By: Frances Mangosing
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting more assets to be added to its inventory in 2016 amid its efforts to build a minimum credible defense.
The military’s boost of assets occurs in the wake of China’s sweeping expansion in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Some of the assets expected in 2016 include the Philippine Navy’s first strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) due to arrive in May.
The government has earlier ordered two SSVs from Indonesia worth P3.87 billion from the AFP modernization fund. As of mid-December, the first vessel is 87 percent complete, Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said recently.
The other SSV, also under construction, will be delivered to the Philippines in 2017.
IHS Jane’s, British publishing company which specializes in defense topics, said that these vessels have a full load displacement of 11,583 tons. It can indicate a crew complement of 121 and a lift capacity for 500 troops. It can also accommodate up to two medium helicopters on its flight deck.
The SSVs have a maximum range of 9,360 nautical miles, a top speed of 16 knots and an endurance of 30 days.
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