The defense department is eyeing Spain as another possible source of equipment for the military’s ongoing capability upgrade following a discussion between Manila and Madrid on a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense and logistics cooperation.
“The proposed MOU will serve as the legal framework for the Department of National Defense to procure defense equipment from Spain through government-to-government deals pursuant to Republic Act 9184,” said DND Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics Jesus Rey Avilla on Thursday.
“This is very timely in light of the ongoing implementation of the 2nd Horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program,” added Avilla, who led defense and military officials in meeting officials from the Directorate General of Armaments and Materiel (DGAM) of Spain’s Ministry of Defense.
Both parties met in Manila for two days following the visit of DGAM’s officials, led by Maj. Gen. Felipe de la plaza, deputy national armament director for international relations.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the proposed MOU on logistics, defense materiel, armaments and defense industry cooperation.
The Spanish delegation manifested interest in collaborating with the local defense industry and even visited Arms Corp. of the Philippines, a local firearms manufacturing company.
Spanish defense industries have been actively participating in various procurement projects of the military under the AFP modernization program.
Among the most recent acquisitions involving Spain were the three Medium Lift Aircraft (C295) for the Philippine Air Force worth P5.29 billion, which were procured from Spanish aircraft manufacturer EADS CASA, now Airbus.
The aircraft are now being used for air transport and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Additionally, a notice of award has been issued on October 16 in favor of Airbus for the procurement of one unit of command and control fixed wing turboprop aircraft for the Air Force with a contract price of P1.8 billion.