The Idea of Having KUH-1 Surion Combat Utility Helicopters in the Philippine Air Force

As the modernization program progresses, so does the new offers that need to be considered. In this case, it is an extension of good relations between the supplier and the user wherein the completed delivery of an important project in the Flight Plan, the considerations of having these helicopters to replace the older UH-1 Hueys that the Philippine Air Force obtains are being looked upon.

OVERVIEW

The Korean Aerospace Industries KUH-1 Surion Transport Helicopter.
From Airliners.net

The Korean Aerospace Industries (or more known as KAI) recently completes its delivery of 12 units (equivalent to a squadron) of FA-50PHs to the Philippine Air Force as it aims to have itself back to the supersonic jet age all thanks to these procured Lead-in Fighter Trainer jets as it will enhance the skills of the pilots needed for the procurement of Multirole Fighter (MRF) jets along the way in the future.

The said article released by Yonhap News Agency from South Korea emphasizes two things: First, the plans of procuring more FA-50s which is in line with the President's statement which calls for an additional squadron of the said jets making the number of jets in the inventory increased to 24 if all of these things are materialized. The second is the Philippine government expressing interest in the purchase of KAI's KUH-1 Surion Transport Helicopters for its Combat Utility uses. That alone gives the interest the plans of the military that they may have opted to consider such a helicopter in their inventory that may have enhanced its logistic capabilities that are already in its improvement phase.

So to speak, this discussion will not only cover the KUH-1 itself alone. It will also cover the Combat Utility Helicopter options the Philippine Air Force does have as well as the ideas that cover existing ones in the inventory such as the W-3 Sokol Helicopters, Bell 412 choppers, and older UH-1 Hueys wherein any possibilities, plans, and any considerations may take place. This is, so to speak, for the future of the composition of the Philippine Air Force's Combat Utility Helicopter application.

ABOUT THE HELICOPTER

There are many options that PAF may consider, and this chopper is only one of those. Source

It all started in December 2005 where the South Korean government appointed Eurocopter (Now known as Airbus Helicopters) as KAI's main partner to the plans of having an indigenous Korean-made Helicopter which the Surion is the main product. It was developed out of the Korean Helicopter Program which was funded heavily by the South Korean government which was considered the most expensive undertaking by the South Koreans with a non-American defense company.

Apparently, the South Koreans also opted to have these choppers in a naval format where it was brought about to enhance the South Korean Navy amphibious capabilities wherein once completed, it will be put on board the Dokdo-class helicopter carriers where from there it is capable to carry 11 troops on board to get deployed in the coastline alongside landing craft units. Also, there are versions of the said chopper that can be used as medevac units or for the local police to use. So to speak, it means better interoperability between branches as well as better logistical effectiveness due to commonalities on spare parts which can be exchangeable among the branches' respective Surion helicopters.

Like any other aircraft in service, there are at times that these helicopters in the South Korean Military service need to be grounded due to accidents that incur fatalities therein. In this case, the H225 crisis in Norway puts the Surions on a grounded status where the affected helicopters and the one crashed in Norway shares the same type of gearboxes which are said to be defective. Henceforth, Airbus helicopters reimburse the South Korean government as well as the necessity of having the gearboxes within the affected helicopters replaced in due time. The gearboxes are said to be the EC225 LP Main gearboxes which bear similarity to those attached in the KUH-1 Surion Choppers.

Another case on grounding these choppers took place recently last February of this year where the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration or DAPA accidentally discovered a crack seven centimeters long in the connections of its main rotor. Apparently, it is given attribution to the moisture flowing in the said connections that freezes given the cold temperature conditions in South Korea. For that case though, the concerned parties are called upon to resolve the problem at its earliest possible moment therein.

Given below is the video that shows KUH-1 Surion Transport Helicopters getting into action in a ROK Army integrated live-fire exercise.

With the KAI's development as well as this company's push for more foreign sales, it is deemed a good thing that the Philippine Air Force, upon receiving a squadron of FA-50s is interested in the other products KAI obtains such as the KUH-1 Surion transport helicopters especially these days where internal defense operations take place such as the ongoing conflict in Marawi where such helicopters are needed to keep the ground troops reinforced and supplanted. However, it always comes up with the competition.

COMPETITION FROM THE INSIDE - BELL 412s.

Philippine Air Force Bell 412 choppers. (From PAF website)

Having the KUH-1 in PAF service may be possible if all things have gone favorable to it as well as the obstacles being surpassed upon. And speaking of obstacles, it really varies from the already-existing helicopters within the Philippine Air Force to the other potential aircraft that have gone along the modernization project that calls to replace old Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey choppers.

Now consider this: The Philippine Air Force as per discussion matters obtains at an estimated 50+ UH-1 Hueys in its inventory. And for them to have an ideal number of utility helicopters fit for transporting troops and amenities, they are opting for a hundred units of combat utility helicopters where they require it and also asking for it through the years. At present, alongside the UH-1s, PAF also obtains *eight W-3A Sokol helicopters from Poland and eleven Bell 412s from Canada with three being in the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing.

*Maybe lower due to the number of accidents the Philippine Air Force has involving Sokol Helicopters.

Combining the number of Bell 412s and Sokols will be equated at around 19 units. The said digits are less than one-fourth (1/4) of the requirements PAF obtains. Speaking of which, if given the presumptions in this matter, a bulk of Surion helicopters may come up a portion of the requirement as well as additional Bell 412s for a good variation of helicopters in the inventory. This is if the Surion fits the requirements that PAF looks in a combat utility helicopter.

An argument in this matter is in between having KUH-1 Surions and the already-existing Bell 412s in the inventory which by nature, both helicopters do share the same role as a combat utility helicopter with the latter being a proven platform within the Philippine Air Force. A question arises from this argument: If we have the Bell 412s, why we still need to go to another platform? And another question follows up: Isn't it a logistical nightmare to have many helicopters of different classes in an air force?

Given the questions, it is at no doubt that the Bell 412s are a proven platform and also worthy to get added as a combat utility helicopters in the air force. Not also to mention that having a lot of aircraft of different classes in an air force is not an ideal thing to obtain whereas that being said, it can cause logistical nightmares where there is not a commonality among the units. But then again, as discussions suggest, there is something that the South Korean KUH-1 Surion may give a hint to a good deal with the Philippine Air Force through the Department of National Defense.

To be specific, a possible KUH-1 deal may allow the decision-makers that a deal between KAI and the Philippine Government may have an advantage in itself wherein the said unit, with the full support of the South Korean Government, guarantees that the Surion will keep on flying for years to come to the fact that KAI keeps on improving the said aircraft for the use within the various military and civilian branches in South Korea where manufacturing it will still taking place even if there are no brokered deals for that matter.

Such an opportunity gives momentum from the ground up considering that the relations among both governments do have with potential benefits may bear fruit where the KUH-1 Surion has and advantages over Bell 412. And all of those benefits can go as follows (as derived from DefensePH forum with points revised)

1. They need more customers like the Philippines. KAI is still getting its helicopter program off the ground. So that means that to secure orders, they will be inclined to offer enticements to attract potential customers. Compare that with a mature player like Bell that would be in a better position to simply go to the next available customer -- of which there are many -- if we don't accept their defaults.

Every company has a finite amount of resources for accommodating end-user requests. Bell's client list includes the US military and a host of established players. So as one will wonder, Where do we think the Philippines will sit in that pecking order? or, Where do we think ourselves would sit in a client list as short as KAI's?

2. Customer service. With a shorter client list and greater attention to end-user concerns, it would be reasonable to conclude that the door-size fiasco (which is the problem among W-3A Sokol Helicopters) won't be overlooked this time around. Given that Eurocopter (now Airbus) is actually working with KAI means that we will not be dealing with total neophytes. --Something that needs to be considered where KAI gets assistance all along, which in itself is a guarantee though.

As early adopters . . . will KAI actually allow the Philippines to perform in-house PDM and similar SRDP-like measures, or somewhat giving PADC such capability with regards to these helicopters they offer? Arguably speaking, that would be on the table if a good negotiation goes at play. Will Bell be interested in doing that given the existing infrastructure?

3. Potential preferential pricing. Bell can command a premium for its products under its brand. The same cannot be said for KAI. Combine that with the fact that the AFP actually has vendor-credibility with KAI (thanks to the successful FA-50 deal), the field is wide open for negotiation as we will essentially be working with KAI to set the actual price for the aircraft -- and the associated packages -- as there is no foreign basis for comparison.

The Sokol Helicopters' purchase is a failure on specs where
the door opening isn't enough to suffice. Read the source here.

For that sense, if someone wondering upon, this is not like the Textron Scorpion deal which has an uncertain future. That alone makes it a reason as to why it hasn't included in the Close Air Support Aircraft Project which also can be attributed to the Philippine Procurement Laws regarding the users needed for an eligible purchase. It's just about expanding existing orders to include foreign markets. KAI will build for the Korean armed forces regardless of whether the Philippine Government orders such aircraft or not. 

The South Korean approach is not as technologically risky as the Indian approach (HAL Tejas program) and is much more fiscally sound than a purely commercial venture. It is a chance to get on the ground up of what is essentially a sure thing.

Something to look upon, here is the comparison between Bell 412s and PZL W-3A Sokols which PAF both obtains...

Obtained from Timawa/DefensePH.net. Click the photo to see it clearer.

OTHER POTENTIAL COMPETITORS IN THE COMBAT UTILITY HELICOPTER PROCUREMENT

Irish Air Corps AW139 helicopter. Leonardo company offers such units
for the Philippine Air Force's plan of procuring newer combat utility helicopters.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Korean Aerospace Industries isn't alone with regards to offering more units to the Philippine Air Force especially in the case of KUH-1 Surion helicopters where PAF is interested. Speaking of which, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is indeed flooded with offers which it includes offers from Leonardo with their AugustaWestland AW-139 helicopters, Russian alternatives through Mi-17 and Mi-171, and of course, Airbus' own offer of H-160 helicopters considering that this company supported KAI in the due course of developing the Surion helicopters. This will be discussed in a separate article entry later on on this website.

