Editor's Note: The following report is excerpted from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, the premium online newsletter published by the founder of WND. Subscriptions are $99 a year or, for monthly trials, just $9.95 per month for credit card users, and provide instant access for the complete reports.
WASHINGTON – The Philippines will be looking to non-U.S. sources for combat aircraft, and officials want to equip two squadrons to enhance the nation's war-fighting capabilities, according to a report in Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
One of the primary concerns is China, which is encroaching in areas of the South China Sea that Philippines officials claim as being their territory.
China and the Philippines recently had a standoff involving their respective militaries over ownership and control of the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
For that reason, the Philippines will look to equip its two squadrons of 18 aircraft each and will solicit tenders from France, Italy, South Korea and Britain. In addition to aircraft – mostly second-hand combat aircraft – the Philippines also will look for missile-firing gunboats.
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The problem for the Philippines is cost, and for that reason, it has turned down a U.S. offer of F-16s.
Any notion that the Philippines could receive financial assistance is unlikely due to economic conditions not only in the U.S. but also European countries.
Japan, which also has issues with China, is offering patrol ships to enforce its territorial claims against China.
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