Three aircrafts that could boost Philippines’ monitoring capabilities

As the Philippines’ military modernisation continues to find momentum with more combat assets still coming in, the time could be ripe for Manila to begin the steps for the acquisition of monitoring and patrol planes for continuous nationwide coverage.

While operating dozens of ships could prove costly, including expenditures for maintenance and repair, planes could be an effective alternative for patrolling operations, not only in contested areas but also in other territories of the country.

Here are the three assets that might be worth considering in line with Manila’s modernisation efforts. 

1. Saab GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

Developed by the Swedish defense company Saab, GlobalEye is equipped with powerful radars and sensors that could provide reliable surveillance for up to 11 hours of flight time.

This plane is designated as a multi-role surveillance plane that could help monitor the country’s air, maritime, and ground domains.

It has a total range of 11,000 kilometres, a maximum speed of 1,110 km/h, and a service ceiling of 16,000 metres.

With its command-and-control features, the GlobalEye is considered a formidable force multiplier, allowing friendly fighters and ships to acquire data without relying on their own radars.

The GlobalEye can simultaneously detect fighter jets, ships, cruise missiles, and other low-flying aircraft. 

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2. Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

The P-8A Poseidon plane offers a vast array of surveillance features that are as important as the strike capabilities of assets in the inventories of the Philippine Air Force and Navy.

The plane can perform roles, such as anti-submarine warfare, which allows it to detect torpedoes, deploy sonobuoys, and, most importantly, track and engage submarines.

Other features include anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and overland and maritime surveillance.

It is also capable of using a variety of armaments, such as Mk 54 torpedoes, AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, depth charges, and naval mines.

It has a maximum take-off weight of 89,200 pounds (85,820 kilograms), a range of 1,200 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.

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3. Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAV

In an era where unmanned drones are shaping the battle space more than traditional manned air, sea, and ground vehicles, the MQ-4C Triton offers the country the ability to survey its territories while not sacrificing endurance and cost-saving measures.

The Triton can fly as high as 50,000 feet while operating for 24 hours. It can provide its operators with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

It can help detect, track, and identify maritime targets through its radar and electro-optical/infrared imagery processing capability. 

Through this feature, Triton could help direct friendly ships to areas where they are totally needed. This will save operating time, fuel, and manpower.

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