PH-Russia military exchange training seen, says Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana yesterday said that Filipino and Russian soldiers will soon conduct military exchange training as part of the country’s improved military relations with Russia.
Lorenzana made the remark following an interview where he revealed the discussions he had with Russian military officials, particularly with the deputy of Russian Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergey Shoygu during the International Military-Technical Forum 2018 which will take place from August 21 to 26, 2018. He said the meet and greet with Shoygu took place on August 21 at the Army Forum and Exhibition while the meeting with the Deputy Minister Col General Alexander Fomin happened at the MoD Building on August 22.
The DND chief it was recalled left for Russia on Auguast 16 and was expected to be back in the country yesterday.
Lorenzana, there will also be port visits of Philippine Navy ships to Vladivostok and sharing of military training.
Lorenzana said the earliest exchange of students to participate in military courses is expected to take place in 2019.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana said there were discussions with Russian military officials about the Philippines’ plan to purchase submarines but a decision still has to be made on where to buy it.
“There are discussions. But they know that we are shopping and has yet to decide where to buy. Korea is a candidate too but the Russian made is better and more expensive,” he said.
When asked if Russia already has an upperhand, Lorenzana said: “Not really because we are not a very rich country we may opt for a more affordable platform. We’ll see, the jury is still out.”
For its part, the Philippine Navy Chief expressed belief that no country can ever bully the Philippines again once the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acquires submarines as part of its modernization program.
Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad told The Manila Bulletin that the Philippines, being an archipelago, needs submarines to help protect its territorial waters and EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and that having submarines can do that.
“Basta sa akin (For me) I always say that as a maritime nation we need submarines. If we have submarines no country will bully us again,” Empedrad said.
“I think it’s high time that we have (the) capability para hindi na makuha ng kahit na anong bansa kung ano ang atin (so no other country can get what is ours). We have to protect them, it’s the Navy that can do that,” he added.
Empedrad said aside from Russia, other countries such as Germany and South Korea earlier expressed interest or even propose for their submarine acquisition after they came out with the technical specifications on what type of submarines they need to buy considering the maritime environment of the country.