Defense of the Republic of the Philippines

All other claimants such as vietnam, china and taiwan constructed heavy structures that have dual purpose that we can qualify as bunker, reinforced against artillery or explosive. If we see closely the structures they constructed, they are heavily reinforced and well built for long term service. They are aware that they are building structures that are contested by the others and the  possibility of military action is real. To act nice and be agreeable to others that are willing the take direct action against us, i find it  illogical and  counter productive in protecting our claim.
It is also more economical if we build structures that can last more 50 years considering the expense and logistical difficulties of transferring materials from palawan to pag-asa island.
My point,better build heavy structures that have dual service now than thinking to build later when possibility of conflict comes. To build or reinforce only when that time comes,it will be too late or even more expensive.

for the next batch of sikorsky choppers - maybe 6 units will have refueling boom and stub wings to carry extra fuel tanks for long range deployment possibly in west philippine sea .

I realized this capability is pre-mature. I wrongly assumed that FA-50 have air -refueling probe already and the black hawks second purchase can install refueling boom. I thank LionFlyer and Adroth for their thoughts. I guess this trend will be put into shelve. Once MRF is final , this can be relevant again.

PURPOSE: Phil air force must have air refueling capability to extend the flight time of future MRF, FA-50, C-295 transport , Black hawk heli, and other aircrafts.

PAF have limited assets, one way to increase its operating capability is to extend their range or flight time by air-refueling. MRF and FA-50 and black hawk helicopters can stay longer, cover more area, extend their strike range and more . FA-50 can maximize  bomb loads and arsenal without extra tanks.

POSSIBLE AIR REFUELING AIRCRAFT.
1] KC-130J - 1 UNIT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_KC-130
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130/kc-130j-tanker.html
https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kc-130j-tanker/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdiklB72NSI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTLc7OgXxTg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifKDPJTkQCQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TReDWGRSP88

OR -2] C-295 WITH REMOVABLE REFUELING KIT. - 2 UNITS

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/Air-to-air-refuelling-broadens-the-C295-tactical-airlifters-operational-versatility.html
https://www.airbus.com/defence/c295.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqbs9AF2wFM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EhUsytP1Is
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/c295/

1st PHASE: PAF will purchase 2 refueling kit for C-295 air for FA-50 and black hawk
2nd PHASE: PAF will add one-KC-130J for new MRF, FA-50 and more black hawk
3rd PHASE: PAF add one more KC-130J to service more MRFs

One thing i cant confirm ,if our FA-50's have air-refueling probe. Looking on the new black hawks, need to add air-refueling boom pipe , maybe the next purchase , air-refueling capability must be added for black  hawks.

this is a bit out of topic.
I suggest that PN will  use one of the four decommissioned legacy ships as a permanent reinforcement for the BRP Sierra Madre. PN can beached beside BRP Sierra Madre. And assigned Marine troopers to guard it. This is better for its guns are still operational and the hull is still in good condition . My choice is BRP Quezon. This can help extend our hold on EEZ and strengthen our claim. DFA can rebut any diplomatic protest on this move for they even dont stop building up their own.

Combat Drone Footage in Marawi Siege;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKIfDgN8qww&t=2s

At the start of the video, there are two armored assets deployed . One is simba at the road and one M113 at vacant lot.
Troops asked for mortar fire support . We can heard that Army squads deployed nearby ready to engage. We can hear that at least one  81mm mortar team is providing fire support. We can also observed that terrorist team was inside the burnout building . Each building was designated with number as target identification and grid coordinates calculation . We can observed that terrorist avoids exposed buildings(along the street or roads) where direct fire from simba and M113 can be effective. The most effective fire support here is the mortar team or howitzer. But in this footage, we can observe mortar or indirect fire is the most effective in cluster of concrete building. The drone is giving a valuable real time target identification and acquisition and damage assessment including real time intel for the ground troops.

The coordination between mortar team and drone observers(including the CO) is good . The mortar shots were adjusted to the current location of the terrorist. Some were off by 10 to 20 meters but correction done ,the next shots close to 5 meters to the target.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-MlLNhk37U&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0p3o6iv1b4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_4Dov5dPVo&t=2s

The next videos, shows that  terrorist are deployed in the cornfield to flank attack the deployed APC. The APC and troops are prudent(cautious) in their return fire to avoid stray rounds . If the APC have mark 19 grenade launcher or 60mm mortar mounted, it can lobbed accurate fire . However, one observer suggest to his CO for mortar fire and the CO assures that. But the mortar fire have to be coordinated to higher ups for approval. The video footage finished without the mortar requested not yet provided. The scenario would be better if mark 19 RCWS or 60mm mortar on the APC are available. The response time is shorter and can neutralize the terrorist immediately.  The FA-50 bomb run were accurate and devastating.

IMHO , this situation can be improved further if
1] use a precision guided mortar round-this limits the rounds to be fired. Drone can be installed with LASER designator to point the exact target. I dont know if this is available in Army now or still being planned or pending in the procurement.
2] procure a 120mm mortar that can do more damage- build-up area such as concrete walls and floors lessens the effect of 81mm or 60mm round.But still 81mm or 60mm are cheaper for smaller but more numerous targets. Aside from HE rounds , mortars can deliver smoke, WP and illumination round.
3] armored personnel or simba mounted with 81mm or 60mm mortar (aside from direct fire weapons)can provide more flexible and even distribution of  indirect  fire support to  supporting assault teams . The two armored assets are being standby to provide direct fire once needed. If would be better if these armored assets have mortar , it can actively provide lobbed mortar bombs with the comms on the drone and assault troops already engage with the terrorist.
4] The troops must used two drones ,one on standby and one deployed. In case the drone is low batt, the standby can continue the visual intel . The quadrocopter drone is better than wing type because it can provide steady and continous the visual intel. It can  provide accurate coordinates to mortar or howitzer, for its hovering capabilities.

In relation to our topic;
1] Indirect fire capability(mortar or mark 19)for armored assets are ideal for MOUT and even on open terrain.
2] 120 mm mortar is a great in MOUT considering the firepower over concrete walls, floors ,roofs and concrete barriers to effectively neutralize opposing forces.
3] The 105mm direct fire cannon would be great for buildings along the streets or roads or open. But for buildings inside the block, indirect fire is effective.

A indirect fire capability for Sabra Tank meets the needs of AFP especially in MOUT as shown in the drone combat video  footages.

In case of comparison between Mk 19 40mm x53mm grenade round to 60 mm mortar round;

40x53mm round limitations and capabilities;

fix round means , propellant charge are fixed. only the elevation can be adjusted for hit desired range. explosive charge is between 38 grams to 40 grams. but can be fired successively to compensate for its limited killing radius. the common setup for mk 19 maximum elevation is 45 deg. but if engineers can modify mk 19 to elevate to 85 deg. this is an added capability.

60mm mortar round limitations and capabilities;

two factors to hit desired range- by increasing charge propellant and adjusting elevation. it is more flexible compared to mk 19. the common explosive charge between 170 grams to 250 grams for long range series. killing radius between 10 meters to 12 meters.


If PA can install mk 19 and at the same time 60mm mortar , this is a great combination. one can bridge the limits of the other , to create an overlapping field of fire and can engage different targets both direct and indirect fire , these complements the 105mm main gun with  0.50 cal HMG and 7.62mm GPMG.  with these combinations, sabra is a formidable platform .
If it can add sniper detection system and  hopefully active protection system . it can handle MOUT, open ,forested and anti-amphibious battlefield conditions.
I know this is a stretch on what AFP have in mind. Desiring these  weapon add-ons step-up the sabra capabilities.