In this case, though, it will be up to the decision-makers as well as the government itself to what the alternative courses of action shall partake as well as the option whether to fast-track the procurement process by immediately approve the funding in the said project. The number of offers alone makes it advantageous to the AFP as to take the best approach into the matter where considerations in technicalities, freebies, warranties, and price tag per bid will dictate which is the best offer each supplier can give in a sense that the Philippine Air Force will benefit both in short and long terms. 

Not also to mention that Bell 412s as it was aforementioned above, is still having a strong interest for the Air Force to procure more considering that it is already in service where it was emphasized in so-called plans to acquire 30 more attack and combat utility helicopters therein.

Also, it will depend on how the Armed Forces played its cards well along with the respective suppliers enticing and sweetening their offers to gain traction as well as to the hopes of bagging up the offer. 

Given KAI's advantages on the offer as well as those of the other suppliers, the competition is stiff where the AFP has a lot of options to choose from. Hence, it is good to assess even the tiny details so as not to repeat the W-3A Sokol debacle.

Here is the dimension of the KUH-1 Surion helicopter as specified by Korean Aerospace Industries.

Click to enlarge the photo and see the details therein.

CONCLUSION

KUH-1 Surion at KAI headquarters. Source

The Korean Aerospace Industries like any other weapons supplier is keen on offering weapons wherein the Philippine Air Force expresses interest to procure upon. In the case of the FA-50PH which in itself a successful deal, KAI is expressing the hope of improving its relationship with one of the users by buying an additional squadron or rather, pushing the sales pitch for the KUH-1 Surion where like the FA-50PH, is a Korean-made unit with the help of another defense producer and has the backing of the South Korean Government through DAPA.

In the case of the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program where it is still on the roll at present, it is as promising that the said helicopter may have on its way to the Philippine Air Force's inventory. The same can be said on additional Bell 412 helicopters with several of those already in service as well as the offers made by Leonardo, Airbus, and alternatives such as those from Russia. 

Speaking of which, all of these things gives a lot of options for the military to choose the best one that will benefit the AFP in long terms that it gives the overall satisfaction not only in terms of further enhancing its already-existing capabilities but also it makes taxpayers satisfiable in a sense that their money used in this endeavor is benefiting the troops that are sacrificing for the nation's peace and security.

At the end of the day, it is up for the armed forces to take the next move where with assessments and technicalities that fit their specifications, the hopes of having additional combat utility helicopters may one day be fulfilled in the sense that it may also put several of the old UH-1 Hueys to rest. 

Hence, this will put the Armed Forces forward into fulfilling its aim of Minimum Credible Force where suppliers like the Korean Aerospace Industries, play a role by making taxpayers' money satisfiable to the needs of the Philippine military.

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Philippine Air Force 70th Anniversary and the AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles

In the light of the 70th anniversary, the Philippine Air Force, as usual, does showcase its weaponry to show its improvement as per fruits of the AFP Modernization Program. So to speak, this is a welcoming addition to the munitions inventory of PAF.

IN THE HEADLINES

FA-50PH armed with an AGM-65 Maverick, and M117 General Purpose Bomb 
and an AIM-9B Missile.
Screengrab from PTV.

In the light of the Philippine Air Force's 70th Founding Anniversary, they are showcasing the best of their assets in which it is the product of the AFP Modernization Program in which there are more to come as per second and third horizon procurements. In this sense, the eyes are focusing on the FA-50PH that the PAF recently obtained. There is something attached to these jets that grabs the attention of a defense enthusiast.

The thing that grabs attention in the pictures like the one screengrab in the Government-owned People's Television is the AGM-65 Maverick Air to Surface Missile. Given the circumstances herein, it will be the first for the Philippine Air Force as well as for the Armed Forces in general to obtain such a munition capable of doing its job of targeting and eliminating key enemy positions than the ones the Philippine Air Force obtains at present.

In this case, though, this munition may mean a welcoming addition to the air force where it will not only improve the FA-50PH's capabilities as a Lead-in Fighter trainer jet which it is armed to teeth but also it will enhance the armed forces' mandate where the military will become effective on missions where strafing targets become much easier with better munitions such as these are in the inventory.

KNOWING ABOUT THE AGM-65

According to the website of FAS Military Analysis Network, AGM-65s is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction, and defense suppression missions. It provides stand-off capability and a high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, transportation equipment, and fuel storage facilities. Maverick was used during Operation Desert Storm and, according to the Air Force, hit 85 percent of its targets.

Given the description, it gives an insight where it is deemed useful against threats on both internal and external defenses where in the case of the Philippines, internal threats involve various rebel groups and terrorists such as the Maute Group and external threats may include China due to the incursions in the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea in which the Philippines is also a claimant. Speaking of external threats, diplomacy with China is seemed to be good at present. However, there may always be a possibility that a potential flashpoint in these disputed waters may take place. Hence, the munitions such as the AGM-65 may pack a punch.

