Russia's IL-76 Cargo Plane Delivered Classified Military Cargos in the Philippines

Russia sent classified cargo to the Armed Forces of the Philippines with their IL-76 Cargo plane. The plane landed in the clark, airfield in Pampanga Philippines after the recent US C-17  Globemaster deliver some munitions to Philippine Air Force.

So, what could be the Classified cargos being brought to the Philippine Military?. There are possible answer to this which we will begin with the RPG-7 laucher which is ordered during the ASEAN in Manila. According to report, Moscow and Manila had signed a contract for the delivery of the Russian made RPG-7B grenade launchers and ammunition to the Philippines. This was signed by Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev and Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana in the presence of Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. The signing ceremony took place in the Air Force City Clark Pampanga Philippines, which where the fourth meeting of defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and dialogue partners is being held.

The RPG-7 is a re-loadable, shoulder-fired, muzzle-loaded, recoil less antitank and antipersonnel rocket propelled grenade launcher that launches fin-stabilized, oversize rocket - assisted HEAT grenade.

Another possibility is the Attack Helicopter which were said by President Duterte during one of his troops visits that he will buy attack helicopter from Russia. And with the statement of his Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana. While some others may have though that an attack helicopter being assembled outside Russia may need equipment's and machines to fully built the Attack Helicopter. The Attack Helicopter had been a talk for years yet the Philippine Military Purchases Armed Helicopter.

According to Russian Paper TASS, it confirm that Russia sent two IL-76 cargo plane to Southeast Asia Nation like Indonesia  and the Philippines. In Indonesia, it bring supplies for Indonesia TU-94 bombers aircraft. Also the TU-94 and the IL-76 took a test bombing mission. And the other IL-76 landed in the Philippines and unloaded several tons of undisclosed cargoes.

Now, the question is what was really delivered by Russia to the Philippines? The partial delivery of attack helicopter will be first to be eliminated as it needs machineries and other equipment for it's assembly. Now the RPG-7B or perhaps any other small arms will be the next to be questioned. Putin is a natural businessman as it prioritizes cash payments delivery just like the small arms like RPG-7B and second is the Soft Loans which the attack helicopter means to buy it from Russia.

Or perhaps, the IL-76 just made an international flight missions and it unloaded non-military stuffs. These may range from supplies to be delivered in Marawi city, where a city devastated by wars between ISIS and the Philippines Forces. You may want to know about it, then lets wait for the official announcement from Philippine President Duterte.

President DUTERTE Signed a PROCLAMATION Declaring CPP-NPA as TERRORIST

5 December 2017 - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.

During the press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced the proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as terrorist. Roque said that due to the continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.

"It's a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army a designated, identified terrorist organization under Republic Act (RA) No. 10168," he said in Malacañang.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a memorandum, directed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to file a petition with the appropriate regional trial court for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terror group.

A court decision is necessary since a proclamation from the President is not enough to classify the communists as terrorists.This proclamation of t President Duterte would have an impact on the United Nations Security Council resolutions, aside from domestic policies.

Roque added that the classification would also mean authorities can arrest members of communist "legal fronts" found to be  financing the CPP-NPA, based on RA No. 10168 which defines the crime of financing terrorism.

"I quote the penultimate portion: ‘In this regard I hereby direct to publish the foregoing designation of the CPP-NPA and all other designated persons, organizations in accordance with Section 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations’,” Roque said.

Republic Act No. 10168 is Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, which has provisions on the financing of terrorist groups.

The announcement came a week after Duterte announced that the Palace was preparing a document formalizing the new status of the two groups

Earlier, President Duterte declare that his administration would no longer pursue peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

According to Roque, there was no mention of the NDFP in the proclamation.

On questioning by reporters, Roque said he did not know how the proclamation would affect Jose Maria Sison, CPP founding chairman

23 Police Gallantly Stands against 200 New People's Army Terrorist in Binuangan Municipal Police Station in Misamis Oriental

A Police Captain and 22 of his men defended gallantry their Station in Binuangan Municipal Police Station in Misamis Oriental early Sunday Dawn. There are 200 New People's Army rebels who tried to burn and lay siege the Police Station and tried to steal the armory.

Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, director of the Northern Mindanao Regional Office, said the communist rebels are combined forces of NPA units operating in the eastern part of Mindanao, particularly Manuelito Satur, alias "Ka Musong" Oscar Romania, alias “Amboy;” and alias “Makong Mansigyaw.”

“The firefight lasted about three hours wherein PNP personnel fought hard and defended their police station despite the NPA strength,” said Pacleb.

“They failed on their attack on the police station and failed to get the firearms and retreated in the hinterlands,” he added.

"The attack was carried out at 3 a.m. yesterday by more than 200 communist rebels", said Insp. Corinne Mae Estigoy, spokesperson of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (PPO). 

“They established three blocking forces in three areas near the police station,” said Estigoy.

The Firefight lasted for three hours which believed they targeted the guns and other equipment of the Municipal Police Station. And they plan to burn down the MPS as the investigators found barrels of gasoline  in the area.

“We also found several containers of gasoline in the area. So there was a plan to set the police station on fire, but they were not able to do that because our police forces stood their ground,” said Estigoy.

The failed attack of the Binuangan was the first major offensive assault by the NPA since President Duterte terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF last month.

The NPA terrorists put up a road block on the national highway that resulted in traffic mess  and kept stuck government and private vehicles going to Butuan City and Cagayan de Oro City. They use trucks in arriving and fleeing the police station. No reported civilian hurt during the foiled attack.

“The leadership will be giving commendation to our personnel in the area. But it has to be studied yet as to what type of awards would be given to them,” said Estigoy.

Senior Supt. Rolando E. Destura, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, is currently leading his field troops to verify whether or not there were NPA casualties.At the same time Destura extended a congratulatory message to the members of Binuangan MPS for “gallantly” in defending their station.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, the chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office and concurrent spokesman, said the foiled attack is a big slap in the face of the CPP-NPA-NDF leadership.

“More than the resiliency of the PNP (Philippine National Police) who stood their ground during the attack are the timely report and outpouring support from the civilians about the NPA’s plan,” Martinez said.

“However, we condemn the terrorists courses of action when they used the civilian properties such as vehicles along the highway and the nearby houses as their shield. This is a clear and undeniable proof that they really do not care about the safety of the masses. All they wanted to do is to sow fear to advance their terroristic activities that are aimed to make people suffer,” he added.

Senator Gordon Pushes for over Php 25 Billion Annual Fundings Needed for the AFP Modernization

During the deliberation on the Tax Reform Bill for Acceleration and Inclusion Act or TRAIN Bill in the Senate last November 27, Monday, Senator Gordon pushes for the urgent funding's for Modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines due o possible external and internal assaults threats to the Philippines. He pointed out the despite a quarter a century old Bases Conversion and Development Act (BCDA) already signed into law, there is no clear move in modernizing the Armed Forces.

“This is something that we in Congress must pay attention to, every year, so we could really have some form of measure of protection for our country. In spite of the BCDA Law, after 25 years there is no improvement in the military. There doesn’t seem to be any urgency on this matter. We have arguments with big nations around us,” the Senator said.

According to Gordon, that the Philippines should not keep relying on the protection of other countries or on foreign donations of arms and munitions. What the Congress must do is to set aside funds for the military's modernization program.

“We cannot rely on other nations to protect us. This is something that we in Congress must pay attention to every year so we could really have some measure of protection for our country. We cannot just rely on the donation of other country (such as Norinco Assault Rifle and sniper rifle from China and AK47, military trucks from Russia) Kailangan ipakita natin na tayo ay titindig at maglalagay tayo ng pera,” he said.

Senator Gordon annual military modernization funds must be over Php 25 billion that is allocated from the General Appropriations Acts until 2019. Some portion from TRAIN collection can be add to the annual budget for the military.

“We should really put in honest to goodness revenue-raising for the military. Every country that I know of – from America to Japan to every country in Europe, they have always put together something for their military,” he stressed.

15 percent allocation was initially proposed by Senator Gordon but only 13 percent were approved by the senate approving body.

Philippine National Police SAF Buys 21 Heavy Machine Guns

The Philippine National Police conducted a bidding process for the acquisition of Machine Gun, Assault Rifle and Pistols.

The Heavy machine gun requires 21 units .50 cal and the declared lowest bidder was a joint venture of R. Espineli and Armscor. The machine gun offered is reportedly from Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnow. Citing from maxdefense post, the offered heavy machine gun is the WKM-BM which can be mounted on a vehicle or a boat.

