Japan mulls export to India of SDF search-and-rescue aircraft

Japan and India have agreed to establish a joint working group to explore prospects of exporting to India a costly search-and-rescue aircraft developed by the Defense Ministry.

The agreement was reached in May 29 talks between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Indian Navy officials began expressing interest in the US-2 short takeoff and landing, search-and-rescue amphibian aircraft a few years ago.

If future discussions proceed as Japanese officials hope, it would be the first instance of an export of defense equipment used by the Self-Defense Forces that had been converted for civilian use.

The US-2 is produced by ShinMaywa Industries Ltd., which is based in Hyogo Prefecture. The aircraft has a range of about 4,500 kilometers and its amphibious landing capabilities make it suited for search-and-rescue operations.

Government officials are seeking to export the aircraft to reduce the procurement costs for each aircraft. Mass production could dramatically lower production costs for each aircraft.

Indian government officials have begun discussions on whether to purchase the aircraft.

However, because the US-2 carries sensitive communications equipment and other equipment, there were concerns that exporting the aircraft would violate Japan's three principles banning the export of weapons.

Government officials have concluded that if the equipment in question were removed beforehand, the aircraft itself would not constitute a weapon and the three principles would not be violated.

A major problem with the US-2 is its high cost. The aircraft costs about 11 billion yen ($108 million), much higher than similar competing aircraft.

According to government sources, India has not yet decided whether to purchase the US-2.

New PAF choppers to be used for search and rescue

The eight brand new combat helicopters purchased by the Philippine Air Force as part of its equipment upgrade will also be used for search and rescue operations in times of calamities, its spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Okol told Radyo Inquirer 990AM that the PAF leadership has decided to use the W-3A Sokol helicopters not only for combat but also for search and rescue operations.

Four of the eight helicopters were received by PAF last March from Polish manufacturer PZL-Swidnik SA.

By the end of the year, the brand new two-engine helicopters may be used for search and rescue operations.

Okol said they were also looking to acquire new fighter planes, radars and other equipment to beef up their operations for territorial defense.

PAF will be opening to the public its Fernando Airbase in Lipa, Batangas on July 6 as part of its 65th founding anniversary.

Okol also encouraged the public to attend their air power symposium on July 22 and participate in a fun run with PAF officers on July 24 at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill.

The PAF spokesman said they would like to explain to the public how the upgrade of equipment could benefit the country and its people.