‘World’s 6th worst army’ being modernized – Palace

After the military was reportedly tagged the world’s sixth worst army, Malacañang said the government is already taking steps to modernize the air, land, and water assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

More military modernization projects are in the pipeline on top of the 56 projects completed since 2010, according to Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

“Makikita natin ‘yung kongkretong manipestasyon ng ibayong pagsisikap na gawing moderno ang ating Sandatahang Lakas at ito ay pinapatunayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng mga pinakamodernong kagamitan na gagamitan ng ating Army, Navy, at Air Force (There is a concrete manifestation of the renewed resolve to modernize our Armed Forces and this is proven by the acquisition of the most modern equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force),” Coloma said in a Palace press briefing.

Just last month, Coloma said the President approved Phase Two of the AFP modernization project, allowing the procurement of additional military assets.

Among the big-ticket items approved by the President are two Navy frigates worth 18-billion, three air surveillance radars worth 2.68-billion, six close air support aircraft worth 4.97-billion, two units of long range patrol aircraft worth 5.98-billion, multipurpose attack craft project worth 864.32-million, night fighting system worth 1.116-billion, two C-130 aircraft worth 1.6-billion, two naval helicopters worth 5.4-billion, and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition worth 4.47-billion.

“Batid po natin na sa kasalukuyan hinihintay ‘yung delivery ng isang squadron — parang isang dosena yata ‘yon — na mga fighter jets na galing sa Korea (At present, we’re waiting for the delivery of a dozen fighter jets from Korea),” Coloma added.

A group of former US soldiers called “We Are The Mighty” reportedly described the AFP as the sixth worst army in the world due to its old and dilapidated assets.

The country was reportedly lagging behind Costa Rica, Iraq, North Korea, Eritrea, and Nigeria in terms of military hardware.