12.mm Heavy Machine Gun

The 12,7 HMG WKM-Bm is an automatic machine gun fed by ammunition 12.7 mm x 99 NATO (.50 BMG). It can be mounted on Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS)and on mounts like: pedestal, tank, vehicle hatch, universal tripod and ground tripod. The HMG can be used in all climate zones, weather and lighting conditions.

The Heavy Machine Gun WKM-Bm is an automatic weapon intended to eliminate light armoured targets, low flying airborne targets and combats troops (also protected by light covers).

Main characteristics:

1. Light weight and  modern construction in comparison with competitive HMGs,

2. High rate of fire,

3. Reliability,

4. User –friendly weapon,

5. Special technology which protects HMG  against influence of humidity and sea water.

The Zaklady Mechaniczne

The beginnings of the company are strictly connected to the foundation of the Railway Plants in 1917. For the first 35 years after the establishment, Zakłady Mechaniczne “Tarnów” – or then the Railway Plants – developed thanks to the railway transport connections. The gradual development during the interwar period, or even during the WW II, was stopped in the end of 1944 due to the pillage and almost complete destruction of the plant by the German occupant. Thanks to the efforts of the employees, the Railway Plants were rebuilt and began to develop anew.

In 1951 the Plants were converted into Zakłady Mechaniczne “Tarnów” by decision of the Minister of the Heavy Industry. The production of the defense assortment for the national needs was commenced. The activity of this type was confidential at this time and therefore the scope of the company was expanded by machine tools and cooling industry devices.

Gradually, the production of cooling devices, tools for CNC machines, machine tools was started: lathes, grinders, spark erosion machines, machining centers. These products enjoyed a stable demand in Poland and abroad, and were many times awarded. However, military production was the priority for the Company. The commercial branch began to be limited in the mid 1970’s. Ultimately, the commercial age ended in 2010, when the machine tools production line was sold to the British company Colchester-Harrison.

The activity of Zakłady Mechaniczne plays an important role in the history of Polish defense. In 1989 Zakłady Mechaniczne had the chance to openly act for the first time as a defense industry company. In 1994 the state company was converted into a join-stock company under the current name Zakłady Mechaniczne “Tarnów” S.A. In 2002 the ZMT SA became a member of BUMAR Capital Group which consociate 21 commercial and manufacturing corporations of Polish defense industry.

2012 is the year of the merger of the ZMT SA and the R&D Centre “Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Sprzętu Mechanicznego sp. z o.o.”. In this way a new engineering company arose; development of new technologies, innovative products and investments in human resources are the core issues for this company.

In 2015 ZMT SA become a member of Polish Armaments Group which concentrate over 60 armament sector companies.

North Korea Fires Missiles Reaching Highest Altitude with Previous Missile Test

North Korea breaks silent for its missile test as it first launch since mid-September, a week after U.S. President Donald Trump put North Korea back on a list of U.S. list of countries that support terrorism.

Although US allows United States to imposed more sanctions to North Korea designated being a terrorist, experts said it risked inflaming tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Trump vowed not to let North Korea develop nuclear missiles that can hit the United States mainland. Under Kim Jong Un leadership, north Korea has conducted dozens of ballistic missile tests.

According to South Korean military, the missile was fired on a steep trajectory, reaching an altitude of approximately 4,500 km (2,800 miles) and flew 960 km (600 miles) before landing in Japan's exclusive economic zone.

“It went higher frankly than any previous shot they’ve taken, a research and development effort on their part to continue building ballistic missiles that can threaten everywhere in the world, basically,” U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters at the White House.

“It is a situation that we will handle,” Trump told reporters at the White House, speaking about the latest test.

President Trump and PM Abe spoke by phone and agreed to boost deterrence capability against North Korea, deputy chief cabinet secretary told reporters in Tokyo.

Trump, who was briefed on the missile while it was in flight, said it did not change his administration’s approach to North Korea, which has included new curbs to hurt trade between China and North Korea.

As the "all options are on the table" in dealing with North Korea including military, Washington still prefers a peaceful solution by Pyongyang agreeing to give up its weapons programs.

“Diplomatic options remain viable and open, for now,” U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said. “The United States remains committed to finding a peaceful path to denuclearize and to ending belligerent actions by North Korea.”