The United States armed these munitions in their A-10 Warthogs, F-15 Eagles, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. In the Philippine Air Force's case, it is armed to the South Korean-made FA-50PH which in the past few months saw action in Marawi City dropping Mk. 32 bombs in each key position complementing SF-260s and OV-10 close air support aircraft. Just recently, the Philippine Air Force sent one of its C-130s to Luke Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. The said airbase is known for training grounds for F-16 pilots and soon the F-35s. More unto that, the said airbase also has combat arms training, and explosive ordnance training, among others. Reference

Apparently, there are many variants of AGM-65 Mavericks wherein the ones Philippine Air Force obtains are deemed uncertain of their nature. But in that case, though, the air force obtains such munitions. In case you wonder, here are the variants of this Air to ground missile (obtained from fas.org)

-
Maverick A has an electro-optical television guidance system. After the protective dome cover is automatically removed from the nose of the missile and its video circuitry is activated, the scene viewed by the guidance system appears on a cockpit television screen. The pilot selects the target, centers crosshairs on it, locks on, then launches the missile.

The Maverick B is similar to the A model, although the television guidance system has a screen magnification capability that enables the pilot to identify and lock on smaller and more distant targets.

The Maverick D has an imaging infrared guidance system, operated much like that of the A and B models, except that infrared video overcomes the daylight-only, adverse weather limitations of the other systems. The infrared Maverick D can track heat generated by a target and provide the pilot a pictorial display of the target during darkness and hazy or inclement weather.

The Maverick E is being adopted in the AGM-65E version as the Marine corps laser Maverick weapon for use from Marine aircraft for use against fortified ground installations, armored vehicles, and surface combatants. Used in conjunction with the ground or airborne laser designators, the missile seeker, searches a sector 7 miles across and over 10 miles ahead. If the missile loses laser spot it goes ballistic and flies up and over target -- the warhead does not explode but becomes a dud.

The Maverick F AGM-65F (infrared targeting) used by the Navy has a larger (300 pounds; 136 kg) penetrating warhead vice the 125 pounds (57 kg) shaped charge used by Marine and Air Force) and infrared guidance system optimized for ship tracking.

The Maverick G model essentially has the same guidance system as the D, with some software modifications that track larger targets. The G model's major difference is its heavyweight penetrator warhead, while Maverick A, B, and D models employ the shaped-charge warhead.

The variants that the PAF procured is the G2, an improved Maverick G model.

Given the situation as well as the government stance in dealing with internal issues, a good procurement suggestion with regards to the variants is the Maverick E version in which is used by the U.S. Marine Corps, it is suited against ground installations, armored units, and surface combatant which is something that takes place in Marawi City at present. In this case, given the close-up photo from a PTV screenshot above, the air force obtains the Maverick G2 AGM wherein it is the latest version of the said air-to-ground missile in which it is the one that the Philippine Air Force procured and showcased in the event.

Moreover, it is also good to understand the specifications of these munitions:

From fas.org. Enlarge photo if clarity issues arise.

SUMMARY: PROMISING FUTURE FOR PAF

Delivery of AGM-65 Munitions. From Pinoy Aviators FB page.

Given the technicality with regards to "missiles", it may be said that it is once again the first in the Philippine military with Israeli SPIKE missiles being in the second place. So to speak, it emphasizes the bright future not only of the Philippine Air Force but also of the whole country that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program in line with the economic progress will showcase more military procurements that will add more to the AFP's line of new assets in which it will help its mandate of defending the nation. More unto that, time will come that the military attains its goals of a minimum credible force capable of deterrence against threats both internal and external which in turn the citizens will live up life with no worries on security wherein in it gives growth and progress for the country as well as for the Filipino Family.

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Knowing and Understanding the Dimension of Urban Warfare

Warfare must be won for the military to complete its job. And for it to happen, planners must first comprehend the nature of the combat they are about to engage in. With the current scenario in Mindanao's heartland, as well as the stigma of the Zamboanga Siege, it could be a good idea to have a serious conversation about having methods that are done in cities. That is the nature of urban warfare.

OVERVIEW

Infantries fighting close-quarter combat is one of the necessities
in Urban Warfare. Source

As of this time of writing, the war is still ongoing in Marawi City where the military seems to be fully challenged in this kind of conflict that clearing and occupying block by block, house to house, room to room, and street to street means something essential to the Armed Forces to the Philippines to surround the terrorists in the City to exhaust resources and morale that may mean victory to the military.

It was well known that the Philippine Armed Forces already encounter such dimension of warfare in the form of the 2013 Zamboanga Siege which took place on the 9th of September, that have put the whole city at the standstill for three weeks due to the ambitious plan made by Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front of raising their flag on the City Hall in which that causes the conflict to the fact that the City will not let such a thing happen. Considering that, Zamboanguenos are now giving significance since then that there will only be one flag that will fly in the city and that is the Philippine flag.

