Land Based Missile System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army is in the process of acquiring its first long range missile systems to allow it to engage targets beyond the country's shore against enemy warships, or depending on the missiles available, to strike land targets.

The Land Based Missile System (LBMS) Acquisition Project, which is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, is the successor to the cancelled Shore Based Missile System (SBMS) Acquisition Project back in 2015.

Its objective it to provide the Philippine Army a long range tactical capability to defend the country from foreign naval threats especially those directly threatening the Philippine mainland. 

The BrahMos Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) carrying the BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missile.

Project Summary:

Land Based Missile System (LBMS) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 31 October 2019.

* End User: Philippine Army (Army Artillery Regiment)

* Quantity: 2 batteries

* Modernization Phase: 2nd List of Horizon 2 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php10,000,000,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government deal, eyed with Indian government

* Source of Funding: TBA, possibly soft loan

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PALBMSAcquisition

* Status: negotiations ongoing with BrahMos Aerospace and Indian government, consider under pre-procurement phase. Approved for implementation as of 2021, and TWG was discussing with India's BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. Byt the project did not reach an awarding as of end of 2022, and was among the Horizon 2 projects to be moved to Horizon 3 phase.

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31 October 2019:

MaxDefense released a blog entry explaining the LBMS project in detail, including its history and changes from the previous SBMS project.

It can be accessed on the link provided below:

"The BrahMos Supersonic Missile System and the Philippine Army's Land Based Missile System Project" - first posted on 31 October 2019

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01 November 2019:

MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation from a source that the Army's Land Based Missile System Acquisition Project is still being prepared for presentation to Senior AFP Leaders, which means to the AFP Chief of Staff and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This means that the other similar project (which we will name later on) is moving ahead first but quietly.

The Philippine Army publicly announced their interest in the BrahMos missile system, plus the activation of their 1st LBMS Battery which triggered interest of the public in the plans of the Philippine Army to acquire the Brahmos missile system.

Meanwhile the other branch of service was totally silent, not releasing any public statement or press release, yet have reached an important milestone as it was among those presented to the Senior Leaders Meeting last 30 October 2019.

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06 June 2023:

With the project not reaching awarding stage as of the end of 2022, the project was among those included in the Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP which starts officially by January 2023.

As of June 2023, the Horizon 3 phase shopping plans are not yet approved by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and we do not expect any update on this project until 2024.




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First post and edit: 31 October 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mini Mine Detector Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army is in the process of acquiring Combat Engineering Equipment, which includes mine and IED detection capabilities in the wake of increased use of such by terrorists and insurgents.

The Mini Mine Detector Acquisition Project, which is a sub-lot of the Combat Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project, is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

An Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) of Php18,200,000.00 was allocated by the Department of National Defense (DND) for the acquisition of 104 units.

Project Summary:

Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mine Mine Detector Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 15 January 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified Army Engineering Brigade)

* Quantity: 104 units + ILS

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php18,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA funded, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: Safer PH Innovations Inc.

* Product for Delivery: TBA
    
* Contract Price: Php18,200,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PACEEMMDAcquisition

* Status: procurement changed to public bidding, bid docs released 23 October 2019. SOBE scheduled 13 November 2019, moved to 20 November 2019, moved again to 27 November 2019. 1st bidding attempt failed. 2nd rebidding process started on October 2021, with SOBE scheduled on 26 November 2021. 2nd rebidding process failed, new 3rd rebidding process opened on 10 March 2022, SOBE scheduled on 30 March 2022. NOA released in favour of Safer PH Innovations on 29 December 2022.

A mine or metal detector leads a group of US Marines during patrol in 2017. Photo taken from Department of Defense archives.

Overview:

The acquisition of mine detection capabilities has been in the procurement plans of the Philippine Army for some time, but was not given priority due to the numerous materiel in its procurement list despite having limited funds.

But the lack of such capability was exposed during the Battle of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, and after the conflict when unexploded ordnance and mines became a problem that delayed the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

During the Marawi crisis in June 2017, the Philippine Army requested for the emergency procurement of 219 units of MMDs, but none has even been approved when the crisis was over by Octobe 2017.

Originally the Philippine Army planned to acquire only 44 units, but the improvements in technology and availability of simpler and cheaper but equally effective mine detectors allowed the PA to increase the quantity despite the budget not changing.


