It's nearing the end of July. AFAIK the decision was to be passed this month.(Feature) South Korean-made jets as PAF's next fighter aircraft?
July 16, 2012 11:38 am
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, July 14 – South Korea's KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, a Mach 1.5 capable jet aircraft, has a very good chance of being the Philippine Air Force's next-generation fighter aircraft, according to a ranking security official.
"That plane offers us the most in terms of capability and cost," the official said on condition of anonymity.
The aircraft can also be fitted with heat-seeking missiles, 20mm to 25mm automatic cannon, various surveillance equipment and is very capable of undertaking the air-superiority role due to its sleek design.
"The other good thing about the TA-50 is that we will be buying it straight from the manufacturers. We will be its first-time users and not the second or third as in previous PAF aircraft acquisition," the security official added.
He also said getting replacement parts for the aircraft is easier as the TA-50 is still on initial production run for the South Korean Air Force.
Projected acquisition cost for the plane is between US$ 15 million and US$ 21 million per unit.
However, this could further be reduced due to close relations between the Philippines and South Korea.
"Once our senior defense officials give the green light for the TA-50, we are looking at the possibility of acquiring 12 to 18 units, which is enough for our minimum credible deterrent program," the official added.
http://balita.ph/2012/07/16/feature-...hter-aircraft/
The self-imposed deadline is until the end of the month but there are some items that are said to be approved already and some are speculating those items already approved might get mentioned during the President's State of the Nation Address speech this Monday.
Long... so long overdue!!!! Praying for NO delays in the implementation of those contracts............... I hope it will not be too late........
The Department of National Defense is also eyeing KAI T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced trainers and multi-role fighters from South Korea.Manalo said Malacaņang has received the department's proposal to buy the aircraft.
"We are also looking at other options for the lead-in (fighters) but to be specific, based on our assessment, it is the T-50 of South Korea that is most advantageous to us in consideration to the obtaining situation in the West Philippine Sea and what is affordable to us," he said.
However, the T-50's purchase will rely on the modernization law that is still being deliberated by Congress.
"We have been engaging the company (Korea Aerospace Industries) and for as long as the contract is signed before the end of the year, then the target of 2 years delivery period is still doable," Manalo said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08...alian-warships
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I think there is a possibility that they may opt for the FA-50 instead or a combination of TA-50 and FA-50 because the situation calls for it. Definitely, what they require is something that is armed and not a pure trainer. It looks like the media leak a month ago was accurate.
The way politics usually go, there are probably several factions within the government fighting for different options; Italian AMXs, SK TA-50s/FA-50s, and American F-16s. Each is leaking to the media how 'their option is the one that has been chosen' to try and influence the selection process.
Jane's article on the TA-50 purchase:
Good news!
It's a good start.
Congrats to both countries!! And at last someone posted a readable screenshot. Members on the local forums has posted the same thing but hardly readable.
An air-to-surface variant of Haesung anti-ship missile on a Korean P-3C. Haesung is distinguishable from Harpoon through the different shape of the fins.
TA-50 armed with Haesung will serve the Philippines well in maritime patrol role.
And the intakes too. Looks like it kept the folding wings.Originally Posted by Ambassador
The size as well, Harpoon is about 20% bigger. The reason why Haesung is not yet widely operational on P-3C is because its size obstructs the next pylon on the aircraft's wing, unlike Harpoon which can be equipped two in a row. They'll find a quick fix for this before arming them on American-designed aircraft whose pylons were standardized for Harpoons.
So Philippines didn't sign the contract yet and they need to negociate the best price... remember UAE!
Yeah, I don't know what happened to UAE's M-346. The negotiation was postponed indefinitely.
I don't know if the Philippines can afford a similar delay in its procurement program though. Its necessity for capable fighter-trainers is much more dire.
Local media in Manila reported in June that the Philippine Air Force plans to import 12 TA-50s over two years. However, the Korean government denied the report, saying, “There was no official discussion, or request for a proposal.” The value is estimated at 400 billion won.
source: The Korea Times 08-08-2012 18:36 .http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/08/113_116988.html
Wait untill its clearly,..
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