THE United States approved the sale of $25-million air defense radar for the two Hamilton-class frigates that it donated to the Philippines, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The DSCA said the Philippine government may possibly acquire through the US government’s Foreign Military Sale the AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars and related equipment, support, and training.
“The estimated cost is $25 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Dec. 12, 2016,” the DSCA article said.
“The AN/SPS-77 Air Search Radars will be used to provide an enhanced ability to detect and track air contacts. The radars will be installed on two Hamilton-class cutters acquired through the Excess Defense Articles [EDA] program. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” DSCA said.
At present, the Philippine Navy has already three former Hamilton-class ships from the US Coast Guard: BRPs Gregorio del Pilar, Ramon Alcaraz and Andres Bonifacio. Florante S. Solmerin