesia.

FUTURE PLANS

BRP Tarlac. Via update.ph website.

The plans as per the Philippine Navy Sail Plan, as well as the Philippine Air Force Flight plan really emphasizes the intentions of procuring more units of these said military assets considering that it will really help the AFP or the Armed Forces of the Philippines improve its capabilities in which it was part of improving territorial defense posture which helps the nation protect itself against foreign adversaries.

In such a manner, the Indonesian shipbuilder shows that aside from the two Tarlac-class Landing Platform Docks the Philippine Navy have, there is an option calling for procuring two more ships or in the Sail Plan, three LHA-class Strategic Sealift Vessels where aside from having a larger landing pad for helicopters to land, it can also be serve as an amphibious vessel with additional air cover, as well as being a hospital ship. On that case, despite having corruption issues within the Industry, PT PAL still resumes to deliver the second SSV or Tarlac-class Landing Platform Docks on time so in that such timely delivery will be an added value on the competitiveness alongside cost-effective and the quality of the vessel. 

With the South Korean aircraft manufacturer meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force calls to have around six or twelve more units which was based on plans being laid on that period where it is better to wait for the second horizon to come up which will determine the final number of the additional orders that the air force have for FA-50s. In the case of the Philippine Navy, it is deemed calling to replace the old World War 2 vessels where Landing Platform Docks are to be better amphibious as well HADR platforms where it will be better than the WW2-era Landing Ship Tank vessels that can also be subjected to decommissioning depending to the 2020 plan. 

Meanwhile, the Horizon 2 will be slated by next year where an approximate Php 100 billion or US$1.9 billion will be allocated. These in which are deemed promising, which it is the period where procurements like additional missile-armed frigates, multirole fighters and long-range patrol aircraft. And speaking of budgeting matters, one may seem that it does not satisfy the needs. More on the details coming up on the next article primarily focused on the Second Horizon soon here on Pitz Defense Analysis.

Speaking of which, the year 2017 especially on the last of the ordered batches of FA-50s and the BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) is indeed a good thing for the armed forces where procurement plans are deemed all set for next year as the one horizon milestone closes and another opens as the new opportunities of improving the capabilities of the AFP comes by where it may help to defend the nation in minimum credible defense posture.

PROMISING FUTURE

In such a manner, it is an imperative for the armed forces to further enhance its abilities where procuring more sophisticated weapons a key for emphasizing the stance of defending the nation. And in that case, brand new ones may take time until being delivered as stipulated in a contract. For that case, an earlier delivery of contracted military equipment is a big plus for the companies where it is deemed a pitch for a possible future sales where the benefit goes on both sides. Speaking of which, it makes things promising where reputation makes it better for deals to take place. Simply speaking, it is deemed a good thing where procurements are realized that capabilities are increased. Such is a thing for a bright future for the nation...

(c) 2018 PDA Original Edition.

(c) 2022 PDA Second Edition (revised 4-4).

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