Filipino, Russian soldiers to conduct military training – Lorenzana
By Francis Wakefield
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana Thursday said that Filipino and Russian soldiers will soon conduct military trainings as part of the country’s improved military relations with Russia.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lorenzana made the remark following an interview where he revealed the discussions he had with Russian military officials, particularly with the deputy of Russian Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergey Shoygu during the International Military-Technical Forum 2018 which will take place from August 21 to 26, 2018.
The DND chief left for Russia on Aug. 16 and is expected to be back in the country Friday.
According to Lorenzana, there will also be port visits of Philippine Navy ships to Vladivostok and military exercises.
“May meet and greet lang kami sa (We had a meet and greet in the ) Army Forum. ‘Yung deputy niya ang nakausap ko ng 20 minutes (I was able to talk to his deputy for 20 minutes). Napag-usapan namin ang (We talked about) military to military relations, palitan ng mga sundalo sa (exchange of soldiers in) military training, port visits of navy ships to Vladivostok, and participation in millitary exercises,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said the earliest exchange of students to participate in military courses is expected to take place in 2019.
“Our new defense attache’ here (Russia) Col. Dennis Pastor is looking at the military courses that our officers and soldiers could avail to improve our capabilities,” Lorenzana said.
“(The) earliest exchange of students is 2019 depending on how fast they learn the Russian language,” he added.
In October last year, Lorenzana and Shoygu signed an Agreement for Military-Technical Cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana said there were discussions with Russian military officials of the country’s plan to purchase submarines but a decision still has to be made on where to buy it.
He also revealed that South Korea is a candidate too in the country’s plan to acquire subs.
“There are discussions. But they know that we are shopping and has yet to decide where to buy. Korea is a candidate too but the Russian made is better and more expensive,” the defense chief said.
When asked if Russia already has an upperhand, Lorenzana said no. “Not really because we are not a very rich country we may opt for a more affordable platform. We’ll see, the jury is still out,” Lorenzana said.
“The cost per submarine plus the annual expense to maintain it is a big consideration. Pag-iisipan nating mabuti ‘yan (We will think about it very carefully).
The defense chief earlier revealed Russia is keen on selling the Philippines its Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, which has surface displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters, and capable of speed of 17 to 20 knots.
The Kilo-class submarines can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles, and naval mines and have a cruising range of around 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles.
In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is known to operate six improved Kilo-class submarines in its fleet.
Lorenzana said Russia is more than willing to provide the country “soft loans” to acquire the specialized underwater craft is the Philippines has no funds to buy its first-ever submarine.
Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to buy two submarines from Russia and is also looking at South Korea as another source.