Technical Requirements:

The following are the technical requirements as indicated on the bid documents:

Specific Requirement: Brand new, NATO standard
Operating Length:
  * Folded: 328cm x 102cm x 56cm
  * Extended: 126.2cm
Operating Weight: max 2.6 kgs with batteries, max 2.4 kgs without batteries
Pulse Induction Transmission: Bipolar Multi-Period Sensing
Output:
  * Audio Output: Internal Loudspeaker or with Earset
  * Visual Output: through 9 LED Display
  * Data Output: RS-232 bidirectional
Temperature:
  * Operating Temperature: -30deg C to 60deg C
  * Storage Temperature: -30deg C to 80deg C
  * Environmental Endurance: to MIL STD 810G
Power Supply and Batteries:
  * Alkaline: 4 x C cell LR14
  * Rechargeable: 4 x NiCad or NiMh cell minimum 4,000mAh
  * Auxiliary Supply: 5-16V DC
Typical Operating Endurance: approx. 7 hours
Detection Ranges: Mine with very small metal content:
    * Test Piece 5cm, 0.15g: greater than 5cm (2 inches)
    * Typical Anti-Tank Mine: 50cm

Based on the values above, it appears that the Philippine Army's Technical Working Group for the project has closely patterned their desired Mini Mine Detector from Schiebel's MIMID Miniature Mine Detector. 

The Schiebel MIMID miniature mine detector was said to be effective that it can also be used for body search like shown above. Photo taken from Schiebel's website.

Schiebel of Austria is a world leader in mine detection equipment, and is famous also for the S-100 Camcopter UAV that is also being looked at by the Philippine Navy.

The MIMID has exactly the same dimensions, operating endurance, detection ranges, power supply, and has operating and storage temperature ranges within the requirements of the project.

Also, it means that the Philippine Army has deviated from its original plan of using a larger but more expensive model, since they were only originally looking at 44 units of Mini Mine Detector for the same budget of Php18.2 million. Now for the same budget, they're looking at 104 units.

Schiebel's MIMID during retracted and folded mode. The compact size is useful and would allow easy carrying by the operators. Photo taken from Defense-Blog website.

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25 October 2019:

The bid documents for the Combat Engineering Equipment - Lot 7: Mini Mine Detector (MMD) acquisition project was released on 23 October 2019. Like the Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge component of the CEE project, the MMD acquisition's Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is scheduled on 13 November 2019.

MaxDefense expects Pre-Bid Conference queries to come out prior to SOBE, which would further clarify issues.

Schiebel remains a favorite for this tender, based on feedbacks we received from sources.

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18 November 2019:


The DND has released a Supplemental Bid Bulletin (SBB) declaring the movement of Submission and Opening of Bids, from 20 November 2019 to 27 November 2019.

The earlier date was already the result of an earlier movement, wherein the Submission and Opening of Bids was moved from 13 November 2019 to 20 November 2019.

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08 August 2020:

After a long wait on the status of this project, it was recently updated to be a failed bid.

Since it took some time before a declaration was made, MaxDefense believes that the reason for failure in the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) part.

With the Philippine government implementing funding diversion for defense acquisition projects, it remains to be seen if this project would be affected. So far, the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7, as well as Lots 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 were among those that were moved for initial funding starting FY2021 during the DND's Realignment of AFP Modernization Funds that was approved last May 2020.

And with the bid failure, it only gave the DND more reason to delay the project.

With the Philippine economy shrinking in 2020, and a dismal economic performance in 2021, it remains to be seen if the Philippine government would even provide funding for this project and other lots of the Combat Engineering Equipment projects next year.

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18 November 2020:

The DND has posted a rebidding for this project, and has released a new set of tender documents It appears that the project ABC, specs and other requirements remain the same as before.

The new Submission of Bid schedule is on 02 December 2020, although this is still subject to whatever the discussions are during the Pre-Bid Conference scheduled this morning.

It would be remembered that Lot 7 for the Mini Mine Detectors, along with Lot 1 for the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, were the only sublots within the Combat Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project that were provided funding as of 2020.

A copy of the cover of the bidding documents for this project. Note the new submission date. Photo from DND documents.

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14 November 2021:

The Department of National Defense (DND and Philippine Army has restarted the bidding process for the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mini Mine Detectors Acquisition Project after almost a year of hiatus.