Speaking on the nature of warfare, the Marawi Crisis and the Zamboanga Siege do have a fair share of Urban Warfare where soldiers and opposition forces (OPFOR) alike are seeking shelter across blocks of infrastructure where vantage points for snipers are taken and engaging one and another carefully where steps and strategies are carefully calculated. The only contrast there is that the Marawi Crisis and the intensity of combat thrown by the OPFOR make it much difficult for the AFP to engage. Not to mention various factors that will be discussed later in this article.

It was then proved in the past that such battle determines the outcome of the whole war where tactics and strategies executed dictate the results of the overall combat taken especially in the case of urban warfare. Also with that, a different approach on the offense and defense are devised by both forces where gains and losses in that sense are somewhat attainable where ground troops stay safe, key positions obtained, and the outcome of the battle is in their favor varying mission details.

On this topic, it is at best to know a thing about Urban Warfare itself, the tactics and strategies it incorporates in combat, notable examples in history, and the situations comparable between Zamboanga Siege and Marawi Crisis where factors are to be measured based on existing data as well as the ingenuity and engagements of the armed forces on eliminating OPFOR.

DEFINITION

United States Military's Stryker Brigade searching for insurgents in
Mosul, Iraq. Obtained from U.S. Air Force Website

Urban Warfare, in its very description, pertains to military combat taking place in an urban setting such as a town or a city. And from that definition alone, it is different from the usual open-field combat or in the Philippines's case, Jungle warfare.

Rand Corporation's interpretation of Urban Warfare ranges from guerilla attacks to gang violence. To take note, others not being mentioned there include terrorist attacks, standoffs, bombings, and some other form of combat in cities wherein for sure, there will be civilians trapped between gunfire as well as the complex dimension of the environment in which that makes the whole operations much complicated.

In other words, due to the nature of urban warfare, many factors must be considered, including civilian safety, the execution of plans to defend or occupy key positions, precision strikes as requested by ground troops, aerial surveillance, and others such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sentry positions such as sniper vantage points that may kill ground troops or civilians.

Given the circumstances, it would be risky for ground troops to simply stroll around in a war-torn metropolis teeming with hostile forces pursuing them. As a result, strategic maneuvers are required, such as fighting the enemy in such a way that lives are preserved to achieve the fundamental objectives that the military sought to achieve. Not to mention the fact that conquering the city necessitates the preservation of critical infrastructure and civilian life.

Regarding the definition of urban warfare, it is recommended that one review the history of known battles given the urban battle and the tenacity of both sides in achieving their respective missions, in the sense that any executions given may mean victory or loss, as well as life or death, for the city's existence and survival, as well as the ground forces within it.

NOTABLE EXAMPLES

The Soviet troops on the battle of Stalingrad. Source

Throughout history, there are written records with regards to urban warfare and the way it becomes much sophisticated as the new techniques are executed and technologies are introduced. With the times passing by, the dimensions involved in urban warfare have become more sophisticated especially at present with the rise of terrorism wreaking havoc in key cities in Syria, Iraq, and in the case of the Philippines, Marawi City.

One notable example of urban warfare widely raged in history is the Battle of Stalingrad in the Eastern Front that has taken place in the Second World War. Apparently, the fierce urban street battle mixed with the harsh Russian Winter made it the notable turning point of the war with the battle favoring the Soviet side. Throughout the urban combat, the Soviets hold on by converting key buildings in the area to notable defense strong points for sentries to get deployed so as in the effort to stall the Germans in the attempt to occupy the whole City. It was then until a counterattack was devised which put the Nazis into submission.

Another notable example is the Battle of Berlin at the ending months of the Second World War. The Soviets are on the offensive and have the German Capital City on sight. In that case, the attackers encircle the whole city and envelop the defenders of the City where it held out until the European theater of war ended in May 1945. This is a bit different than those of Stalingrad where the Soviets defended it fully while the Hitler Youth and several old citizens defending Berlin don't stand a chance against a million Soviet Conscript Forces attacking the City.

In both of these aforementioned conflicts, the inhabitants of these cities always facing the brunt where these civilians are at the risk of being shot upon or hit by a bomb which is a usual thing in battle. To further know the extent of such casualties that have taken place in urban warfare, let us take note that the Battle of Manila in 1945 have caused 100,000 Filipino dead with attributions pointed out to continuous bombardment of the U.S. Armed Forces in which it is worth pondering for the planners of the present times to calculate the number of surgical strikes in key enemy positions with the help of ground troops and aerial surveillance.

In these cases, it is known about the factors in determining the tactics used in urban warfare wherein it dictates the outcome as well as the consequences it coincides. And with that also means the fate of those operating on the ground as well as the civilians involved lies in the proper planning, execution, and all of those other factors mixed upon where it favors one or another. 

IN THE CASE OF THE ZAMBOANGA SIEGE AND THE MARAWI CRISIS

Ground Troops on the offensive. Photo from ABS-CBN News

Both the September 2013 Zamboanga Siege and the recent Marawi Crisis engaged in an urban setting with similarities and differences pointing out therein. These recent battle situations in Mindanao tested the urban warfare capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when it comes to dealing with insurgents hiding, setting, and exploiting the environment to its advantage. Here are some of the key points regarding these two conflicts.

