AFP notes Israel's support to PH modernization program, soldiers' training
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognized the continued support of Israel to the modernization program of the military and the capability upgrade of Filipino soldiers.
This, as Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, AFP Inspector General, met with Brig. Gen. Efraim Defrin, head of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) International Cooperation Division, during the latter's courtesy visit at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, March 15.
Gonzales extended the AFP’s appreciation to Defrine for the support of Israel government and the IDF, its national military, to the realization of the revised modernization program of the AFP.
The AFP currently has 20 modernization projects with Israel, according to Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office.
Of this, 14 projects have already been completed with a total amount of P19 billion, Baclor bared, which include the procurement of artillery howitzers, armored vehicles, air defense surveillance and radar systems, multi-purpose attack craft, firepower upgrades, and force protection equipment.
The remaining projects between the AFP and Israel include the acquisition and upgrade of light tanks, armored personnel carriers, ground-based air defense systems, and fast attack interdiction craft, Baclor noted.
Further, Defrin said the AFP and IDF could further enhance the knowledge and expertise sharing between the two militaries through continued training and student exchanges.
The AFP has an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) on logistics and defense industry cooperation with the IDF since 2010.
The MOU serves as the basis for the military cooperation between the two forces, and is focused on enhancing intelligence exchanges, logistics, education and training, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity.