THE MILITARY is looking to purchase six close-air support aircraft for up to P4.9 billion as part of its modernization program.
The Department of National Defense has set the opening of bids for the acquisition of the aircraft on Monday.
Six foreign firms have signified interest in supplying the aircraft—Embraer Asia Pacific, Beechcraft Defense Co., IOMAX USA Inc., Korea Aerospace Industries, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.-Construcciones Aeronautics SA Airbus Defense and Space, and Elbit Systems.
Bids will be opened at the DND offices at Camp Aguinaldo at 10 a.m.
The military plans to complement its Rockwell OV-10 Bronco turboprop attack planes with the six new support aircraft for the Philippine Air Force.
The technical specifications set by the DND require aircraft with dual tandem seating and with a carrying capacity of at least 3,000 lbs with five hard points. The aircraft must also have two .50-cal. guns built-in or through pods. Julie M. Aurelio