2013 Zamboanga Siege AN URBAN BATTLE THAT LASTED 20 DAYS; SEPTEMBER 9-28, 2013

Simba Armored Personnel Carriers lining along Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City.
From the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

The 2013 Zamboanga Siege was one of the military conflicts that involved urban warfare. It took place near the City Proper which has put the whole city into a standstill, losing millions of pesos in trade and business transactions in the process as work and studies downtown are suspended therein. 

This was purported by the separatist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of Nur Misuari which was spearheaded by a man called "Habier Malik". They aim to raise the MNLF/Bangsamoro Republic flag in the Zamboanga City Hall in which no other hard patriots will let happen. Hence, the heat of the fight intensifies on the parts of the City especially in the villages (barangays or districts) of Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Mariki and Sta. Catalina. From there on, it gives the Armed Forces the first taste of urban combat which was different from the usual Jungle Warfare that was waged across the country whether it may be between the Government and the Communists or the Moro Separatists.

This urban combat also includes human shields that make military operations much difficult to attempt not to kill innocent lives throughout the exchange of gunfire. Also in this battle, just like in any kind of urban warfare, there are key sentry positions where both sides fire sniper rounds, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades at one over the other. Also into consideration is the intensity of the combat given. According to our personal experience, what is currently happening in Marawi is far worse than what occurred during the Zamboanga Siege, because only four barangays or districts in the city are involved, and only a portion of the city's population is displaced, particularly in the four districts where combat is raging.

Concerning the situation in the City, The United Nations declared that the urban conflict in Zamboanga has become a form of a humanitarian crisis wherein with regards to the displaced persons from affected villages, it took a bit of time until these affected persons are relocated to a better site with newer opportunities. This in which, puts a toll on the urban warfare's effects that the lives of the affected civilians will be changed forever. The humanitarian situation for that fact is worth pondering in conflicts such as these that the military's HADR or Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response Capabilities comes at play alongside those of the local government, various national agencies, and non-government organizations.

The Armed Forces, with the situation on urban warfare, may be somewhat a good thing to ponder upon where tactics between jungle warfare and its urban equivalent are different in nature, approach, and tactics. Hence, it may be a good thing for the military to enhance its skills and capabilities as well as the equipment necessary for such combat. And with that, another case of urban warfare arise recently in Marawi City where the combat capabilities of the AFP are once again put to the test.

Marawi Crisis THE BATTLE THAT STILL ON-GOING UNTIL AT PRESENT (UPDATE: IT ENDED ON OCTOBER OF 2017).

This crisis is an urban operation much intensified than what the Zamboanga Siege offers where it goes on beyond the period of the previous conflict of 20 days. The Armed Forces in this matter are a bit improved from last time as the fruits of the AFP Modernization Program are materialized such as the Philippine Air Force's FA-50 LIFT jets and AW-109 helicopters that have seen combat, RCWS-armed M-113 APCs made from Israel, support and logistics with the help of Landing Platform Docks like the BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur, among others.

On an honest note, it seems that the military's overall readiness over the matter still needs to be addressed where skills and capabilities, in that sense, aren't that fully enhanced since Zamboanga Siege. Not also to mention that aside from the lack of skills enhanced in combat, the equipment for such kind of combat is also lacking where the procurement of it is somewhat moving at a slow pace. Military equipment that is needed here are gas masks, tear gas, night-vision goggles, body armor, and smoke grenades where several of them are being materialized therein.

The good thing here is that both the United States and eventually, Australia expresses support by providing surveillance in the area with the use of P-3 Orions to give intelligence as for the whereabouts of the bandits across the city. This is an improvement where drones and these planes go hand in hand to provide precise targets for both ground and air units to fire upon. This is aside from the weapons aforementioned that pertains to its materialization from Modernization procurement projects. And with it, there are more things needed to be done with the capabilities that need to get sufficient of especially the aforementioned military equipment that is lacking.

The "Main Battle Tank" Idea

Given the circumstances aside from the needed equipment for the urban combat, another defense outlet also gives the idea about the necessity of main battle tanks that provide better protection for the ground troops as well as spewing better firepower wherein as per Modernization Plans, the MBTs along with light tanks will be slated in Horizons 3 and 2, respectively. As per this case, it was pointed out that the tanks being opted as per the said defense outlet are either the Israeli Merkava II or Magach 7. To take note, issues like infrastructure not having enough capacity to hold these tanks are being considered with flatbed trailers, rail tracks, and pontoon bridges are an option. For more of this, we will discuss it in future articles here in Pitz Defense Analysis.

THE MAIN POINT

Warfare in its sense is fierce wherein a certain militia or an armed forces shall have an aim to accomplish its mission. And in that sense, various conflicts have their own tactics and strategies given the nature of the battlefield and the parties involved. 

