Philippines receives SPYDER Air Defense System simulator training center

 

Philippine and Israeli officials during inauguration of new SPADS Simulator Training Center. Photo c/o Philippines DND.


The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has inaugurated a new Simulator Training Center for its SPYDER Air Defense System, which was built with assistance from the Israeli Government and Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.


A formal ceremony was held at Base Air Base in Pampanga province, with Philippine Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana as guest-of-honor, PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connon Anthony Canlas, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd Exercuive Vice President Brig. Gen. Pinhas Yungman (ret), and PAF Air Defense Command chief Maj. Gen. Augustine Malinit.


The new SPYDER Air Defense System (SPADS) Simulator Training Center will allow the training of future operators of the SPYDER air defense system to increase their proficiency and allowing ease of conducting training.


The system is also expected to allow operators to hone their skills and keep proficiency on a high level without relying on real-world use of the missile system.


The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has acquired the SPYDER Air Defense System from Rafael as part of Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) Acquisition Project of the PAF, which aims to provide the PAF with a reliable medium-range air defense missile system to defend facilities and points of interest from aerial threats such as fast flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles.


The deal was worth PHP6.85 billion (US$137 million) and involves the delivery of SPYDER-MR missile launchers, radar systems, support vehicles, and Python-5 and I-Derby missiles.


Rafael is expected to complete delivery of the entire contract package to the PAF by 2023.





[1] Philippine News Agency

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Philippines receives SPYDER Air Defense System simulator training center Philippines receives SPYDER Air Defense System simulator training center Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on April 29, 2022 Rating: 5

No comments