The specification remains the same, as well as the budget and the quantity being acquired.

The Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is now scheduled on 24 November 2021, which was already moved from previous posted dates as requested by the bidders.

It remains to be seen if this attempt would be successful, as it is already delayed due to funds previously allocated to it being diverted to COVID response expenses by the Government. So far, the DBM has re-allocated the funds back that allows the DND and PA to restart the tender process.

New ITB released on October 2021. Photo screengrabbed from PhilGEPS.

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16 January 2022:

Based on PhilGEPS' website, it appears that the bidding for the project proceeded and closed on 26 November 2021.

It now remains to be seen which companies submitted their bids, and which one will be declared the lowest calculated bidder.

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15 March 2022:

The 2nd rebidding process appears to have failed, as the DND opened a new rebidding process on 10 March 2022.

The budget and specifications, as well as the quantity to be delivered remains the same, and the new date for Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is now on 30 March 2022.

If this process fails again, the DND could shift to Direct Negotiations, considering this is already the 4th time this project is being publicly tendered.


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15 January 2023:

As per the DND's Procurement Monitoring Report as of 10 January 2023, it was mentioned that the Notice of Award has been released on 29 December 2022 in favour of Safer PH Innovations.

It remains to be seen what product has been offered as well as the contract price for the project.


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First edit and release: 25 October 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Combat Engineering Equipment - Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Department of National Defense (DND) has released the bid documents for the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge for the Philippine Army.

This project is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, and is one of several sublots of the Combat Engineering Equipment Project.

Photo credits to MaxDefense PH community member who wish to remain anonymous.

The Rhinemetall Panzerschnellbrücke 2 AVLB from Germany, with the Leopard 2 chassis and bridging system from MAN Mobile Bridges GmbH. Photo from Wikipedia.

Project Summary:

Combat Engineering Equipment - Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 04 February 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified Army Engineering Brigade)

* Quantity: at least 2 units, with armored tracked platform

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php1,600,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement, through Government-to-Government process between Philippines DND and Israel MOD-SIBAT

* Source of Funding: GAA funded, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-21-0001686 dated 20 April 2021 (2nd of 3 MYCA funding)

* Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Land & C4I - Israel Military Industries JV (Israel)

* Product for Delivery: Sources describes as lengthened version of Leonardo DRS-IMI Joint Assault Bridge using Merkava IV tank platform

    

* Contract Price: US$27,727,188.00, converted to Php1,407,459,790.10

* Expected Delivery Date: late 2021 based on 550-day Delivery Deadline from NTP release

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PACEEAVLBAcquisition

* Status: Elbit Systems declared sole bidder, passed PQI on December 2019 and awarded NOA on 26 December 2019. Contract Signing said to have been made before 24 January 2020. 2nd MYCA allocation released 20 April 2021.Arrived on 12 July 2022, for post-delivery inspection prior to acceptance. No confirmation if the vehicles were accepted and inducted into service as of 04 February 2024.

An example of an Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge (AVLB). Credits to original source of photo.

Technical Specifications:

The bid documents included the technical requirements for the project, which MaxDefense summarizes as follows:

The Rhinemetall Panzerschnellbrücke 2 AVLB from Germany, with the Leopard 2 chassis and bridging system from MAN Mobile Bridges GmbH. Photo from Wikipedia.

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24 October 2019:

The bid documents for the Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge was released on 23 October 2019.

This is surprising since originally the plan was to procure these under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal.

During Pre-Procurement Phase, this was among those being tossed up if it will be assigned as a 
G2G deal with either China or the United Kingdom. Prevailing heads in the Philippine Army successfully placed this project as a G2G project with the United Kingdom, with British bridge company WFEL Ltd. supplying the product.

It was expected that since WFEL does not make its own AVLBs, they will be getting another supplier to provide the product on their behalf. MaxDefense expected that WFEL would offer the BAE Systems Titan AVLB, which uses a launching vehicle platform based on the Challenger 2 main battle tank, and the BAE Systems BR-90 Modular Bridging System. This is the foremost AVLB of the British Army. Another proposal was using a French design

According to MaxDefense sources, the plan apparently hit a snag, with WFEL and the UK side unable to make a solid offer based on the Philippine Army's requirements.

