by LLANESCA T. PANTI
Publish in Manila Times
THE Department of National Defense (DND) should acquire more
missile-capable trainer jets in the next five years amid increased
Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea islands within the
Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, also officer-in-charge of the
Defense Acquisition Office, made the proposal in response to a query of
Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna party-list on the country’s 2014
purchase of P18.9-billion South Korean squadron of 12 FA-50 lead-in
fighter trainer jets that can deliver short-range missiles.
Zarate asked if there is still a need for the country to purchase
more jets of such kind and other equipment, considering the recent
purchase of South Korean aircraft just last March.
“If we look at the current situation, we made the decision to buy the
equipment based on an assessment of what would our forces need two to
five years from now. As part of the panel that discusses Armed Forces
modernization, I would say we would need to acquire [more] of such kind
under a multi-year contract to protect our interests in the West
Philippine Sea,” Manalo pointed out during the Defense department’s
presentation of its P141-billion proposed budget for 2015 before the
House appropriations panel.
China has been accused of harassing Filipino authorities and
fishermen in the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal in the West
Philippine Sea in the last two years within the Philippines’ 200
nautical mile EEZ.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/dnd-seeks-jets-guard-exclusive-zone/125412/
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