Airbus Group Inc. is courting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance its air defense and security by offering a more modern fleet and technology amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
At a news briefing in Pasay City on Tuesday, Airbus Chief Representative for the Philippines Jussi Hoikka said that Airbus is in talks with the AFP by offering a series of aircraft designed for military and defense operations, including the C295, A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT), A400M, and H225M.
He expressed confidence in the growing demand for the Philippines’ air defense assets, taking note of the AFP’s increasing budget under the recently approved P2-trillion “Re-Horizon 3” initiative which was recently approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Under the said program, the AFP will focus on archipelagic defense over the next 10 years with the acquisition of more maritime assets, aircraft, and radar systems.
“As the geopolitical landscape in the Asia Pacific region becomes more complex, it is vital that nations like the Philippines are equipped with the tools to protect their sovereignty, particularly with the rising tensions in the South China Sea,” Hoikka said.
“Airbus is confident of meeting the Philippines’ future military needs with our cutting-edge technologies and aircraft to help the AFP fulfill their missions to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens,” he added.
At present, AFP has seven C295 aircraft delivered by Airbus from 2014 to 2021. The aircraft is designed for diverse military operational needs and humanitarian missions and can carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 troops at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots. It also has advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.
At the same time, Airbus will offer the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) which is capable of carrying up to 111 tons of fuel, the highest capacity of any tanker aircraft in production today.
Hoikka added that the A330 MRTT will complement the A400M which can be used for heavy cargo transport, resupply missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and air-to-air refueling without additional fuel tanks. He said the A400M is also capable of delivering oversized cargo directly to remote areas.
Lastly, Airbus will offer the H225M to meet the AFP’s search and rescue and heavy-lift transport requirements. The H225M boasts a long-range, all-weather capability and NATO certification, making it versatile and vital in responding swiftly and effectively to critical missions.
“As the Philippines strengthens its defense capabilities under [Re-Horizon 3], our expanding partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing the AFP's mission readiness and ensuring the security of the nation,” Hoikka said. (Angelica Ballesteros)