Lockheed Martin partners to build minesweepers for Taiwan's navy

In the same manner, these actions and plans of Taiwan to engage in Partnerships with the Lockheed Martin in many aspects of military hardwares, the philippine government also, in all its capacity and willingness to uplift the service of our military must undergo the same like Taiwan.

This piece of information is so envious but so challenging to our own capabilities. It will be unacceptable to  let hese things go without our attention to catch up with our neighbors.

Now is the time to have a strong resolve to modernize our military for the protection of our sovereignty.

The recent acquisitions is not bad, we need them at the start, but the greater need to do it is to be able to manufacture them in our own soil.

A consortium of Taiwan's largest private shipbuilder Ching Fu Shipbuilding, Lockheed Martin (LMT +0.9%) and Italian firm Intermarine have won a contract to supply six mine countermeasure vessels for Taiwan's navy.Lockheed will install and test the combat management systems for the ships.

READ LINK

Lockheed Martin Partnership with Taiwan

 

This info is a reason to re-design our  plans to modernize the AFP.  The partnership of Taiwan and Lockheed is an indication that we can too pursue partnerships with them to increase our capabilities and in a way support our economy.

Though we are buying now our fleets outside, we must start the same internally the productions of our military hardwares with out delay. 

For the past 30 years, the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) has defended its skies with Lockheed Martin products starting with F-104 Starfighters and continuing today with the F-16A/B MLU Block 20 Fighting Falcon.

But, Lockheed Martin’s history with Taiwan goes beyond delivering advanced programs and capabilities.  The Corporation was also the first defense contractor to establish an Industrial Cooperation (IC) Agreement with Taiwan’s Industrial Development Bureau (IBD), providing new technologies, know-how, and capabilities to local industry.

Major programs in Taiwan include:

Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF)- Lockheed Martin helped design and produce Taiwan’s first and only fly-by-wire advanced fighter.

C-130H- Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force has purchased 20 C-130Hs from the United States Air Force.

P-3- The Taiwan Navy obtained 12 P-3C aircraft under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program in 2007 which were then modernized to provide an additional 15,000 flight hours.

Sharpshooter Targeting Pods and Pathfinder Navigation Pods- Taiwan’s F-16s utilize these systems to pinpoint targets in challenging conditions, including total darkness and poor weather.

Radars- From GE-592 solid-state 3D radar to the TPS-117, Lockheed Martin has a proud history of providing a variety of radars to Taiwan.

C4ISR and Command and Control Capabilities- Between upgrading command and control capabilities to providing C4ISR solutions, the Corporation supports program such as Automated Air Defense System.

Athena launch vehicle- This vehicle launched the ROCSAT-1 satellite aboard the Athena launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral.

Air Traffic Control- Lockheed Martin has provided the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) with a variety of systems and updates.

ROC Navy PFG-2 Frigate- Lockheed Martin has worked with the ROC Navy since 1986 building and operating Taiwan’s first indigenous warship.  From training support to air-to-air missiles, Lockheed Martin has been a proud partner for the PFG-2 Frigate.

M-TADS/PNVS (Arrowhead) is the advanced electro-optical fire control system that AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots use for safe flight in day, night, or bad weather missions.  M-TADS/PNVS advanced technology improves system performance by over 150 percent. Reliability increases more than 150 percent while maintenance actions decrease approximately 60 percent.  Over 1100 systems have been delivered.

The LONGBOW system is built by a Joint Venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. U.S. Army testing shows integrated capabilities enhance the Apache lethality fourfold and survivability sevenfold.  The LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) rapidly and automatically searches, detects, locates, classifies, and prioritizes multiple moving and stationary targets on land, water and in the air in all weather and battlefield conditions from standoff ranges.  High system reliability and two-level maintenance maximize operational availability and reduce support costs.

Air and Missile Defense- From the Hellfire II to PAC-3 to Javelin to Longbow, Lockheed Martin and Taiwan partner on a variety of missile defense programs.

READ LINK

S. Korea Moving Closer To Lockheed F-16 Deal

This post is enough for us, the Philippines to think, and rethink our policies toward the AFP Modernization program. As we enter in the atmosphere of war, and the intense importance to protect our sovereignty, we need to to the same as Koreans are doing right now. We"ll have to build our capability the right way. We'll to make partnerships and manufacture the jets we need in the air to deter threats.
Now is the time. Look at Korea...

SEOUL AND WASHINGTON — South Korean officials are expected to approve a plan this week paving the way for Lockheed Martin to take over its F-16 upgrade program.

A Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) spokesman said his agency is scheduling a top decision-making council Nov. 19 to approve a plan to change the KF-16 partner company, following cancellation of a $1.7 billion BAE Systems contract to give 134 KF-16 fighters new avionics and radar systems.

“We believe the KF-16 upgrade project can’t go forward further under the existing contract,” he said. “That’s why we’re seeking to sign a fresh deal with a new partner.”

While unnamed, the partner is assured to be Lockheed, the original producer of the jets, which has been lobbying behind the scenes since the issues between DAPA and BAE first surfaced in October.

