AFP eyes military hardware from Russia

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is looking forward to an array of military hardware – from submarines to multi-role fighters – that Moscow will be offering to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a series of scheduled engagements during President Duterte’s  fi ve day visit to Russia.

However, Lorenzana is silent over reports that the AFP is set to procure 16 units of MI-17 medium-lift helicopters worth $14.7 million from Moscow.

“Of course, they will interest us to buy their equipment,” the Russia-bound defense chief said when asked on the chances that the Philippine Navy submarine project will be discussed during the President’s offi cial visit.

Aside from its Kilo-class submarines, Russia has been offering the defense department its transport helicopters, attack helicopters, multi-role fighters, warships and tanks.

The AFP already has a number of Russian-made army trucks and thousands of AK- 47 assault rifl es that Moscow handed over for free to the Philippines in 2017.

“They will give us a catalog of their products for our consideration,” said Lorenzana, who was in Europe last month scouting for big-ticket items in line with the second horizon of the AFP Modernization Program. Senior defense and military officials all declined to comment on the AFP’s projected procurement of 16 M1-17 medium-lift helicopters from Russia. But a defense official said acquiring helicopters from Moscow is a project being considered by the national government.

Russia has expressed willingness to assist the AFP in its modernization program and declared readiness to enter into a government-to-government deal.

“Just tell us what you need. We are here ready to help. What we can assure you, if you are going to procure military equipment for us, we are going to give you brand new ones and not second hand,” said a senior Russian embassy official during the set-up of a permanent Russian defense attaché office in Manila last month.