UPGRADES The Armed Forces of the Philippines formally receives equipment acquired from Israel (a medium-range ground-based air defense system) and from Spain (a C295 aircraft). President Marcos (inset) talks with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss at the rites held on Tuesday at Basa Air Base, Pampanga. The deals for these two acquisitions were signed during the Duterte administration. 鈥擬ARIANNE BERMUDEZ
President Marcos on Tuesday promised his continued support for the military鈥檚 modernization amid geopolitical tensions and challenges posed by terrorism and natural disasters. 鈥淲hile we strive to live in peace with others, it is still crucial that our Armed Forces be modernized so that it is ready for all eventualities,鈥� the President said during the turnover of a new aircraft and ground-based air defense system (GBADS) to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday.
鈥淚t is for this reason, that we strengthen our country鈥檚 capabilities in territorial defense, counterterrorism and internal security,鈥� he added.
搁贰础顿:听Military modernization program stalled again
The PAF received its long-sought sophisticated ground-based air defense system intended to protect the archipelagic nation by averting air attacks.
Mr. Marcos witnessed the turnover of the Spyder (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) medium-range GBADS from Israel to the PAF in a ceremony at Basa Air Base in Pampanga.
The PAF also received a CASA C-295 medium-lift transport plane from Spain, its sixth aircraft of such type in its fleet.
鈥淭he arrival of the GBADS is a welcome addition and the first of its kind of our air defense capability, while the arrival of C-295 will not only supplement maritime patrols but also provide much needed airlift support during disasters and calamities,鈥� PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas said.
NEW AIRCRAFT President Marcos pours champagne on the nose of C-295 transport plane from Spain.鈥擬ARIANNE BERMUDEZ
The Department of National Defense signed a deal with Israel Ministry of Defense and manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for three batteries of the Spyder GBADS in 2019 for P6.8 billion as part of the Horizon 2 of the Philippine military鈥檚 modernization program.
The first two batteries arrived in September while the third would be delivered in 2024.
The Spyder air defense missile system is designed to protect critical installations, land-based fixed assets, mobile platforms and friendly forces from aerial threats such as combat aircraft, attack helicopters, drones, incoming missiles, guided munition and rockets.
Mr. Marcos said a modernized military would help ensure peace in the country, citing that when a nation enjoys peace, there is stability and progress.
According to him, peace could only be achieved 鈥渨hen there is security鈥� and 鈥渨hen you know that you can protect yourself, your possessions, and those you hold dear.鈥� INQ