A pair of KF-16 C/D Block 52 jets has already been sent to a BAE factory in Fort Worth, Texas, to be equipped with an up-to-date mission computer, cockpit-display and other avionics systems. Phase 2 of the upgrades would have involved the integration of the Raytheon active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, ALR-69A all-digital radar warning receiver and weapon systems integration.

A new Lockheed contract would likely fill similar needs, but may swap out Raytheon’s AESA for Northrop Grumman’s model. Lockheed selected Northrop to provide radars on its contract to upgrade Taiwan’s F-16 fleet.

The news comes as BAE filed a lawsuit against DAPA to block what the company calls an unfair attempt by South Korea to claim $43 million in punitive costs.

Military officials in South Korea have claimed the US government added about US $470 million and BAE about $280 million in costs that were not part of the original agreement. South Korea’s DAPA is holding BAE responsible for those costs; BAE, in turn, argues that it had no say in those cost increases, instead putting the blame at the feet of the US government.

A BAE spokesman said the company “asked a US federal court to rule that it does not owe any monies in connection with the F-16 upgrade program,” adding, “we are unable to comment further.” The Pentagon declined to comment.

“Lockheed Martin has been contacted by the USG and we look forward to discussing the program with the USG and ROKAF officials at the appropriate time,” said Lockheed spokesman Mark Johnson. “Lockheed Martin values its relationships with its F-16 customers and stands ready to support their current and future needs.”

The DAPA spokesman also declined to comment on BAE’s lawsuit, but did note that further sanctions against the company are in play.

If DAPA concludes that the request for additional funds represents a breach of contract, it could confiscate the company’s bid bond and designate it an “undesired firm,” which would limit BAE’s ability to do defense deals in South Korea.

The Board of Audit and Inspection, the country’s watchdog agency, is scheduled to inspect the issues regarding the KF-16 contract with BAE in January. ■

READ  LINK

Partnership with Lockheed Martin

partnership with the Lockeed Martin is always possible to engage the country in the manufacture of fighter jets via the  resources and expertise of  this US company. As of today the Philippines has not even tried to make it feasible to do such as like that made by Korea.

In many facebook comments, and in the majority of our mindsets and thinking towards this means of going into manufacturing, there is always negativity and unproductive responses the possibility of having this goal. I hope the feats of Korea will makie us just envious to make us replicate the same now.

In the early 1990s, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) began to recognize the growing capability gap between their existing fast jet trainers and modern fighters. This drove the ROKAF to use their operational fighters to satisfy some of their fast jet training needs.

The ROKAF then began to look at fast jet trainers that were available on the market that could be used to minimize this capability and skills gap. They found that most lacked the modern cockpit, digital flight controls, aero performance and avionics needed to bridge the growing gap. The solution – developing the T-50 Multirole Trainer.

Dedicated To Providing the World’s Best Jet Trainer

The T-50 was developed by a world-class team. The Korean government is providing funding and oversight on the program. The Republic of Korea Air Force is responsible for program management, defining requirements and conducting the flight test program – and is the first user.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), prime contractor for the program, is responsible for aircraft design, integration and major component fabrication and will mate and deliver the T-50 from their factory in Sacheon.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, principal subcontractor and advisor to KAI for the development program, is responsible for the development of the wings, flight controls and avionics. Lockheed Martin is also partnered with KAI for long-term marketing the aircraft in the U.S. and internationally.

We also have a strong supplier team, which includes General Electric for the engine, another division of Lockheed Martin for the radar, Messier-Dowty, Honeywell and other leading aerospace companies.

This is a very strong team committed to the long-term success of the T-50 program.

READ LINK

Pinay maid in Malaysia eyes charges vs ex-boss for abuse

This is one story  should make the government think of a better way to promote jobs for filipinos.  The story and the situation has been repetitive, though there are success stories in other areas, and few are unfortunate, still the demeaning job is degrading and an advocate of slavery.  We must stop the Domestic helping jobs abroad. The government is capable of solving this ill if seriously they will create alternatives that will replace these jobs for a better and dignifying one.  The proposal to eliminate DH jobs is up for the Congress to do so, it is their job and they know better to resolve the matter for the favor of better jobs and lives for all.

A Filipina maid plans to pursue charges against her former employer whom she accused of starving and beating her for nearly one-and-a-half years.

Nenita Batiancila Elcamel said she was made to work round the clock with little to no food and feared for her life, Malaysia's The Star Online reported Sunday.

Elcamel was rescued by police from her ex-employer’s condominium in Kelana Jaya on Nov. 13. Her head was bloodied and her body bore several bruises when she was rescued.

“I became so thin that I would break down in tears when I saw myself in the mirror,” said the Cebu native.

Last Friday, the former employer pleaded guilty at the Petaling Jaya magistrate’s court to hitting the maid. She was fined RM4,000 and jailed for a day.

But her woes do not appear to end there - a spokesman of Elcamel's foreign worker recruitment agency is planning to file a civil case against the former employer.

