Airbus eyes Philippine market with advanced tech for military
MANILA, Philippines — Dutch aerospace giant Airbus unveiled its latest military equipment offerings on Tuesday, September 24, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could potentially procure as part of its ongoing modernization program.
In a media briefing in Pasay City on Tuesday, September 24, the firm said that it is “well-placed” to support the expansion of the AFP in its modernization initiative on its “Horizon 3” phase as it eyes to expand its defense market in the Philippines.
“As the geopolitical landscape in the Asia Pacific region becomes more complex, it's 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,” Jussi Hoikka, Airbus Chief representative for the Philippine said.
Hoikka disclosed that Airbus is currently in discussions with the Philippine Air Force, although he refrained from revealing specific details. The firm has proposed supplying the Philippine military with transport aircraft, helicopters and an air defense system.
Airbus has been the preferred brand of commercial airlines in the Philippines as most of their planes come from the Dutch aerospace firm.
Airbus is a prominent player in the Philippine aviation sector, with most commercial airlines sourcing their planes from the company. For instance, in July, Cebu Pacific signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 152 Airbus aircraft worth $24 billion (P1.34 trillion).
On the military side, the Philippines has seven C295 medium-lift aircraft produced by the firm. Six of them are with the Philippine Air Force while the other one is with the 250th Presidential Air Wing.
Airbus offered three aircraft models for potential military procurement.
One of these is a retrofitted version of the C295, equipped with radar for surveillance missions. The firm also proposed the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, which can serve both as a transport and refueling aircraft for multi-role fighter jets.
A400M. Hoikka similarly noted the capabilities of the A400M heavy-lift aircraft, which could support resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea as it can be used for supply airdrops.
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