Philippine Navy receives second warship from US while Major Allies -Japan, SoKor, Australia sends military aid to Philippines
Philippine Navy locally made Attack Craft and Landing Craft Utility : Published on August 07, 2012
Latest Update: Be surprised with the latest acquisition of Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force - warships and brand new supersonic jets as of August 3, 2012
As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, United States will turnover the second Hamilton Class Cutter-USCGC Dallas to Philippine Navy on Wednesday, May 22, 2012 and will be named BRP Ramon Alcaraz. 
The US government, however, did not grant the request of the Philippine government to retain close- in weapon and radar systems in the second ship(Philstar). The ship was acquired by the Philippines from the US under Washington's Foreign Military Sales program for P400 million ($9.26 million). AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, said the process of building a credible defense for the country has been moving fast, with the Navy’s acquisition of a second Hamilton-class cutter from the US (PDI news).
Aside from the delivery of a second Coast Guard cutter, “negotiations are likewise underway for more defense articles, including newer air assets for the Philippine Air Force. We also successfully secured funding in the amount of $53 million (about P2.3 billion) for radar systems to be used by the Coast Guard Watch Council for enhanced maritime domain awareness.”
Three other countries – Japan, South Korea and Australia – are helping the Philippines establish a minimum credible defense posture to complement its diplomatic capacity in dealing with its territorial disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea (PDI news).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario disclosed that the Tokyo government is likely to provide the country with 12 patrol boats. “They’re considering 10 forty-meter patrol boats on ODA (Official Development Aid) and two larger ones as grants,” Del Rosario told the Philippine Daily Inquirer In a text message, he also said: “Regarding South Korea, we have a logistics agreement and we have received equipment, such as vests and helmets (for the Armed Forces of the Philippines).”
“I understand our defense department is looking to possibly purchase aircraft from there,” according to Del Rosario.
From Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs head said the country could expect to get “a number of vessels for search-and-rescue, as well as significant training here and abroad for large numbers of our military (personnel).”
“We expect increased help (from the Australian government) when the Status of the Visiting Forces Agreement (or SOFVA between Manila and Canberra) is ratified, hopefully this week,” said Del Rosario.
Del Rosario has repeatedly said “we have committed ourselves to improve our national defense by building a minimum credible defense posture” as he also stressed the need to protect national sovereignty. “Given the country’s lack of resources, it behooves us to proactively seek the assistance and cooperation of our various international partners to achieve this minimum credible posture, which is a fundamental attribute of any sovereign country,” he also said.
According to Del Rosario, the “defense track” is part of the DFA’s comprehensive overall plan in promoting national security.
This year, the Philippines would be receiving about $144.66 million (about P6.25 billion) in defense assistance from the US, he said.
The speculations about a Europian warship acquisition by the Philippine Navy is yet to be confirmed.
Note: This article is a combination of Philstar and PDI news articles
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Latest Update: Be surprised with the latest acquisition of Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force - warships and brand new supersonic jets as of August 3, 2012