“We want to get justice for Nenita and make this a lesson to employers to treat their maids as humans,” the report quoted the agency's spokesperson as saying.

The report said Elcamel weighed about 132 lbs when she started work in Malaysia in 2013. But at the time of her rescue, she weighed a mere 88 lbs.

She said she was only given water, slices of bread or a pack of instant noodles for the whole day.

She also said her former employer would sometimes starve her for two days.

“Sometimes I felt like collapsing because I was so hungry but she would beat me with a hanger or a stick or pour water on me,” she said.

When the employer’s husband bought her food, she said the woman would throw it into the trash can.

“She deducted RM400 from my salary every month for my food and toiletries. She also charged me for using the electricity and water,” Elcamel said.

She said her employer  would wake her up at 5 a.m. and make her clean each room for an hour.

“She said that she was paying me a lot of money and I had to earn everything she was paying me for," she said.

Police brought Elcamel out of the condominium after neighbors called police and said the suspect had left her home alone with a gash on her head.

Elcamel said her former employer also attacked her with an aerosol spray can when she was not satisfied with her work. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News

READ  LINK

Philippine Shipbuilding

The Philippines overtook European countries and became the world’s fourth largest shipbuilding nation in 2010, following South Korea, China and Japan, in terms of newbuilding completion volume. This was attributable to the expanded construction volume of the local Philippine shipyards. The major shipyards in the Philippines are Japan’s Tsuneishi Heavy industries (Cebu) Inc. (THICI) in Balamban, Cebu operated by Tsuneishi Holding Corp. and South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC Philippines established by HHIC at Subic Bay.

The Philippines has been of good standing in the aspect of shipbuilding investments. We gained the rank as one of the world's biggest  shipbuilding nations made by giant names of shipbuilding companies in the world.  This condition can turn to be an advantage for the national government as well as to pertain to our naval ship development and  needs f or acquisitions in the navy.   The situation as an advantage that will save more for the country as thee companies can answer the call to respond to our naval shipbuilding capabilities. It is not impossible and as is it not difficult to turn these yards into a naval making companies for an orthodox statement.

In the five years since 2005, the emerging shipbuilding nations, like India, Vietnam, Philippines and Brazil, acquired a dominant position posing as potential threat as well as opportunity for the existing shipbuilding nations. Philippine shipyards are building more ships of larger tonnage capacities like bulk carriers, container ships and big passenger ferries. The construction at the Subic Bay Freeport of a $68 million Turkish-owned commercial ship by Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation, a South Korean shipbuilding giant, shows that the Philippines can really build world-class ocean-going vessels.

The Philippines manifested a unique presence in the market as a production base of shipyards from developed countries. According to IHS Fairplay statistics (formerly Lloyd’s Register), 19 newbuildings of 710,000 gross registered tons (GRT) were completed in the Philippines from January to June 2010 alone. As for the major shipbuilding countries in Europe, Germany completed 490,000 GRT, while Italy and Romania completed 470,000 GRT and 320,000 GRT respectively. Newbuilding completions in Taiwan, Vietnam and Turkey also shrank, driving the Philippines to surpass these countries. South Korea, Japan and China will remain the three shipbuilding giants in the industry.

The shipbuilding industry refers to the sector involved in the construction, launching, and outfitting of watercrafts, while the ship repair industry deals with the overhaul, improvement, alteration, and reconditioning of water vessels. The Philippines now ranks No. 4 among the largest shipbuilding nations in the world. South Korea, China and Japan, are first, second and third largest shipbuilding nations worldwide. The arrival of foreign shipbuilders in the Philippines propelled the export growth of Philippine-made ships in the international market.

LINK READ

Austal Philippines PTY Limited (Philippines Shipyard Operations)

This Ship, Condor 102,  is made in the Philippine soil by a foreign company. Investment in this industry is a pilot project for the philippines to kick start our Naval shipping industry and will assure the nation that such industry is advantageous for the country. From here, our intention of domestically  manufacture our naval ship requirements is already inside home. Though it is foreign, a  partnership  will eventually be an option for the government at much better cost.

We should view these new developments as favorable for our future.

Austal is a world leader in the design, construction and service of customised aluminium defence and commercial vessels, and is proud to list many of the world’s leading ferry operators and defence forces amongst its customers.

Austal has delivered more than 220 vessels for customers around the world from its shipyards in Western Australia, the USA (Mobile, Alabama) and now the Philippines. Austal’s product range includes passenger and vehicle-passenger ferries, patrol boats, theatre support vessels, combat ships, multi-role vessels and luxury private yachts. Austal is also an established provider of worldwide vessel maintenance and management services.

Austal have embarked on an exciting new venture and are recruiting a Company Nurse for the Philippines Shipyard Operations in Balamban, Cebu.


