June 20, 2012
Manila - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be flying 12 lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) from South Korea in two years time, says Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary of National Defense (DND) amidst tension in the South China Sea.
The TA-50s is expected to be delivered by 2013 valued at half -billion US dollars, funded mostly from Korean grants.
The Philippines has been asking the Korean government if they can provide soft loans for jet aircraft procurement as the country doesn't have enough cash to acquire multi-role trainer jets for the PAF.
The TA-50s is expected to be delivered by 2013 valued at half -billion US dollars, funded mostly from Korean grants.
The Philippines has been asking the Korean government if they can provide soft loans for jet aircraft procurement as the country doesn't have enough cash to acquire multi-role trainer jets for the PAF.
Mr. Aquino and Lee previously discussed during his visit in November 2011 how Korea could help the Philippines in establishing the minimum defense capability buildup of the country.
“I expressed to President Lee the interest of the Philippines to gain some specific defense articles such as military-grade helicopters, boats and aircraft,” Mr. Aquino said during a joint news conference held on November 21.
In the press conference, Lee did not disclose what specific request were made, but the South Korean government representative at the meeting confirmed that TA-50 was indeed offered for Aquino's consideration, with the Korean government shouldering the cost of procurement for the jets of the Philippine Air Force.
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| South Korean President Lee Myung-bak spoke in Malacañang recently during a three-day state visit. JOAN BONDOC |
The concessional loans would come from the Economic Development
Cooperation Fund and disbursed through the Export-Import Bank of Korea
from this year until 2013, the two countries said.
The TA-50 is a joint venture program of Korea Aerospace Industrie (KAI)
and Lockheed Martin of the United States, with a price tag of USD $25
million a piece. Those offered to the Philippines has a price tag of USD $28 Million.
The Philippine Air Force shopped for at least six brand new trainer jet fighters and shortlisted the lists to either Korea’s TA-50 Golden Eagle or Italy’s M-346. It received an immediate boost in the arm when it got a dozen instead.
The Philippine Air Force shopped for at least six brand new trainer jet fighters and shortlisted the lists to either Korea’s TA-50 Golden Eagle or Italy’s M-346. It received an immediate boost in the arm when it got a dozen instead.
Great news. So here are some stats from Wikipedia. :D
ReplyDeleteAircraft Summary
TA-50 Golden Eagle (Tactical trainer/light attack)
South Korean Derivative of F-16 Fighting Falcon
First Flight: 20 August 2002
Introduction: 22 February 2005
TA-50 Unit Cost: US$25 million (1.0535 Billion PHP)
Powerplant: 1× General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan
Maximum speed: Mach 1.4~1.5
Service ceiling: 16,760 m (55,000 ft)
Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) General Dynamics A-50 3-barreled rotary cannon
Hardpoints: Total: 7
Rockets: Hydra 70, LOGIR
Missiles:
- Air-to-air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM.
- Air-to-ground: AGM-65 Maverick
Bombs: Mk 82, Mk 83, and Mk 84 general purpose bombs with SPICE, JDAM, or JDAM-ER guidance kits; CBU-97/105 sensor fuzed weapons, laser-guided bombs
Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries (Founded by Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries (aerospace division), and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Company)
Although it would have been wiser to buy the FA-50 variant for 5 Million USD more instead , this is good enough. But the story doesn't end here. The following are the list of Aircraft Armaments and their corresponding per Unit cost:
AIM-9 Sidewinder (Short-range air-to-air missile): US$85,000 (3.582 Million PHP)
AIM-120 AMRAAM 120C (beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, fire & forget): $300,000–$400,000 (12.6422 Million to 16.8563 Million PHP)
AIM-120 AMRAAM 120D (beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, fire & forget): $700,000 (29.4985 Million PHP)
AGM-65 Maverick (precision-guided weapon): 17,000 to $160,000 (716 392.75 PHP to 6.7425 Million PHP)
Mk 82 (unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb): $268.50 (11,314.79 PHP)
Mk 83 (low-drag general-purpose bomb): no data yet :D
Mark 84 or BLU-117 (General-purpose_bomb): $3,100 (130,636 PHP)
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) KIT (guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions): Approximately $25,000 (1.0535 Million PHP); depends on acquisition lot. Foreign sales have considerably higher prices.
This means it will take a few million or billion more to ARM and Maintain the fleet for years to come. If we are going to go up against China we will need Beyond Visual Range Weapons to effectively protect our land area and the plane itself. I would suggest 4 Units of AIM-120C for each of the planes. 2 to bring for every operation and 2 for stockpiling. So in order to have appropriate defense measure alone it will cost 606.8 Million PHP. But those are very conservative numbers, so we may need to order more Air-to-Air missiles. :)
God bless Philippines! Im waiting see this in action to solve the Mindanao Crisis any time soon. Also all these weapons are manufactured and sold by the US so we're gonna pay US huge sums to keep our planes formidable. :D
Also, I would like to request President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino, III to host a Flight Demonstration when all the 12 jets are finally delivered, perhaps for every major Tax Paying City here in the Philippines.
