Philippine to enlarge airforce arsenal

The Philippine government has set aside 16.26 billion pesos (369.54 million U.S. dollars) to buy new air assets, a military official said Wednesday.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya said bidding is already open for two long range patrol aircraft, six close air support aircraft and two anti-submarine helicopters.

The Philippine government has allocated 5.97 billion pesos (135. 68 million U.S. dollars) for the two long range patrol aircraft, 4. 96 billion pesos (112.72 million U.S. dollars) for six close air support aircraft, and 5.4 billion pesos (122.72 million U.S. dollars) for two anti-submarine helicopters.

Canaya said these air assets are needed to monitor activities within the country's exclusive economic zone.

He said PAF currently uses three Fokker planes, which was designed for medium-lift and long-range patrol.