READ LINK

Philippines To Buy 2 Maestrale Frigates From Italy; Urgent delivery of 4 Fighter jets

We have these new acquisitions for the AFP modernization program as a means to deter the bullying of China in the West Philippine Sea. We praise these actions of the president to counter the encroachment of china in our sovereignty. I suggest that as long as there is time before any war would erupt in the region, the country must hurriedly engage in our Defense Industry to sustain our  maintenance and increased inventory of our military hardwares and support for the economy,

Two days after President Benigno Aquino III vowed more support for the Philippine Air Force, a defense undersecretary disclosed the department is working for the immediate delivery of at least 4 of the total 12 FA-50 fighter jets it will be purchasing from South Korea.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the Department of National Defense (DND) has begun negotiations with the Korean Aerospace Industry (KAI) while it is waiting for Malacañang's final approval of the sales agreement. It will be a government-to-government procurement that requires multi-year obligational authority from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

"Once we get confirmation of the sales agreement and once we get the multi-year obligational authority from DBM, we can start formal negotiations and we can schedule the delivery of at least 4 fighter jets," Manalo told reporters.

"We are negotiating for the immediate delivery of a certain number out of the 12 we are going to procure. We are hoping we can get at least four so our pilots can start their training," Manalo added.

The Philippines retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005 and lacks air defense.

'Minimum deterrence'

In May, Aquino announced a ₱75-billion military upgrade to defend the country's territory against "bullies." The 12 fighter jets will cost ₱18.9 billion, part of the 24 items in the shopping list of the AFP.

READ: ₱75-B boost for PH navy to resist 'bullies' and PH to buy 12 South Korean fighter jets

The AFP modernization will give the Philippines "minimum deterrence capability" so that other countries would "think twice about waging wars against us," Manalo said. Manila is embroiled in a diplomatic row with Beijing over islands in the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

The AFP modernization program will serve various purposes, Manalo added.

"We cannot deny that we have an internal security problem. We cannot deny that there are terrorist threats. We need to assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea," Manalo said.

"We are not advocating war. But we cannot just ask soldiers to defend our rights using only their hands. We have to give them equipment," he said. "Buhay na natin ang nakatalaga dito," he added. (Our lives are at stake here.)

Frigates for the Navy

Two frigates will be procured for the Phippine Navy, too. It will cost ₱18 billion.

Manalo said the navy had already decided to acquire two new Maestrale-class frigates from Italy instead of buying used ones from the Italian navy.

The frigates would add to two refurbished Hamilton-class cutters formerly used by the US Coast Guard that the Philippines acquired from its US ally to upgrade its ageing navy fleet, which includes some vessels that first saw action in World War II.

Manalo is hoping the military's procurement of frigates will give the country a chance to join military exercises with other countries.

Under the 2013 General Appropriation Act, ₱5-billion was allocated to the "regular fund" of the AFP while ₱10.6 billion was for "unprogrammed funds." The latter is intended for projects that are awaiting approval.

Manalo said the DND's 2014 budget proposal also includes an allocation of ₱15 billion for the "unprogrammed fund."

Bases upgrade

Military bases will be upgraded. Manalo said hangars and other infrastructure in various military bases, such as the Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Cebu, will be improved to make them suitable for the new equipment.

Aside from fighter jets and frigates, the Philippines will procure the following:

* Rocket launcher, handheld radios, night fighting system for the Philippine Army

* Radar system and long range patrol aircraft for the Air Force

* Combat utility helicopter

* Flight simulator

* Lead in fighter trainers

* Amphibious assault vehicle

Manalo said the objective is to deliver all these within the term of President Aquino. Outside the ₱75-billion budget, the DND is also procuring 55,000 assault rifles.

According to Manalo, it is the "deliberate" intention of President Benigno Aquino to implement all 24 projects under the plan before he ends his term in 2016, with initial delivery of at least four of 12 FA-50 fighters next year or soon after.

The FA-50s as well as the radar systems and helicopters will be used mainly to defend interests in the West Philippine Sea, with installations of support facilities, including hangars, set up on Palawan island, the Philippines' nearest province to the disputed territories, Manalo said.

The acquisition of new military equipment will also increase the Philippines' chances to participate in joint training and exercises with other countries or, at least, expand the scope of its participation, boosting its capabilities, Manalo said.

The Philippines has recently disclosed a plan to grant the United States, and possibly, Japan, greater access to its military facilities.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said strengthening ties with strategic allies, the United States and Japan, are necessary because the Philippines is not yet capable of dealing with "Chinese aggression" on its own.

To end China "bullying"

"We are modernizing not because we want to go to war with China," he told a news conference.

He said the government had a sworn obligation to defend the "West Philippine Sea," using the government's preferred term for Philippine-claimed areas in the South China Sea.

"We are not saying that this is part of our preparations to assert our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. What we are saying is that we cannot just give them up."

The frigates would add to two refurbished Hamilton-class cutters formerly used by the US Coast Guard that the Philippines acquired from its US ally to upgrade its aging navy fleet, which includes some vessels that first saw action in World War II.

READ  LINK

Deal to buy 12 fighters jets from South Korea reached

This news item is one of good achievements of the President. Though we are really 

weak militarily, it is inspiring in the other sense that we can rise.
The achievements of Korea must inspire us. We must do the same, to manufacture fighter jets and naval ships like them.
We must stop the buying outside by spending our little  dollars in reserve. We must spend our billions of pesos domestically to create jobs and firing up our modernization in industries if Defense Industry is launched.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines said Friday a deal has been reached to buy 12 fighter jets worth P18.9 billion ($415.7 million) from South Korea as the country struggles to modernize its military.