Lastly, it stated in Wikipedia that each plane in 2011 prices cost 25 Million USD (1.0535 Billion PHP). I am open to any explanation on how the cost for 12 Planes got to 25 Billion PHP effectively doubling 2011 prices. I hope this one doesn't get to become the likes of ZTE.
I've heard each plane has an additional 5 Billion for maintenance and fly away cost.
DeleteWell I hope it doesn't become the likes of ZTE.. which is also Chinese BS. I hope at that increased price, the required modifications in avionics suitable for the PAF has already been factored in, also the ordnance (tipong package deal na.hehehe) and I agree, would've been wiser if we procured the FA-50, unless the government has something sweeter in the long run... like using these LIFT aircraft then jumping to F-16's or F-18's in the next couple of years. :) I wish they'll add a couple of UCAV's too for the Mindanao crisis, nothing is more better than round the clock surveillance. :)
DeleteMaybe PAF can take South Korea's used F-4D's on top of the T/A-50 & the F/A-50. I don't think PAF has the capability to run F-16's or F-18's. Maybe PAF could look at buying used MIG-29's from Russia.
DeleteShouldn't we procure anti-shipping missiles with their guidance packages too? Afterall, we want to prevent their ships from sailing into our territory. Maybe Exocet missiles that can be mounted and fired from planes,patrol boats and from the island which we already occupy.
Deleteyou want this aircraft to demonstrate precision flying in every tax paying city?! my god!!! they should be patrolling or training our new pilots
DeleteMIG-29's are the most worst fighter plane the Russian built. It killed a lot of Indian Air force Pilots during patrols and training flights rather than in any dog fights. They dubbed the plane as "WIDOW MAKER"
DeleteIMHO, we also needs missiles for these planes, lots of them to really have a credible External Defense. We need Short Range and Medium Range Air to Air Missiles, and also Anti-Ship Missiles so China can feel we can really threaten their air and sea assets ...
ReplyDeleteI love to hear that and really love hat Philippines is now taking care it's defense capability. As Filipino, we really need this, not only for internal defense as well it can last how many days to defend the Philippines against external threat. This aircraft is good enough for filipino pilot's even it's only a trainer jet. let's rock the sky with our own eagles. I really love this news and F#$k the Fu#$%kin communist who are against this procurement. AFP is now clean in corruption, they are only giving dirt to this plan to stop this purchase.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right most especially Casino is going nuts about the fighter jets. He's a douche stating that the Philippines need to fight poverty not fighter planes.
Deletesome people just want to look good in the public eye.hehehe and some people are just thick enough they don't feel anything.. how about a suggestion he relocates to the Military Post over at Spratly, and let's see how fast he'll change his perspective on things.
DeleteThe $360 Million cost for the 12 TA-50 aircrafts will not be a grant from S. Korea, it will be funded from the P70 Billion modernization fund of which the bulk of it will go to the PAF and PN ...
ReplyDeleteHope it will be provided with AMRAAMs and Sidewinders. Otherwise it is just an advance trainer jet.
ReplyDeleteAnd why does the pro-PNoy media kept referring it as a lead-in fighter!!!
This is outrage!!!
I agree. I hope they WILL equip these planes with AMRAAMS and Sidewinders. It'll be a BIG joke if they just shoo away Chinese Flankers and surface ships with just guns alone. I'm not pro Pnoy, but IMHO, i think this guy and admin kept the ball rolling for this modernization project.
DeleteI think they refer these procured jets as LIFT (Lead In Fighter Training) aircraft, so as to prepare our pilots in these advanced jets (i.e. TA-50) to emulate operational fighter planes we might acquire in the future. It also reduces training cost in comparison to training them directly to much more advanced fighters (which we didn't procure at the moment. i.e. F-16, F-18, etc.) I think that's how they're planning it.
Excellent! I would like to see that The Philippine Government acquires one or two US Navy Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer and three US Oliver Hazard Perry Frigate. Also, I would like to see the Philippine Government acquires (aside from 24 fighter jets from South Korea)6 units of F-22 Captor.
ReplyDeleteThen from today, the Philippine Government may start-up a program on manufacturing (using these fighter jets and warships) our own fighter jets and warships (in collaboration with aircraft and ship building companies). Vietnam has already built their own warships.
I think the Philippines can afford to buy these suggested fighter jets and warships. We are actually lending money to Europe already. The Government can use part of the proceeds from these oil and natural gas funds to build up our air and naval defenses to protect our interest and defense territories.
