Economic growth (currently 7.2%) has enabled the Armed Forces of the Philippines to action the Defence Modernisation Programme and to also help finance the damage caused by typhoon Haiyan.

The AFP Modernisation Programme is a 15 year programme with funding already agreed covering the first 5 years. This initial funding has resulted in the Philippines rapidly becoming one of the most active and dynamic markets in the Asia Pacific region.

Experimental vehicle of the Philippine Army (photo : Philippine Army)
Under the Modernisation Plan covering the first five years major contracts have already been placed including:

• 2 x 7300 ton Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSV’s) to be built by PT Pal – Indonesia
• 8 x AW109 Agusta Westland Helicopters – Italy/UK
• 6 x EMB 314 Super Tucano’s from Embraer – Brazil
• 100 x M113A2’s – US
• 3 x Upgraded Hamilton Class Cutters – US
• 40,000 Remington MK4 Rifles for the Army/Marine Corps – US
• A major surveillance programme to be supplied by Raytheon – US

Other contracts currently under negotiation include:

• New build frigates
• Towed Howitzers
• Land based missile system
• Fighter Aircraft
• Rescue Boats
• Purchase of decommissioned frigates
• Offshore patrol vessels (OPV’s)
• Optical Sights
• Ammunition
• Ballistic Armour
• Disaster Management Equipment

The importance of the ADAS 2014 Event has been underscored by the support the Show has received from the Department of National Defence (DND), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Coastguards (DOTC) and the Civil Defence Agency. In addition our Guest of Honour President Benigno Aquino will officially open the Event

ADAS is being held at the World Trade Centre Metro Manila from 16 – 18 July 2014.

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