“We did not only inch closer, we are almost there,” Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, chairman of Bids and Awards Committee, told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo Friday after Manila and Seoul reached a conclusion on the negotiations for the acquisition of 12 FA 50 lead-in fighter jets.

“We are considering it [FA-50 lead-in fighter jets] as not just an ordinary lead-in fighter because it can deliver short range missile and there is a potential for these to be classified as beyond the short range fighter aircraft,” Manalo said.

The deal came amid a seething territorial conflict with China over the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The acquisition of fighter jets is one of the two big ticket items in the P85-billion AFP Modernization Program. The other is the purchase of two brand new frigates worth P18 billion.

The FA-50 is a new light combat aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries. It is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.

The deal was reached after seven months of negotiations with the Korean firm.

The first two fighter jets will be delivered 18 months after the contract signing, which is targeted before March 15. The delivery will be completed in 2017.

The Philippine military is one of the weakest in Asia, and retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005.

read   LINKI

FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft, South Korea

This news item feautres the Korean made fighter jet being acquired by the Philippine government from Korea. What is amazing about this information is that we are overtaken by Korea and practically all our neighbors in the regions in terms of technology and economy. Specially the case of military and defense they are manufacturing their own. Yet our government remained blind by the truth that it is only thru making and manufacturing our own military hardwares shall make us independent and secured. Most of all, Economy is the bottomline of all

The FA-50 is a new light combat aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.

Development of the FA-50 combat aircraft began in October 1997. Six prototypes were built during the development phase that concluded in January 2006.

The FA-50 was awarded military type certificate by the Korean Military Aircraft Airworthiness Committee (MAAC) in October 2012. It is the first fighter-class military aircraft to receive the MAAC certification.

The indigenously developed FA-50 light attack aircraft will replace the ROKAF's ageing fighter fleet of F-5E/F and A-37 aircraft. The FA-50 will also strengthen the defence capability of the ROKAF.

Orders and deliveries of the FA-50

Korea Aerospace Industries was awarded a $600m contract by the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) in December 2011 for the production and supply of 20 FA-50 aircraft to the ROKAF by 2014.

DAPA placed a KRW1.1 trillion ($1bn) follow-on serial production contract with KAI for the FA-50 aircraft in May 2013. The deliveries are expected to start in the second half of 2013 and the full operational deployment of the FA-50 fleet with the ROKAF is scheduled for 2016.

Features of the light combat aircraft

"It is a light combat version of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft."

The FA-50, which is based on the T-50 supersonic advanced trainer platform, is offered as an affordable and efficient supersonic advanced light attack platform.

The combat aircraft is intended to meet the light fighter requirements of air forces around the world. The advanced radar provides the FA-50 with detection capability which is similar to that of the KF-16 fighter.

The FA-50 measures 13.14m in length, 9.45m in width and 4.82m in height. The empty weight of the aircraft is 6.47t. The aircraft can take-off with a maximum gross weight of 12.3t.

FA-50 light combat aircraft cockpit and avionics

The tandem glass cockpit of the FA-50 can carry two crew members. It is equipped with wide field of view head-up display (HUD), colour multifunction displays (MFDs), digital engine instrumentation, Hands On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS), integrated up-front controls and zero-zero ejection seat.

"The wide range of weapon systems aboard the FA-50 allows it to counter multiple threats."

The flight control systems include digital fly-by-wire, active stick, electrical emergency power unit, digital break-by-wire and triple redundant electrical system.

The cockpit also integrates an On-Board Oxygen Generation Systems (OBOGS). The Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) aboard the aircraft ensures mission capability during day and night.

The avionics package 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 Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS).

Weapon systems on the South Korean aircraft

The FA-50 aircraft can carry a weapons load of up to 4.5t. The aircraft can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground tactical missiles (AGM), GBU-38/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW), Mk-82 Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bombs and Cluster Bomb Units (CBUs).

The aircraft is also mounted with an internal, three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun and LAU-3/A 19-tube 2.75" rocket launcher for firing Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR). The wide range of weapon systems aboard the FA-50 allows it to counter multiple threats in today's complex battlefield scenario.

FA-50 aircraft engines and performance

The power-plant of the FA-50 aircraft integrates a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine developing 17,700lbf of thrust with afterburner. The engine's performance is controlled by dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

The fuel is supplied from the internal fuel tanks. The aircraft can carry 568L of additional fuel in its external fuel tank. The power plant provides a maximum speed of 1,837.5km/h (Mach 1.5).

READ LINK

New Military trucks for AFP

MANILA, Philippines - In line with the AFP modernization program, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin led Tuesday the formal turnover of 157 newly-acquired trucks from Korea to the Philippine Army with His Excellency Lee Hye-Min, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines witnessing the event.

