News Story: Philippines Likely To Buy Super Tucanos

A-29 Super Tucano's of the Afghan Air Force (File Photo)

by Chen Chuanren

The Embraer Super Tucano is the sole compliant bidder for a Philippines Air Force (PAF) requirement for a new close air support (CAS) aircraft. The PAF has prioritized CAS and air to ground munitions procurement as a result of the takeover by Muslim extremist insurgents of the city of Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao. An Embraer spokesperson said the company is committed to fulfilling the requirement.

The PAF is seeking six aircraft for CAS to complement, and eventually replace its aging fleet of OV-10 Bronco twin turboprops. The Broncos have recently flown missions over Marawi, dropping 500-pound Mk 82 bombs against the insurgents. The PAF has also deployed its Leonardo AW109 helicopters and KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle fighters to help ground forces retake the city. The last of 12 FA-50s was delivered to Clark airbase on May 31.

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News Story: PAF preparing to procure 6 close air support aircraft

Embraer A-29/EMB 314 Super Tucano

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is preparing to launch its fourth bid to procure six close-air support (CAS) aircraft and an accompanying logistics support package for PHP4.9 billion says IHS Jane’s report.

The programme is expected to be competed for by two aircraft: the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano and Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a US version of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 Advanced Turbo Trainer.

A source told IHS Jane’s that the request for proposals (RFP) is expected to be issued “very soon,” adding that recent delays in the programme were due to changes in administration in the Philippines.

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News Story: Vendors wait for Philippine CAS relaunch

A-29/EMB-314 Super Tucano

by Gordon Arthur

A requirement for six close air support aircraft (CAS) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is in limbo right now, but vendors hope a competition might kick off again in the not too distant future.

RfIs for a CAS platform have been launched three times in recent years but with no result. Aircraft manufacturers are now waiting for a fourth tender. The PAF currently relies mainly on the Rockwell OV-10 Bronco and Alenia Aermacchi SF-260TP for this role.

Reflections at the ADAS 2016 exhibition in Manila were that the PAF set its specifications too high, which ruled out some contenders and resulted in bids that were more expensive than the air force could afford. 

The requirement currently seems tied up in bureaucracy, although the PAF may be adjusting its requirements to a more realistic level. President Rodrigo Duterte has prioritised this CAS requirement, which may give the project greater impetus.

Read the full story at Shephard