Malacañang announced that the Philippine government will be soon buying military aircraft and equipment from Italy.
The deal was the result of the recent meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and an Italian delegation led by Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola.
Malacañang added that the military agreement seeks to boost the modernization program of the Philippine armed forces as well as to forge strong defense cooperation between the two countries.
Among the equipment being considered for procurement from Italian defense suppliers are medium lift aircraft, coast watch system radar, multi-role combat aircraft, and long-range patrol aircraft.
Earlier, US President Barack Obama announced his government’s commitment to strengthen the Philippines’ defense system through a radar network center and an upgraded US coast guard cutter.
The President was joined in the Malacañang meeting by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa.