The formal turnover and blessing of the 157 newly acquired trucks from the Republic of Korea were held at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Col. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Army spokesman, said that the acquisition of 137 units of 1 ¼ ton trucks (KM450) was a negotiated procurement through 1994 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Republic of the Philippines and Republic of Korea and in consonance with Section 4 of Republic Act 9184.

The 2 ½ ton TCT Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army involves the acquisition of 250 units of 2 ½ ton TCT and its Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). The first shipment of 20 units arrived on December 9, while the second shipment of 115 units will be done on the first week of January 2011.

Lt. Col. Arnulfo B. Burgos Jr. said that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo A. David Jr. and Philippine Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz facilitated the turnover ceremony together with representatives from KIA Motors and HYUNDAI Corp. Manila, Kwang-Joo Kim and Hag Nam Kim, respectively.

"To be able to effectively meet the challenges posed by various threat groups, the AFP is required to continually improve its capabilities in order to stay ahead in the battlefield. Primarily, this entails the acquisition of new or upgrade of existing assets and equipment in the organization," said Burgos.

He added: "Being able to meet various challenges and address the modernization requirements will effectively gear up the Armed Forces for better security operations in the country."

Parlade said: "This truck acquisition project is just one of the many projects that we have adopted in consonance with the Republic Act No 7898, more popularly known as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program."

READ LINK

Taiwanese Navy – China: Frigate Sales to Taiwan

Taiwanese Navy – China: Frigate Sales to Taiwan ‘Brutally Interferes’ with Internal Affairs

Posted on December 19, 2014

- USNI News – China issued a strong statement against a planned sale of U.S. Oliver Hazard Perry frigates to Taiwan that was singed into U.S. law on Thursday.

READ  LINK

Taiwan's First Domestically Built Missile Warship Is Its Largest Ever

The news item is so powerful that such a country like Taiwan had an overwhelming capacity to built their own navy ships to patrol it's waters.
I prefer to post these informations to awaken our own spirit of doing the same for our country's security and economy.

Taiwan’s naval capabilities just received an upgrade, as the island nation launched its largest missile ship ever on Tuesday. Named Tuo Chiang (or Tuo River), the 500-ton stealth missile corvette is also Taiwan’s first domestically produced warship. The ship has been equipped with anti-ship capabilities, and Taiwanese officials have described it as being Asia’s most capable war vessel.

Defense Minister Yen Ming presided over the opening ceremony of Tuo Chiang in Su-ao, Yilan County, a major port town in northeastern Taiwan. “During our initial testing, the vessel's speed not only met the requirement but far exceeded our expectations.” Yen said at the ceremony. “This has made it the fastest and most powerful warship in Asia.”

The vessel costs about NT$2.1 billion (US$66.2 million), measures 198 feet long and 46 feet wide, has a range of 2,000 nautical miles (2,300 miles) and carries a crew of 41. The Tuo Chiang’s first captain, Lt. Cmdr. Wang Te-chien, told the media that the ship was originally designed to have a top speed of 38 knots (43 mph), but the ship managed to achieve a maximum speed of 44 knots (50 mph) in recent sea trials.

Wang also said that the ship’s commission back in March 2012 was part of the navy’s efforts to replace its aging fleet, and the delivery of the Tuo Chiang will greatly enhance Taiwan’s naval defense. "The ship has good mobility, and it can carry as many as eight Hsiung Feng III supersonic missiles," which can be used to attack aircraft carriers, Wang told Taiwanese media.

The navy will conduct further tests on the craft over the next six months, as well as begin training to familiarize crew with the craft. The ship is expected to be service-ready in March 2015. The navy has also announced plans to commission between eight and 12 more of the warships if they can secure funding in the future.

The Tuo Chiang’s launch comes shortly after U.S. Congress passed a bill last week authorizing the transfer and sale of up to four Perry-class frigates decommissioned by the U.S. Navy to Taiwan. Reuters reported that Beijing has lodged a complaint with the U.S. over the deal and said that America’s involvement in Taiwan’s military remains one of the most important and sensitive issues in Sino-U.S. ties.

READ LINK

Taiwan Home made Navy ship

The Country must divert it's attention in manufacturing its own military hardware to benefit both its security and economy. We cannot do the buying forever.

Ching-Kuo fighter programme

The programme to develop the aircraft, known as the An Hsiang or Safe Flight programme, started in 1982 with identification of the requirements for an air-superiority fighter. The rollout ceremony of the first prototype took place in December 1988, when the aircraft was named after the late President Chiang Ching-Kuo. The Ching-Kuo made its first flight in May 1989.

Ching-Kuo air superiority fighters are operational in the RoC Air Force of Taiwan (Republic of China) since January 2000 and the last of a total of 130 entered service in July 2000.

AIDC has developed an upgrade package which includes a digital cockpit, upgraded radar and countermeasures. BAE Systems supplied the new 32-bit digital flight control computer. Two F-CK-1 prototypes were upgraded to F-CK-1 C/D in 2006. The upgraded C/D aircraft made its first flight in October 2006. It was renamed as F-CK-1 C/D Hsiung Ying (Brave Hawk) in 2007. Other improvements in the upgrade package included increased internal fuel capacity, improved avionics, renovated electronic warfare capabilities and strengthened landing gear. Production of the C/D version began in 2009 as part of the $588m Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) programme.

