DND to shell out 18B for acquisition of military vehicles

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines—Attempting to further strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Department of National Defense (DND) is prepesred to shell out more than P18 billion for the acquisition of new military vehicles.

According to statements, the DND has launched the bidding for the acquisition of two long-range patrol aircrafts, six close air support aircrafts, two anti-submarine helicopters, and eight amphobious assault vehicles.

DND would hold the bidding for the vehicles that the AFP would use, with a total fund of P18,849,000,000 to be used in the acquisition.

“Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign,” the statements said.

For the winning bidders to supply the long-range patrol aircrafts, the DND requires a period of 1,035 days form them to deliver the goods and that the winners have done a similar transaction for the past 10 years.

DND requires 540 calendar days for the delivery of the close air support aircrafts, 730 calendar days for the delivery of the anti-submarine helicopters, and 910 days for the delivery of the amphibious assault vehicles.

All the funds that would be used for the purchase would come from the AFP’s Modernization Program.