Philippine Airforce acquires unmanned aerial system from US

The Philippine Airforce acquired ScanEagle unmanned aerial system from United States of America.

Earlier today, the new 6 military drones was formally turned over to the Philippines in the presence of US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the ScanEagle drones will be used in the troops internal security operations, counter-terrorism and maritime patrol.

He also said that, this acquisition of ScanEagle is one way to modernize the military to deter those who want to wage war against our country.

Lorenzana adds that the drones will also be utilized to improve the government’s response before and after typhoons and other natural disasters particularly in estimating the areas damaged by calamities or even locations of victims and survivors.

They can also help authorities to curb illegal logging and illegal fishing activities through aerial surveys.

The two officials believes that the drones represent the strenght of the Philippines and US partnership in terms of defense capability enhancement.

“We profoundly desire to maintain our strong connection and camaraderie with the United States as well as to expand common interest and handle differences with understanding and respect.” said the secretary.

US ambassador Sung Kim states that these assets would be very useful in improving AFP’s capability to detect terrorist activities, piracy and territorial encroachment.

The units, which come as part of one system, are equipped with two cameras and can stay in the air for maximum of 24 hours.

The six drones were financed through a $13.7 million grant from the US's foreign military assistance program.