AIDC will upgrade the initial 71 of 130 IDFs under the MLU programme. The first batch of six upgraded F-CK-1 C/D IDFs were delivered to the ROCAF in June 2011. The remaining 65 are expected to be delivered by the end of 2012.

"The aircraft can be armed with rocket pods, bombs, cluster bombs or air-to-surface missiles."

Weapons

The aircraft has an integrated avionics and weapons control system.

A 20mm M61A Vulcan cannon is installed on the starboard side of the fuselage with a Photo-Sonics gun camera.

The aircraft has six hardpoints for carrying external stores, with two under the fuselage, one under each wing and one at each wingtip. The Tien Chien I (TC-1) or Skysword I short-range and the Tien Chien II (TC-2) or Skysword II medium-range air-to-air missiles are supplied by the China State Arsenals. TC-1 has a range of 5km and has an infrared seeker. TC-2, with a range of 60km, has active radar guidance and is armed with a high-explosive warhead weighing 22kg.

For ground attack, the aircraft can be armed with rocket pods, bombs, cluster bombs or air-to-surface missiles such as Maverick. The fighter can also be adapted to carry the TC-2A air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, which uses both active and passive radar guidance. TC-2A is being developed by the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taipei

Anti-ship missiles such as the Hsiung Feng II, similar to the Israeli Gabriel missile and supplied by the China State Arsenals, can be carried on the fuselage or underwing hardpoints.

Hsiung Feng II has a range of 80km, carries a dual-mode active radar and imaging infrared (III) seeker for terminal guidance and is armed with a 225kg semi armour-piercing, high-explosive warhead.

Three Hsiung Feng II missiles can be carried - one under the central fuselage and one under each wing.

Fuselage

The airframe design was developed under the YingYan or Soaring Eagle programme. The aircraft is of shoulder-wing monoplane (single-wing) design, incorporating composite structure materials. The aircraft is built to withstand 9g loading.

Cockpit

The pressurised and air-conditioned cockpit has a Martin Baker Mark 12 zero zero ejection seat and a single-piece bubble canopy. The cockpit is equipped with three multifunction displays and a head-up display.

Avionics

The Tien Lie or Sky Thunder programme covered the development of the avionics. The design of the avionics suite is configured in Line Replaceable Units (LRU) to allow for system growth and the easy upgrade of systems as new technologies become available.

The aircraft uses a BAE Systems (formerly Lear Astronics) fly-by-wire control system and a Northrop Grumman (formerly Litton) inertial navigation system.

Radar

The aircraft's radar is the Golden Dragon CD-53. The multi-mode pulse Doppler radar has look-down, shoot-down capability and can operate in air and sea search mode. The radar has a range over 80 nautical miles.

"The Ching-Kuo fighter can be adapted to carry the TC-2A air-to-surface anti-radiation missile."

Engine

The TFE1042 engine has been developed by the International Turbine Engine Corporation (ITEC), a joint venture between the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and AlliedSignal. The programme to develop the engine was named Yun Han or Cloud Man.

The engine, weighing 1,360lb, delivers 41.1kN maximum thrust. The modular-designed engine has full digital electronic controls.

The kidney-shaped air intakes are mounted low on the centre section of the fuselage, and the two engines are mounted side by side at the rear of the fuselage. The inspection schedule calls for a 2,000-hour hot section and 4,000-hour cold section inspection intervals. The fuel consumption is 0.81lb/h per pound of thrust.

The aircraft is equipped with a variable speed constant frequency electrical power generator, which is supplied by Westinghouse.

READ THE LINK

The Taiwan made jets

The Country must divert it's attention in manufacturing its own military hardware to benefit both its security and economy. We cannot do the buying forever. 

Ching-Kuo fighter programme

The programme to develop the aircraft, known as the An Hsiang or Safe Flight programme, started in 1982 with identification of the requirements for an air-superiority fighter. The rollout ceremony of the first prototype took place in December 1988, when the aircraft was named after the late President Chiang Ching-Kuo. The Ching-Kuo made its first flight in May 1989.

Ching-Kuo air superiority fighters are operational in the RoC Air Force of Taiwan (Republic of China) since January 2000 and the last of a total of 130 entered service in July 2000.

AIDC has developed an upgrade package which includes a digital cockpit, upgraded radar and countermeasures. BAE Systems supplied the new 32-bit digital flight control computer. Two F-CK-1 prototypes were upgraded to F-CK-1 C/D in 2006. The upgraded C/D aircraft made its first flight in October 2006. It was renamed as F-CK-1 C/D Hsiung Ying (Brave Hawk) in 2007. Other improvements in the upgrade package included increased internal fuel capacity, improved avionics, renovated electronic warfare capabilities and strengthened landing gear. Production of the C/D version began in 2009 as part of the $588m Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) programme.

