Philippine Air Force acquires 6 brand new ScanRagle UAV's from US

The Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization continues under the Duterte administration.

The ongoing insurgency with armed groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters(BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute Group, ISIS inspired militants to name a few are one of the biggest reasons why the AFP must modernize.

Today, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) acquires six brand-new ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) form the United States of America.the ScanEagle will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security unit of the Philippine Air Force. *

The Philippine Air Force acquires $13.76M worth of unmanned aerial vehicles from the US (photo credit to owner)
 

The six ScanEagles were formally presented by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim to the Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during short ceremonies at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

"With a number of security issues confronting our country, there is a need to upgrade our nation’s armed forces and to establish a more credible defense. And this acquisition of ScanEagle UAV is one way to modernize the military to deter those who want to wage war against our country," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

The brand new UAVs were acquired by the Philippines through the US foreign military finance program (FMF). The worth of the six ScanEagle UAVs is estimated to be at around USD13.76 million.

"This collaboration is also an indication of the Philippines’ and the United States’ goodwill, deep friendship, and genuine commitment to peace. On behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, we profoundly desire to maintain our strong connection and camaraderie with the United States, as well as to expand common interests and handle differences with understanding and respect. Thank you and mabuhay," Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana, took the opportunity to thank the United States government through its Ambassador for consistently helping the Philippines in purchasing weapons and defense equipment as well as in acquiring defense services and military training through the US FMF. *

"It is through FMF that our acquisition of the ScanEagle UAV was made possible. This new asset has a state-of-the-art technology that makes it capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; special services operations; escort operations; sea-lane and convoy protection; protection of high-value and secure installations; as well as high-speed wireless voice, video and data communications relay," the DND Secretary said.

The DND Chief said the UAV’s will be utilized for the conduct of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in support to a variety of missions such as territorial defense, security and stability; humanitarian assistance and disaster response; and international defense and security engagement.

 

Report from PNA