Airbus eyes bigger piece of PH military spending

European aerospace giant Airbus wants to boost its estimated $300 million in direct and indirect annual revenues from the Philippines—currently made through the sale of airliners, helicopters and support services—by offering new military aircraft to the government.

In particular, Airbus wants the Armed Forces of the Philippines to consider acquiring the new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which can be used to protect the country’s territory in the South China Sea.

“We understand that the Philippine military is in the market for new patrol aircraft and the C295 is ideal because the Philippine Air Force already operates the same platform as transport aircraft,” Airbus Defense and Space Southeast Asia head Johan Pelissier said in a press briefing.

Airbus officials said the company was ready to meet defense, space, communications and security requirements in the Philippines with its cutting-edge products and services, which the company will highlight at this week’s Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2018 exhibition.
“The Philippine Air Force is a highly valued customer and we are proud that they selected the C295 to support the modernization of their transport fleet,” Pelissier said. “Today, three of these versatile aircraft serve on a variety of military and humanitarian missions in the country.”

With decades of experience in the defense business, the European manufacturer has a strong track record in developing products and services for the most challenging missions. These include tactical and strategic airlifters such as the A400M and C295, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, which make up a world-class product line operated by air forces worldwide.