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The Department of National Defense (DND)
confirmed purchase of six brand new close air support aircraft (CASA) from
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer Defense and Security.
Embraer Defense and Security was announced to
be the winning bidder to supply six planes to Philippine military.
The announcement was confirmed by Arsenio
Andolong, DND Public Affairs Office Chief, and said that notice to proceed with
purchase has been issued this week.
“Yes. A Notice to Proceed for the supply and
delivery of six close air support aircraft has been transmitted to and received
by Embraer Defense and Security,” Andolong said when asked for confirmation on
which company bagged the purchase contract of P4, 968, 000, 000.
“The aircraft that was selected after a
rigorous public bidding process that was participated in by several
manufacturers from different countries was the Super Tucano A-29, which is
compliant with the stringent technical specifications required by the PAF
(Philippine Air Force),” he added.
The aircraft was scheduled to be delivered in
2019, the department and Embraer said while contract is being crafted for
signing by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
The six brand new attack planes will be
deployed to provide support in fighting the terrorist groups during close-air
missions.
Currently, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is heavily
relying on US surplus OV-10 planes for its bombing attacks against the rebels.
Though the said planes are considered old, these Vietnam-war vintage aircrafts
were in action fighting the ISIS linked Maute group in Marawi City from May to
October.
The acquisition of the six new attack planes is part of the PAF’s ongoing modernization,
which will be (charged to Philippine Trust Act Funds)
Source: Manila Bulletin
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