Other than carrying out existing U.N. sanctions, “the international community must take additional measures to enhance maritime security, including the right to interdict maritime traffic” traveling to North Korea, Tillerson said in a statement.

Pentagon's initial assesment was that an ICBM was launch from Sain Ni in North Korea and traveled about 1,000 km (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. "The missile did not pose a threat to the United States, its territories or allies," the Pentagon said.

Japanese official said that the missile flew for 53 minutes and broke up before landing in Japan's exclusive economic zone. Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said it was judged to be ICBM class given its lofted trajectory.

“If these numbers are correct, then if flown on a standard trajectory rather than this lofted trajectory, this missile would have a range of more than 13,000 km (8,100 miles) … Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C., and in fact any part of the continental United States,” the U.S.-based Union of Concerned Scientists said.

Minutes after the North fired the missile, South Korea’s military conducted a missile-firing test in response, the South Korean military said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the launch had been anticipated and that the government had been preparing for it. Moon said there was no choice but for countries to keep applying pressure and sanctions against North Korea.

“The situation could get out of control if North Korea perfects its ICBM technology,” Moon said, according to the Blue House after a national security council meeting.

“North Korea shouldn’t miscalculate the situation and threaten South Korea with a nuclear weapon, which could elicit a possible pre-emptive strike by the United States.”

A U.S. intelligence official said the initial indication was that the engine was not significantly more powerful than the Hwasong-14 – a two-stage ICBM North Korea tested twice in July.

Philippine National Police Buys Assault Rifle from South Korea and Israel

Philippine National Police Buys 13,801 units of Assault Rifles Daewoo K2 of South Korea and Eltam Karmiel MZ-4P of Israel.

The Philippine National Police failed acquisition of assault rifle from United States last year force them to re-bid the procurement of such rifle. The bidding were different Lots (Lot 1, Lot 2 and Lot 3). The division of Lots is due to different sources of funding from General Appropriation Acts from 2016 to 2018. The Lot 1 has an ABC of Php 755,725,000.00 for 8,170 units of 5.56mm Assault Rifle and the funding comes from 2016 and 2017 budget. Lot 2 has an ABC of Php 64,588,800.00 for 698 units of assault rifle and the funding comes from the General Appropriation Act of 2017. Lot 3 has an ABC of Php 456,311,800.00 for 4,933 units of 5.56mm Assault Rifle and the fundings comes from General Appropriation Act of 2018.

The Bidding for Lot 1 for 8,170 units won by Nashe Enterprises, declared as lowest bidder with the Daewoo K2 Assault Rifle from South Korea beating the offer from CZ and R. Espinili Trading with CZ 807 and IWI Galil Ace, respectively. The Nashe Enterprises offered the K2 at an average of Php75,963.00 per rifle set.

The Bidding for Lot 2 for 698 Assault Rifles was won by Armscor being the declared lowest bidder with Ematan Karmiel MZ-4P rifle from Israel, followed by CZ and R. Espinili trading with Emtan Karmiel MZ-4P, CZ 807 and IWI Galil Ace, respectively. The MZ-4P offer had an average price of Php82,000 per rifle set.

The Bidding for Lot 3 for 4,933 rifles was also done with Nashe Enterprises again declared as the lowest bidder with the Daewoo K2 5.56mm rifle from South Korea, followed by Armscor, CZ, and R. Espineli Trading with the Emtan Karmiel MZ-4P, CZ 807 and IWI Galil Ace, respectively. The K2 was offered at an average of Php76,166 per rifle set.

The Delivery period shall be within 180 calendar days from the receipt of the Notice to Proceed. However, the delivery may be extended for a period of ninety (90) calendar days provided that th ebidder can show proof of justifiable circumtances for its extension. This means that the delivery period can have a maximum of 6 months delivery period and it may extend to 3 more months for a justifiable reason.

With the President Duterte plan to introduce new rifle from Russia and China, it is obviously none of them participate in the bidding which only shows that these arms are not yet accepted even by the Philippine National Police.

The Good thing on the result of bidding is that 2 largest Lots won by a single bidder allowing significant quantity of a single rifle type while the Lot 2 won by Eltam Karmiel MZ-4P who is actually a wildcard in the bidding.

