[World] DND Opens Bid Process for 2 PAF Long-Range Patrol Aircraft

✈ The contract for the acquisition of two brand-new long range patrol aircraft includes sensors, sensors Integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistics support package for the Philippine Air Force which is the specified user of the planes. (David Halim) ☆

The Department of National Defense (DND) has announced that prospective bidders can now inquire with the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) regarding bid documents for the supply of two patrol aircraft worth an estimated P 5.9 billion for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The pre-bid conference of the Long Range Patrol Aircraft Acquisition Project was held on February 16, 2016, and prospective bidders have until March 14, 2016 to purchase bid documents costing P 50,000.

The budget for the acquisition of the aircraft is part of the P 75 billion approved by President Benigno Aquino to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

PAF chief Lt Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said the acquisition of the two aircraft would be a big boost to the AFP's air and maritime patrol mission, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

At present, PAF is using C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes, S211, Nomad, and F27 Fokker aircraft doubling up for sovereignty patrol missions.

If the two brand new patrol aircraft are acquired, the older aircraft could revert to their dedicated missions.

Meanwhile, DND has reportedly awarded a P 594.4-million contract to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli firm, to equip the 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) that the Philippine Navy bought from shipbuilders Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese company Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation.

Navy public affairs chief Captain Lued Lincuna declined to identify the local representative of the foreign supplier, but, instead, suggested to course the question to DND.

The Navy's combat boats will be equipped with Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and SPIKE-ER launchers and missiles. 

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