This is my humble suggestion so that China will stop bullying us.
God bless the Philippines! God bless our countries leaders!
do you know how much will it cost to maintain the arleigh burke class and oliver hazard perry class? its engines runs only on gas! its more economic viable if we buy a succesful designed ship or air craft... did you know how it cost to develop an aircraft out from scratch?
Deletelending just a 1 billion dollars doenst mean we are rich... the philippines is a developing country it do have so many priorities!
F-22 raptor U mean.
Deleteare you guys dreaming??? hahaha research before saying anything.. it's funny coz u guys are like bunch of kids stuck on a video game...
DeleteI hope that our government should also consider in case of any confrontation of our air and sea assets, how long can we sustain this confrontation.During the marcos time, a study showed that in case of a full blowed battle the Philippines can only sustain a fight for 15 mins and all our ammunition will be spent.
ReplyDeleteI think that the think-tanks in our military should look into all possibilities of a sustained confrontation even for a defense position. What if we are pushed to use these assets if we are invaded, will our defense position be only for a first strike? Whats next if we can even use these assets because we do not have anymore arms to arm them with? Will they be siting ducks for the invaders to use as target practice?
I know we have very good pilots and navy personnel. That is why even purchasing arms for a minimum defense position, China is warning us of our move. Why when china upgraded its capabilities, did we even try to stop them from doing this? It is the right of every country to bear arms to defend itself from any outside threat.
Go Philippines.
oh well, baka di nyo alam na before there was a program para sana armasan ng missile ang AFP.. it was the project santa barbara.. marami tayong talented na inventors jan.. Sample nalang yung MPAC ng navy and yung sniper na gamit ng marines. all filipino made yon.. pwede naman siguro tayong gumawa ng sarili nating design diba?
DeleteIt seems you are the one who don't what you telling to us..Those sniper rifle for Philippine Marines are different parts imported from USA and assembled here in the Philippines.
Deleteuse these planes against abu sayaf and npa.... pulbusin,, saka na problemahin ang china, problemahin muna insurgency dito sa atin
ReplyDeletenah! you don't need this plane in mindanao... for tactical operation you need AH-64...
DeleteWe have a lot of intelligent filipino's here...we should manufacture our own jets..i know that it would seem to be impossible but we can do that. we should not rely on other countries for almost everything..the govt has all the capabilities..its really up to them...me, myself...am willing to offer my life for the country....
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. Para sa bayan.
DeleteThe jets that we are going to buy are just a light attack planes..doesnt make a difference...china has stealth jets..the SOLUTION is to start our own research, studies.etc...and make ties with foreign jet manufacturers inorder for us to manufacture our own fighter jets..if other countries can do that, theres no reason we can't...if we start asap, maybe 10 yrs from now we can have our own..with the help of the private sector...the govt has to make priorities..dont like the way they lend money to imf.....
ReplyDeleteThis is a good start, but we should take heed to our veterans vision since after WWII SELF RELIANCE. For our decision makers at the end of the day several factors have to be considered. I believe most of these were considered by them.
ReplyDelete1. Cost - This includes not only acquisition cost but also the yearly maintenance for the duration of the aircraft's life
2. Lifespan of the aircraft. - Like cars new always means a longer service life rather than second hand or refurbished.
3. Access to spare parts - Since South Korea is very near it's easier to acquire this and a very fast turn around time.
4. Technology Transfer - This should be pursued by the government. It will enable the country to jump start our own aerospace industry. Not to mention the jobs that it will create. We can even start our own indigenous MRF projects or even an ASEAN Fighter afterwards but that is going too much ahead.
5. Adaptability - Most of the LIFT aircraft should still be able to used for "soft" missions.
6. Government to Government deals. Yes it's true we do not have enough cash to pay for the purchases outright. We can get soft loans from the country where we are buying the hardware/equipment. In effect no different when one buys a car, instead of paying cash you pay in installment. This way the government can effectively extend the money and acquire more hardware/equipment in the long run.
For those who is very vocal in acquiring 4th - 5th generation US fighters, it will not be practical. It is also a highly politically charged decision as all US weapons purchase has to pass thru the US Congress. All decision making in any weapons purchase is for a fact hinged also on politics. For example the Israeli KFIR was supposed to be acquired but was shelved because of our Muslim brothers.
Again this is a good start I hope it continues until we are totally SELF RELIANT in defending our territory.
In my IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taaleno
And for those poster na nag suggest that we should made our own. Very Good if you have the time in money to spend on research and development. It takes years and experience to make your own. And to think of it all jet engines can only produced by US, Russia and some European countries. Even China they cant produce there own jet engines. They still need to import it from Russia.
Ang sa tingnin ko dapat yung Pundo sa Pork Barrell eh dito na lang gamitin.