Sources: Maxdefense Philippines@ facebook.com

Armed Forces of the Philippines to Acquire Helmet / Body Camera for its Ground Forces

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is to acquire body cameras to be used by the ground forces is future wars or armed engagement against terrorist, insurgencies and other state enemies in either jungle or urban like Marawi City battleground.

According to AFP spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla, he said that with the Marawi War which lasted five months, media members often requested for live action footage of the engagements against the enemy.

“During the height of the Marawi conflict, members of the media often requested copies of live action footage. So that’s why military commanders requested for Go Pro body cameras which they put on their helmets or in their uniforms while they are conducting operations so they can record it,” Padilla said..

“So we decided to acquire it because it’s best for us to document and study previous engagements,” he said.

M Gen Padilla said that the newly acquired body cameras would also be used by training units in future exercises especially in military operations in urban terrain. It can be remembered that the first used of the body camera is during the rescue of a wounded soldier that was executed in the main battle area inside Marawi City.

The AFP spokesperson, at the same time, said that body cameras can also be used for future reference in case there are complaints against soldier engaged in armed confrontation.

“Bukod dun, malaking bagay ito sa pagsasalin ng mga natutunan sa mga nangyaring pangyayari ng sa ganoon iyung mga tropa natin na susunod may makukuha or mapupulot silang aral ng maiwasan na ang mga pagkakamaling nagawa na natin,” he said.

Padilla said in case no money has been allocated to buy body cameras in the Department of National Defense (DND) budget for 2018, there is what they call “Request to Reprogram Funds”.

“Kung sakaling may na-save sa mga bidding ng kagamitan dahil ang nakuhang bid ay mas mababa, iyung natitira doon na mga savings maaari mo i-request na pambili ng mga ganitong klaseng kagamitan,” Padilla said.

“Mura lang naman ito (This [body camera] is cheap),” he added.

United States Navy Has Three (3) Carrier Strike Group Entered in Asia-Pacific Region

The United States Navy has now three Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the Asia-Pacific region. These are the USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan.

23 October 2017, amid rising tension between North Korean and the United States and its allies, USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group entered the Western Pacific Ocean, US Navy's 7th fleet Area Of Operation (AOO), as announced in a statement by US Navy.

The US 7th fleet, the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group is the only forward-deployed fleet with an operating base in Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture. It's Area Of Operation (AOO) is stretching from International Dateline to the India-Pakistan border, and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the south.

Also, the U.S. Navy announced that the 7th strike group will be in complete attendance which consist of four (4) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and one (1) Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser. The Arleigh Burke-class consist of USS Howard, USS Shoup, USS Pinckner and USS Kidd and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser is the USS Princeton which are all arrived to 7th fleet area of operation (AOO) on 25 October 2017.

The USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf is expected to be replace by the USS Theodore Roosevelt but the US Navy did not announced any of the missions specific for the two (2) carrier.

24 October 2017, according to Yon-hap News Agency, General Vincent Brooks,  commanding officer of US Forces Korea and General Jeong Kyeong-doo, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army met aboard the USS Ronald Reagan and discuss the tension ongoing on the Korean Peninsula. Currently, the USS Ronald Reagan is anchored on the port of Busan.

As quoted by the JCS, Jeong, aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, said that amid the unprecedented  grave security situation, part of the increased deployment of the US strategic assets in the Korean peninsula are the deployment of USS Ronald Reagan strike group and their joint exercise with the South Korea.

In June, the two US Navy super carriers, the USS Carl Vinzon and USS Ronald Reagan conducted a joint naval exercises of the coast of Korean peninsula in the Sea of Japan in response to the North Korea's ballistic missile test.

The Primary mission of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation and port visits while deployed in the Asia-Pacific. According to the commanding officer, "USS Theodore Roosevelt is prepared to carry out the full spectrum of possible missions, from humanitarian relief to combat operations.

President Duterte Announces the Purchase of 23 Armed Helicopter

In his speech at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said the government would acquire 23 attack helicopters to boost the country's military capability.

"We have an acquisition pf 23 attack helicopters, which is sufficient to fight against rebellion and other insurgencies," Duterte said.

"So everything we are buying are all new, no more buying second hand equipment in my time. Our AFP, including our police force, we will spend for new equipment and arms,' Duterte added.