In the case of urban warfare, both the attacker and the defender are using any key infrastructure or rubble to hide with combat taking place on streets, blocks, and rooms. 

Having a lot of places to hide makes it difficult for both sides to fare out not also to mention that traps, hostages, trapped civilians, and preserving key infrastructures need to be considered. 

In these things, the point is that urban combat definitely is something that a planner may carefully execute with considerations given as well as the lives of the ground troops are in mind.

(c) 2017 PDA; edited Sept. 9, 2021.

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Russian Precision Guided Munitions and the Philippine Military Airstrikes in Marawi City

Throughout the conflict that still taking place in Marawi City, so does the news that precision-guided munitions are being used in battle which is, per se, used in surgical strikes where it was aimed at a specific target without collateral damage. Henceforth, such a topic needs to be discussed thoroughly.

IN THE HEADLINES

AW-109 strike on enemy positions. From ABS-CBN

As part of the operations to reclaim Marawi from ISIS-affiliated bandits, the AFP is on the offensive where in this Urban format of warfare, the ground troops are gaining street by street, house by house, room by room. And with this matter, miscalculations can cause grave consequences such as this strike that have caused 11 soldiers dead.

That has caused the Defense Department to temporarily suspend the airstrikes that have taken place where ground troops for the meantime will do the job of flushing these bandits out. As detailed in news reports that were given, the aircraft involved is an SF-260 Marchetti plane where apparently, it was armed with conventional or unguided ones that are also called "dumb" bombs. Meanwhile, the same department also opted to acquire Precision-guided bombs from Russia wherein it, as the report says, will be used by FA-50PH jets for airstrikes just like the ones presently taking place in Marawi. Henceforth, the present situation goes the necessity of having these munitions in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines wherein such assets will be used and its accuracy on specific targets is an efficient way of flushing out targets without incurring any more further damage or collateral loss in the battlefield just like the recent mishap regarding the so-called "friendly fire"

In this matter, the discussions will be varied from the one confirmed use by the Philippine Air Force to the possible options as per Department of National Defense plans to procure such precision-guided munitions especially the ones from Russia. This development in which, given the situation, is something that may find helpful to enhance capabilities that can be used against any threats like these bandits.

IN SERVICE - PAVEWAY PGMs

An OV-10 dropped a Paveway precision-guided munition in a
live-fire test. Via Alert5.com

Known but not common, the Philippine Air Force has a handful of precision-guided munition such as these Paveway laser-guided bombs. These guided munitions from Raytheon in the United States is ever since helping the air force conduct precise surgical airstrikes where a weapon effectively reaches its target without wasting many resources on pounding the enemy as well as minimizing if not eliminating collateral damages.

It was apparently used first in 2012 in Parang, Sulu where it has a destructive yet impressive result where the blast site is deemed great but wrong information was given which render no enemy casualties. But for that, its capabilities help improve the abilities of the pilots where nighttime operations, its GPS or homing device will lead itself to the target. But such use was disputed at that time, wherein itself isn't sufficing the fact that pilots are being trained to use these new Precision-guided munitions that were introduced in 2010.

The Raytheon Paveway comes in different shapes and sizes with the Paveway II also having its own variants of sorts. The Philippine Air Force, in this case, has the GBU-12 Paveway II bombs which are indeed a guided munitions version of the Mk. 82 bomb which in itself the Air Force also obtained in its inventory. And in these, it sought action against insurgents especially in the hot war zones in Mindanao like the present Marawi crisis. Given below are its specifications retrieved from globalsecurity.org.

These precision-guided ordinates are helpful for the AFP to conduct its surgical strikes but are now slowly running out of stock which causes casualties due to friendly fire. Not to mention the recent reports on the use of FA-50PH for bombings in Marawi due to its avionics whereas what airforce-technology says consists of embedded Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS), integrated mission computer, identification, friend or foe (IFF), radar altimeter, multimode radar, store management system, UHF/VHF radio, tactical data link, data transfer and recording system, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS). Its sophistication may somewhat suffice a bit for a meantime where a dumb bomb can be dropped with precision due to its system.

Somewhat to this matter, the slowly-diminishing number of precision-guided munitions in the Philippine Air Force inventory may prompt for the Defense Department to procure more in replacement. And with these also comes the Russian option where the President recently visited Russia for various agreements which includes defense and security-related matters. Such agreements so to speak, give the chance for the military to procure Russian weapons in which the term includes precision-guided munitions. But before that, let us take note of the things that may possibly happen if such an agreement will get materialized.

And the points given in the post on our Facebook page are the potential outcomes that have come in this matter. Despite all of these, one might as well point out the potential Russian Precision-Guided Munitions that potentially may have come out if such a deal, given its plans therein by the Defense Department, will be materialized where conditions are gone favorably in such a plan.

POSSIBLE RUSSIAN PRECISION GUIDED MUNITIONS OPTIONS

The Russian KAB series.