Tapos gumawa ng fund drive na kahit sinong willing na pinoy na gustong tumulong eh mag donate na kahit 2 pesos. Imagine mo 2 pesos multiply to the working population.
Eh Solicit si Pacman na magbawas man lang ng 1 million sa kayamanan nya..di naman siguro mabigat sa kanya yun.
Then pag naipon, kaya na bumili kahit isa or even dalawang brand new C 130J Cargo... pangalan.. C130 of the Philippine People.. ayos diba?
Napili ko ang Cargo plane kasi pwede gamitin sa Disaster Operation and to supply the troops na nagbabatay sa Spratly.. kasi nag iisa lang ang lumang C130H lang meron ang pinas.
Then pag success another fund drive for a squadron of 12x Multi-Role Fighter Jet..
Brand new F16C variant para madaling transition sa mga pinoy pilots na trained sa TA-50.
Tapos bumili tayo ng mga Mine Layer ship para lagyan ng High Explosive Mines yung mga ISLANDS na territoryo natin para di lapitan ng mga CHino...
good guys! dapat tulong-tulong tayo dito, para wag tayong aapak-apakan ng china sa sarili nating bakuran. i want 4 of these new flying machines be deployed in sparatly is. filipino pilots, be prepare to hit that red dot. PULL THE TRIGGER.
ReplyDeleteAkala ko ung naprocure natin eh ung Russian 5th Gen fighter na Sukhoi T-50. ayun pala eh TA-50 Golden eagle. Maniniwala na sana ako kaya nating depensahan ang teritoryo natin since Sukhoi T-50 is the most advance fighter jet compared sa mga counterpart nito sa US na F-35 Lightning II at F-22 Raptor AKA "Starscream"
ReplyDeleteAkala ko dn eh!! Napatalon nga aku sa tuwa ng narinig ko ang balita na T-50 daw ang bibilhin. Nkipagtalo pa aku sa kapit bahay nmen. Sabi nila US jets daw maganda. Sabi ko nman sa kanila mas maganda bibilhin ng pilipinas. Sukhoi T-50. Made in Russia. Pru ok nren nman FA-50. Kahit papano meron tau.
DeleteBawal ang mga komunista sa thread na ito.. Bumili na lang kayo ng tiket pumunta kayo ng china wag na kayo magsibalik mga mongoloids nyahahaha !!!!!
ReplyDeleteKaylangan talaga jets capable of behind visual range hindi na uso dogfight sa ere ngayon puro 4th gereration fighter jets na malayo pa p lng lock on kana at isa kanang fireworks in the sky, & TA50 bitin sa speed at mach 1.4 kalaban 2.2 Bvr pa ano na mangyayari. Dapat rin sana mas powerful engine ilagay sa TA50
ReplyDeleteTake time to read before posting some of your fantasy here in the net..You read a lot of non sense..T/A-50 if ever procured by Philippines will serve as Advances Trainer for PAF with secondary capability of a Surface Attack Aircraft..
DeletePAF does not have the intention to acquire those highly potent MRF Jet as of now due to the fact that they need a lot of preparation and training before being qualified to handle a 4 the Gen aircraft..
That's "Patriotic".
ReplyDeleteFirst priority for me is the philippine govt should have enough guns for the people to defend and ammos. Especially our soldiers in the front lines deserve the best equipment.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that Philippine and Korea are cooperating on the military development. I hope Korea will provide much more assistance to Philippines, and develop a strong bond! I am a Korean by the way, and sincere best wishes to all people of Philippines.
ReplyDeletei think what we really need is an air space defense system (radars, anti-aircraft and anti0missles systems). a missile cruisers. a satellite to help detect our air space. hi-tech command/control center, communication systems.
ReplyDeleteyou f..ck'n kidding me?
DeletelAHAT MAGAGALING ANG COMMENT. Pero, sana lahat magbayad ng tamang taxes, ang pabayarin ang mga tax cheats at ilitin ang mga ari-arian nila, at ang makukuhang pera ay ipambili ng mga military equipments. Kahit refurbished, basta ready to use, ok na, kunin. Cguro, maliban sa South Korea, kausapin din natin ang Switzerland. Magpapalit na sila ng kanilang F-5E, at OK to sa Pinas dahilan sa well-maintained at low pa ang operational cost, at sanay na ang piloto. Sana pumayag ang Swiss KASI, NAKINABANG naman sila sa mga tagong yaman ng mga magagaling na opisyales na nasa kanilang bangko.
ReplyDeleteI think much better if we aquire more TA-50 and more naval ship AFP deserve advanced equipments to protect philippine border... sana pagdating nyan dito pakita nila sa atin ang katibayan na naaquire na nila ung mga units...god bless philippines
ReplyDeleteIts FA-50 not TA-50 jets that the government will acquire...
ReplyDelete