By Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
THE Department of National Defense (DND) and the Spain’s Ministry of Defense discussed a memorandum that seeks to strengthen logistics and defense material cooperation.
DND and Spain’s Deputy National Armament Director for International Relation Major General Felipe De La Plaza discussed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Logistics, Defense Materiel, Armaments, and Defense Industry Cooperation between the two countries last Oct. 20 to 23.
“The proposed MOU will serve as the legal framework for the DND to procure defense equipment from Spain through Government-to-Government deals pursuant to RA 9184. This is very timely in light of the ongoing implementation of the 2nd Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP),” said Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics Jesus Rey R. Avilla, who led the delegation of the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Spanish delegation also expressed interest in collaborating with the local defense industry and even visited ARMSCOR, a local firearms manufacturing company.
The defense industry of Spain has been actively participating in various procurement projects of the AFP under its modernization program.
Among the recent acquisition from Spain were the three units of Medium Lift Aircraft worth P 5.29 billion for the Philippine Air Force, procured from Spanish manufacturer Airbus. The aircraft are now being used for air transport and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.