PH largest recipient of US military aid
The Philippines is by far the largest recipient of US military assistance in the region, reaching billions of pesos, in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP's) modernization goals through a variety of programs and initiatives, the United States embassy said.
In a statement following the visit of US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall G. Schriver to the country, the US embassy said the past few years the US has delivered millions of dollars of planes, ships, armored vehicles, and small arms to the Philippines, while also training side by side with its Filipino allies.
It said that from January 1, 2017 to the present, US grants funded the delivery of military equipment worth over 15 billion ($95 million) to the AFP, including the following:
• January 2017: Raven tactical UAV system worth 160 million ($1.2 million) which was first tested by the AFP during Balikatan and then used in Marawi City;
• May 18, 2017: 200 Glock pistols, 300 M4 carbines, 100 grenade launchers, individual operator gear, and four mini-guns to be mounted in helicopters, totaling 1250 million($5 million);
• May 22, 2017: 25 combat rubber raiding craft and 30 outboard motors worth 1250 million ($5 million) to support the Philippine Marine Corps counter terror efforts.
• July 27, 2017: Two C-208 Cessna aircraft ISR platforms for the Philippine Air Force worth 11.6 billion ($33 million) including the cost of extra equipment and training;
• August 22, 2017: A tethered Aerostat and radar system for the Philippine Navy valued at nearly 1923 million ($18.5 million), including spare parts and training;
• August 22, 2017: Supplies to the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), the Animal Health and Welfare Division, and the national AI reference laboratory worth approximately 11 million ($20,000);
• February 2018: 41 rubber boats with outboard engines valued at 141 million ($794,000), given to the Philippine Navy;
• March 13, 2018: Scan Eagle UAS to be used for maritime domain awareness, HA/DR, and counterterrorism worth 1687 million ($13.2 million) including the cost of training;
• May 2018: 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets, and accessories provided through the Counter terrorism Train and Equip Program. Valued at 1178 million ($3.4 million);
• August 14, 2018: Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (SABIR) system which provides the C-130 Hercules with advanced command and control, communications, computer, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities valued at 1807 million ($15.1 million).