The Department of National Defense is considering these Russian munitions given also the President's verbal statements regarding the said subject matter wherein the said statements also emphasizes the Russian use of such precision-guided ordinates against ISIS in Syria that in a good sense, its relevance against the Marawi crisis that also involves ISIS-affiliated bandits gives a good relevance that has come up with such proposal.

As per the Russians, the guided bombs used in Syria are the KBU variants 250 and 500 (kilograms). These bombs that were used against extremists are dropped from a Sukhoi jet and were then guided by both the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) and its Russian equivalent which is the GLONASS or Global Satellite Navigation System. To take note, defense agreements and other fields of interest were all signed in Russia wherein it paves the way for the possibility of procuring these precision-guided weapons.

To take note, the word possibility in the deals like these pertains to the chance that it may happen, or rather not depending on the circumstances given such as the AFP's take on its compatibility along with the other factors therein. Insofar as the deals are concerned, the process is still on the "planning stage" of procurement wherein it also gives a chance or a mere possibility as to whether the AFP or the Defense Department will proceed on the deal or not, signifying various factors that will also thoroughly discussed in this article.

The Defense Department's plans of procuring these Russian PGMs, just like any other weaponry they are planning to procure, will be undertaking evaluation where it can be determined its usefulness in the Armed Forces. Moreover, it was being said to help further enhance the ground attack capabilities of the Philippine Air Force's brand new FA-50 jets where the last batch recently arrived which completes the delivery of 12 units. President Duterte also opted to buy 12 more of such fighter jets as per Horizon 2 plans.

In this matter, albeit the promising capabilities it may bring, but in it comes the reality that will surely hamper in this kind of consideration in having Russian PGMs fitted in a South Korean-made fighter trainer jet with subsystems outsourced from the United States. Such a point, aside from the points given above, will be discussed deeper in this paragraph.

MAJOR OBSTACLES IN PROCURING RUSSIAN PGMS.

Compatibility and Bureaucracy are the main factors to
determine Russian PGM procurement to the jets like these. Photo from John Chua

Aside from the hopes that Russian PGMs can help flush out extremists just like in Marawi City, the said plan is also encountered with numerous problems wherein by its nature, such plans may not be materialized wherein it diminishes the possibility due to several factors played in such a plan or if such a deal may take place.

One of the given factors is the manufacturer's restriction upon weapons integration wherein approvals are deemed needed for it to be realized. Not also to mention the US bureaucratic restrictions that dictate as per the usage of defense articles as well as the other military weaponry with US subsystems attached such as in the case of South Korean FA-50 which are powered by US-made General Electric F-404 engines.

Also, a given factor is the different ecosystems these weapons are produced. The FA-50s are produced in South Korea with systems adhering to the US as well as NATO-based standards wherein its Armed Forces are armed with such weapons adhering that standard. Henceforth, the compatibility of the jets is considered where it is gone vis-a-vis to the systems with those of its Western Allies. 

As for the Philippines, the same does apply wherein like South Korea, it also adheres to Western-based weapons standards which also have come up with the procurement of these jets as the Philippine Air Force restores its capability after it retires its F-5A/B a decade ago. The Russian KAB precision-guided munitions meanwhile are of different platforms and ecosystems where it adheres more with the Russian standard which is deemed different from those of the Western-based ones. 

At present, the Russians as far as it is concern didn't provide a platform for these KAB PGMs to fit for the FA-50s making this deal less feasible. Not also to mention their pessimism on such a defense deal where the Russian doubted it wherein it emphasizes the Philippine laws when it comes to defense spending as well as constitutional provisions about that matter. Also, this article gives an insight, especially on Russian-based PGMs.

In such a case, it will be all up to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its assessments and evaluations to determine whether it is up to what the military is seeking on precision-guided munitions in what it sees as useful in its mandate such as those presently took place in Marawi and in other insurgency-related issues therein. This in which, lets the AFP seek the weapons it really needs where the government may address it.

Given these circumstances, the Philippine Air Force at present will simply resume its airstrikes where it will rely more on the skills of the pilots through the use of dumb bombs and as well the FA-50 avionics where bombardment on targets, despite the absence of Precision-guided munitions shall be done where it will be executed at the best of their capabilities. Not also to mention the artilleries on the ground that can also do the job.

CONCLUSION

Russian KAB-500 in use for Syrian operations

The Philippine Military as per posting will still be resuming its operations where with PGMs running out of numbers, the Philippine Air Force may resort to dumb bombs and rely on its pilot skills or avionics to carry it out. But with that also has the collateral damage that has caused 11 soldiers dead which prompts SF-260 planes' operations to be suspended. 

With reports that Russian PGMs like the KAB series are being looked upon by the Defense Department for procurement, it still comes with obstacles where compatibility, bureaucracy, and restrictions being the main emphasis on the matter. Hence, replenishment of Precision Guided Munitions on the diminishing number of Paveway IIs in the inventory may take time wherein it being materialized depends on the assessments of the AFP and the Defense Department. 

As for now, sniper positions have blasted all thanks to airstrikes wherein with that comes the hopes and dreams that the conflict will end, the threat eliminated, and the peace and security of Mindanao will get restore once again.

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