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...
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. ■
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