With the Flight Plan 2028 of the Philippine Air Force, part of the plan is to acquire 23 to 24 units of armed helicopter, although President Duterte only mentioned 23 units. The total cost of the 23 armed helicopter is  Php11.8 billion with the funding to be distributed from 2017 to 2019.

As of August 2017, the Department of Budget and Management already forwarded the final paperworks to Malacanang which is waiting for the final approval.

There are three expected bidder to submit their offer which includes Airbus with H145M, Leonardo with their AW109, and MD Helicopter with their MD901 Explorer.

Airbus H145M Light Armed Helicopter

The H145M is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit, night vision goggle compatability, and Airbus Helicopters’ advanced Helionix® avionics suite with a 4-axis digital autopilot.

Enhancements include an upgraded transmission system and incorporation of Airbus Helicopters’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor for improved anti-torque control. 

For armed operations, the rotor craft carries a mission computer, two rigid multi-purpose armament pylons that are easily removable, an infrared/TV electro-optical system, and a laser range-finder/designation/pointer. With its open system architecture, this innovative weapon system contributes to full situational awareness for the crew.

Equipped with an incremental modular weapon system, the H145M can handle all types of operational light attack scenarios, from conventional to asymmetric conflicts. 

Ballistic and guided weapons compatible with the H145M include 7- and 12-tube rocket launchers, a 20-mm. cannon pod, 12.7-mm machine gun pod and air-to-ground missiles. Growth potential exists for laser-guided rockets.

Leonardo's AW109E Power Helicopter

The AW109 Power light, multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter provides military operators with outstanding mission flexibility to conduct utility support, armed reconnaissance and close air support missions.

High performance, high speed and excellent situational awareness maximise operational success. Operators benefit from high productivity, controllability and manoeuvrability, excellent flying qualities, robustness and inherent safety.  

LEADING FEATURES

Hot & High performance provided by either Pratt & Whitney or Turbomeca engines controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

Single / dual-pilot VFR / IFR low workload integrated glass cockpit with advanced avionics and systems provide excellent  situational awareness and maximizes mission effectiveness.

Unobstructed, spacious cabin (3.5 m3 / 124 ft3) allows easy configuration changes to suit operational requirements; wide doors provide exceptional accessibility and rappelling, fast roping; internal weapon mount.

Wide range of mission equipment including multi-band radios, Electro-Optic / Infra-Red (EO/IR) device, searchlight, loudspeakers, rescue hoist and cargo hook.

Retractable wheeled undercarriage for ease of ground handling.

MD Helicopter MD-901 Explorer

The MD 902 Explorer is a multipurpose twin-engine helicopter that sets the standard in performance, affordability, dependability and safety for light and medium-twin engine helicopters. With operators in every market segment – air medical, law enforcement, search and rescue, electronic newsgathering, executive transport, offshore and utility – the MD 902 Explorer couples high performance with low direct operating costs to rise above the rest.

Beyond its sleek aerodynamic lines, the performance parameters of the MD 902 Explorer have been enhanced, enabling greater operating capability at maximum internal weight for hover, speed and maneuverability in all wind directions. With the largest functional cabin the light –twin category, the MD 902 Explorer allows the flexibility to configure the aircraft for a range of specific mission requirements.

Is the Israel Defense Force Most Modern Fighter Aircraft F-35I was hit by a Syrian S-200 or Bird Strike

16 October 2017, Shoigu, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets in Israel to discussed and addressed the situation in the region, especially Syria, terrorism, military and technical cooperation.


On that day, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) claimed that its warplane destroyed a Surface to Air missile battery of Syrian Air Defense Forces that fired a missile against an Israel military aircraft flying over Lebanon.


According to Haaretz newspaper reported that IDF targeted the SAM battery with four precision bombs and the damage is to the extent that SAM battery is no longer operational. As confirmed by IDF, the same SAM battery destroyed, was  the same SAM battery that fired at an Israel military aircraft last march 2017 which prompted them to deploy the Arrow anti-missile system for the first time.


And the Syrian army confirmed the airstrike made by Israel and they said that it caused severe damage. The Syrian Defense Ministry said that Israel violated it's Airspace on the border with Lebanon in Baalbek area which the bombing incident took place at 8:50 am local time.


