Airbus has urged the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to consider acquiring the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft to meet its strategic airlift and aerial refuelling requirements. Additionally, the company has recommended the H225M helicopter for the Philippine Coast Guard’s operational needs.
The PAF has identified an impending requirement for multi-role tanker transport aircraft and additional airlifters as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). While Airbus has presented the A330 MRTT as a solution, the A400M, another Airbus offering, could also serve as a multi-role tanker transport, though its range and capacity are inferior to the A330 MRTT.
The A400M is positioned as a direct competitor to the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which the Department of National Defense (DND) and the PAF have already selected for their transport aircraft needs. Although the A400M has a larger capacity, it is significantly more expensive than the C-130J-30. Furthermore, the C-130J-30 is already a familiar aircraft for the PAF due to its long-standing presence in the Philippines, aided by regular rotations of American forces and the PAF’s experience with legacy C-130B/J/T models.
There are concerns about the budgetary constraints for the MRTT acquisition under the Re-Horizon 3 phase. The A330 MRTT might exceed the allocated budget, whereas the A400M is seen as a more feasible option.
Meanwhile, Airbus has pitched the H225M Super Cougar, a medium-sized helicopter larger than the S-70i Black Hawk, for the Philippine Coast Guard. Airbus highlighted its potential for resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea. However, there may be concerns about the helicopter’s size and weight, particularly whether the Philippine Coast Guard or Navy ships’ helicopter decks can accommodate it. This remains to be confirmed, though allowances or overdesigns in the decks’ structural capabilities may make it feasible.
In the Southeast Asia region, the A330 MRTT is operated by Singapore, while the A400M is operated by Malaysia and soon Indonesia.The Japan Coast Guard uses the H225M, while Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand deploy the helicopter for their militaries.
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