These smart munitions with such capability and precision will provide immensely the AFP in ridding the country of terrorist menaces, AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.
While the AFP has successfully used ordinary munitions in counter-terrorism operations using legacy aircraft, Arevalo said the arrival of these modern weapons would significantly boost efforts to defeat the threat of terrorism.
Defense Secretary reported earlier that the Philippine Air Force is receiving a stockpile of precision-guided munitions from the United dates government worth around 870 million.
The Defense chief said the smart munitions would boost the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in dealing with various external and internal security threats, especially in its counter-terrorism efforts. He added that the precision-guided munitions, which you can drop at pinpoint accuracy.
According to AFP officials, with the arrival of these missiles and precision-guided munitions, we are sure that they will significantly advance the armed force campaigns and contribute to the global drive to fight and defeat rebels.
AFP chief-of-staff has also expressed his thanks to the United States and Philippines defense departments for brokering and sealing this deal.
The Philippines received the ordnance flown in by a US military plane, including 24 MK-82 bombs, 100 tube-launched optically guided wireless tow missiles, 2A bunker busters, and 12 improved target acquisition systems and support equipment.
Military Drill for Armed Forces Soldiers and Reserve
The military began its 12-day Exercise in AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, whose aim was to enhance the Air Force, Navy, and the Army’s operational interoperability.
The military drill is being held from November 23 up to December 4 at Camp Aguinaldo, who participated in more than a thousand active and reserve soldiers. The exercises involve drills focusing on territorial defense, internal security operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and cyber defense operations.
The AFP-only military drill will integrate Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and Special Operations Forces to level up the operational effectiveness in the sea, air, and land, Arevalo said.
Philippine Navy Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The Philippine Navy will also receive several Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, the Scaneagle. This UAV will help the naval personnel to assist in the sea while doing an important task.
The ScanEagle is a small, long-endurance, low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle. It provides a wide range of missions, including Search and Rescue, Disaster Response, Force Protection, Target Following, Battle Damage Assessment, Pattern of Life, Border Security, Communications Relay, and Networked Operations.
The ScanEagle can be equipped with electro-optical imagers, long-wave infrared sensors, and X-band radars in terms of payload.
Taiwan is Now Capable of Building Own Submarine
In Taiwan, the Taiwanese Navy will manufacture its own submarine with the guidance of the United States.
In 2018, Taiwan requested the United States to assist in building their own submarine and upgrade their defense capability to prevent China from invading the Island.
The Trump government responded with several offers, including F-16 fighter Jets, the defense system, and others.
The United States approved Taiwan’s request to build the submarine. It also added two essential items of equipment, and that agreements have been signed with their manufacturers.
Navy Submarine National Building Groundbreaking Ceremony will be today, November 24, 2020.
