Russia willing to provide brand new military equipment to PHL —envoy

As the Philippines and Russia strengthen their military ties, Ambassador to Moscow Carlos Sorreta on Wednesday said Kremlin is willing to provide “brand new” equipment that could better fit the Philippine defense’s battle plans and tactics.

"Russia is willing to provide brand new equipment, customized to the specific needs of the Philippines, at favorable financial terms, with reasonable delivery times, full after sales service, necessary training and without political conditionalities or limitations," Sorreta said on his Facebook page.

Sorreta said Russia’s contribution of military arms would be preferable than second-hand equipment.

"By procuring new and customized equipment, our armed forces will be able to maximize their use since they can be made to fit into our battle plans and tactics.  Unlike with used and practically bare equipment, it is our tactics that have to be adjusted and compromised."

Sorreta's statement comes as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and other defense officials visit Russia to further develop defense cooperation with Moscow.

The Philippine Ambassador to Russia also announced that Lorenzana and his delegation attended the International Military-Technical Forum of ARMY 2018 and "examined Russian military equipment with the pressing defense needs of the Philippines in mind."

Lorenzana earlier clarified that the acquisition of submarines from South Korea or Russia was not yet final.

Lorenzana said the Defense department will procure equipment that is most advantageous for the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the AFP Modernization Program. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News