This incident immediately linked as a nice demonstration of power to Russia-Iran-Syria alliance by some media activist which are pro-Israeli with the visit of the Russian Defense Minister in Tel Aviv.


However, Syrian Defense Forces used Soviet SAM S-200 against the Israel F-35 which directly hit one of the jets forcing the other aircraft to retreat. Yet this contradict the Israeli claim that no hit was confirmed.


Just few hours after the missile incident, Israel media reported that the Israeli Air Force F-35 stealth aircraft went out of service due to alleged collision with a bird during its training flight.


According to the report, the bird strike incident of the F-35 stealth aircraft took place two (2) weeks ago, only reported on that day. The Israeli Air Force did not show a photo of the F-35 stealth fighter after the bird strike.


Despite the fact that F-35 Stealth fighter early on passed the bird strike/collision certification, the Israeli Defense Force reported that the warplane became not serviceable after the bird strike / collision.


If we look at the stealth capability of the F-35 stealth aircraft, according to the assessment report of the Joint Strike Fighter of air power Australia, "The JSF is optimized for best stealth in the forward sector, sharing general air-frame shaping rules common to the F-22A. The notable difference is in the serrated edge circular nozzle of the JSF, which is clearly optimized for best performance in the X and Ku-bands, typical of fighter radars, SAM/AAA tracking systems and missile seekers. To achieve lower costs the JSF accepts notable aft sector stealth limitations, especially when tackling deep or layered air defenses with fighter threats - an acceptable trade-off for shallow littoral and FEBA area battlefield strikes against predominantly short range mobile air defense systems."

Duterte Bags ¥1 trillion aid package from Abe as Tokyo competes Beijing for Manila's Support

President Rodrigo Duterte receives ¥1 trillion for five years during the Tokyo summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who reaffirmed Tokyo's commitment in providing economic cooperation. This is seen as an economic competition against China to build better relation with Philippines.

According to Japan Times, Philippines as a key diplomatic player in the territorial dispute in the South China Sea disputes, Prime Minister Abe has to win Duterte deal over the Sea Dispute with china.

On the other hand, Beijing is trying to woes Manila by extending pledges to economic assistance worth $24 Billion. The pledge commitment was given when President Duterte went to Beijing and met Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2016.

In January 2017, PM Shinzo Abe visit to Manila brought with him a worth ¥1 trillion pledge for government and private-sector corporations economic cooperation over the next five years. This will help President Duterte build build build program for infrastructures, which includes subways in Metro Manila and the improvement of river-ways in Davao City.

According to the joint statement of President Duterte and PM Abe, "The government of Japan will strongly support the sustainable economic development of the Philippines by extending quality infrastructure assistance, using Japan’s funding and technology. Japan’s assistance will include programs to ease “serious traffic congestion” in Manila and to “vitalize other areas”

According to Wataru Kusaka, an associate professor for political science, "Duterte has been trying to “maximize” economic assistance both from Japan and China. Duterte intention looks very clear. He is trying to maximize what he can win from Japan and China. So it’s important for Tokyo to have Philippine people feel that Japan is moving fast, in particular in assisting social infrastructure projects. That’s why infrastructure projects come at the top of the list” of economic cooperation items in a summary of a joint statement released by the Japanese government the same day".

According to gist, Japan will introduce to the Philippines a better electric and liquefied natural gas facilities thus improving power generation and supply system. It will also help Philippines in the crack down of illegal drugs and continuing aiding the country in modernizing its coastguard and other maritime organization to monitor coastal areas in the country, the statement read.

Another issue that has brought up with the two leader is the stepping up of international pressure to North Korea's Kim to abandon the nuclear program and ballistic missile development programs.

In Duterte departure meeting with the reporters, he apparently softened his stance in describing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and dialogue between the nation involve in the Korean Peninsula including US should be prioritized to avoid nuclear crisis.

Upon the passage of the United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for tougher economic sanctions against the North Korea, Manila suspend trade relations with Pyongyang. "With this move of President Duterte, cutting trade ties and emphasizing dialogue with the regime at the same time is not contradictory." according to Kusaka of Nagoya University.

"It is rather a balance diplomacy of remaining noncommittal to any of the countries." Kusaka added.

"President Duterte is trying to tread a fine line of  balance diplomacy between United States, China and Japan," he said.