AIDC will upgrade the initial 71 of 130 IDFs under the MLU programme. The first batch of six upgraded F-CK-1 C/D IDFs were delivered to the ROCAF in June 2011. The remaining 65 are expected to be delivered by the end of 2012.

"The aircraft can be armed with rocket pods, bombs, cluster bombs or air-to-surface missiles."

Weapons

The aircraft has an integrated avionics and weapons control system.

A 20mm M61A Vulcan cannon is installed on the starboard side of the fuselage with a Photo-Sonics gun camera.

The aircraft has six hardpoints for carrying external stores, with two under the fuselage, one under each wing and one at each wingtip. The Tien Chien I (TC-1) or Skysword I short-range and the Tien Chien II (TC-2) or Skysword II medium-range air-to-air missiles are supplied by the China State Arsenals. TC-1 has a range of 5km and has an infrared seeker. TC-2, with a range of 60km, has active radar guidance and is armed with a high-explosive warhead weighing 22kg.

For ground attack, the aircraft can be armed with rocket pods, bombs, cluster bombs or air-to-surface missiles such as Maverick. The fighter can also be adapted to carry the TC-2A air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, which uses both active and passive radar guidance. TC-2A is being developed by the Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taipei

Anti-ship missiles such as the Hsiung Feng II, similar to the Israeli Gabriel missile and supplied by the China State Arsenals, can be carried on the fuselage or underwing hardpoints.

Hsiung Feng II has a range of 80km, carries a dual-mode active radar and imaging infrared (III) seeker for terminal guidance and is armed with a 225kg semi armour-piercing, high-explosive warhead.

Three Hsiung Feng II missiles can be carried - one under the central fuselage and one under each wing.

Fuselage

The airframe design was developed under the YingYan or Soaring Eagle programme. The aircraft is of shoulder-wing monoplane (single-wing) design, incorporating composite structure materials. The aircraft is built to withstand 9g loading.

Cockpit

The pressurised and air-conditioned cockpit has a Martin Baker Mark 12 zero zero ejection seat and a single-piece bubble canopy. The cockpit is equipped with three multifunction displays and a head-up display.

Avionics

The Tien Lie or Sky Thunder programme covered the development of the avionics. The design of the avionics suite is configured in Line Replaceable Units (LRU) to allow for system growth and the easy upgrade of systems as new technologies become available.

The aircraft uses a BAE Systems (formerly Lear Astronics) fly-by-wire control system and a Northrop Grumman (formerly Litton) inertial navigation system.

Radar

The aircraft's radar is the Golden Dragon CD-53. The multi-mode pulse Doppler radar has look-down, shoot-down capability and can operate in air and sea search mode. The radar has a range over 80 nautical miles.

"The Ching-Kuo fighter can be adapted to carry the TC-2A air-to-surface anti-radiation missile."

Engine

The TFE1042 engine has been developed by the International Turbine Engine Corporation (ITEC), a joint venture between the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and AlliedSignal. The programme to develop the engine was named Yun Han or Cloud Man.

The engine, weighing 1,360lb, delivers 41.1kN maximum thrust. The modular-designed engine has full digital electronic controls.

The kidney-shaped air intakes are mounted low on the centre section of the fuselage, and the two engines are mounted side by side at the rear of the fuselage. The inspection schedule calls for a 2,000-hour hot section and 4,000-hour cold section inspection intervals. The fuel consumption is 0.81lb/h per pound of thrust.

The aircraft is equipped with a variable speed constant frequency electrical power generator, which is supplied by Westinghouse.

READ THE LINK

18.9 BILLION WILL CREATE AN INVESTMENT

The Philippines will soon acquire a dozen of fighter jets made in Korea, resulting from the trip of President Aquino recently in that country. This is good news for us as we are now growing mature in minding our self defense capabilities amid the tension in the west Philippine sea row.

Korea has been manufacturing and exporting Fighter aircrafts and I  am really amused by the transformation of this country that has become economically giant since the end of  their war. Not only that, Korea's economy has been in the afront ever since with it's world famous brands of household products and  industries.

I cannot deny my intention of comparing 
the Philippines and Korea. I think we need to probe their will and Spirit that has become so successful today, and if found, we need to emulate and copy them to fast track our own growing economy.

My most important concern also is the amount of military spending for the 12 pieces of military jets which is valued to 18 billion pesos which will make Korea more richer.


In this line, I would like to appeal.
Let's make use of the budget amount a little more useful than by just throwing it away.

Why not make the money spent locally for those new machines for military by converting them into a DEFENSE INDUSTRY.

How? 
We have no factories right now.
Correct.

This is the reason to start a factory, a Manufacturing facility that will produce Fighter jets for the Philippines with that billions. 

DEFENSE INDUSTRY is an economic Generator.
The amount is enough to kick-off the industry 
and we need them badly as early as possible.

Who will invest? The government or the Private Sector?

It is neither of the two, it doesn't matter, what matters is FILIPINO.

In the Private sector, we call the merging of Billionaires in the country. They not hesitate, they will help and promote the project even more.