This is probably the reason why it was shifted from a G2G deal with the UK, to a Public Bidding. Apparently the Philippine Army was against having the project shifted to a G2G deal with China with Poly Group being the preferred contractor.

A Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled on 30 October 2019, and the Bid submission is scheduled on 13 November 2019.

The BAE Systems Titan AVLB based on the Challenger 2 MBT platform a d BR-90 modular bridge system. Credits to original source of photo.

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25 October 2019:

MaxDefense has started gathering potential suppliers for this project, considering it has been shifted to public bidding.

The usual bidders are expected to join in, including Elbit Systems of Israel, Larsen & Toubro of India, and likely Hanwha Defense of South Korea. 

Others like Excalibur Army of the Czech Republic are also expected. It would be remembered that MaxDefense posted photos of DND officials touring Excalibur Army's facility including the AM-50EX bridgelayer. With the requirement being a tracked armored vehicle platform, Excalibur can simply shift the bridging equipment to a different platform like the T-72 tank platform instead of using a military wheeled truck.

DND officials checking the AM-50EX bridgelayer at Excalibur Army's facility in Czech Republic last May 2019. Excalibur has a variant using a T-72 platform. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a defense source.

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18 November 2019:

The DND has released a Supplemental Bid Bulletin (SBB) declaring the movement of Submission and Opening of Bids, from 20 November 2019 to 27 November 2019.

The earlier date was already the result of an earlier movement, wherein the Submission and Opening of Bids was moved from 13 November 2019 to 20 November 2019.

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01 December 2019:

The DND released a Supplemental Bid Bulletin (SBB) on the AVLB Acquisition Project, wherein two potential bidders, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) of India and Elbit Systems of Israel submitted their queries and requests regarding the tender. No date was written on the SBB but it appears that this was before the Pre-Bid Conference.

L&T is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of bridging equipment for the Indian Armed Forces, while Elbit Systems is also an OEM of bridging equipment used by the Israel Defense Force.

While most of the queries were related to the administrative and financial portions of the tender, it would be noted that both companies requested some changes on the technical requirements, particularly on the material of the bridge, the suspension of the carrier vehicle, and on use of NATO standards.

While requests to allow alternatives for the bridge material and vehicle suspension was allowed, L&T's request to avoid NATO standard was rejected.

Delivery deadline was still set to 550 days from release of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

An Indian Army AVLB using the Arjun tank platform. Credits to original source of the photo.

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05 December 2019:

MaxDefense received confirmation from sources that only Elbit Systems was able to submit a bid for the Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) Acquisition Project, which was held on 27 November 2019.

Larsen & Toubro did not submit a bid, as well as other potential bidders.

It remains to be seen if Elbit Systems will pass the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) for the tender, which will become the basis if the tender would be awarded to them.

According to our sources, the project will be rushed to have an award before yearend to keep the project's funding from being returned to the national treasury.

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10 January 2020:

First update for the year for this project, and it already appears to be promising.

MaxDefense/PDR received confirmation that the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) was already concluded with Elbit Systems, and that Elbit passed the inspection conducted on December 2019.

So far, these are the information we received on the product to be used, considering there is not much information on Elbit's participation on an AVLB product.

1. Elbit will be using a brand new Main Battle Tank platform with a diesel engine - so far there are only a few companies with an open production line for Main Battle Tanks.It is not expected to be from Russian, Chinese or any other country that does not use NATO standards.

Although the Israeli Merkava tank is a possibility, it appears that the tank has not been used before as an AVLB platform. The same is true for the South Korean K2 Black Panther and Japanese Type 10 tanks. 

2. Elbit's only venture on AVLBs was with its subsidiary Israel Military Industries (IMI) which participated in the design of the Joint Assault Bridge (JAB) for the US Army and US Marine Corps. The JAB uses an M1A2 Abrams chassis, which is not acceptable to the Philippine Army due to its powerplant being a gas turbine rather than diesel engine.

It is possible that Elbit through IMI division has developed a longer version of the JAB, as the current US variant is only 11 meters long versus the 18 meters span requirement of the Philippine Army.

The US Joint Assault Bridge, developed by Leonardo DRS and IMI could be a potential base design for the Philippine Army AVLB. Changes are possible by increasing span length of the bridge, and replacing the M1A2 Abrams platform with an MBT platform using a diesel engine. Photos taken from Military.com.

3. Nonetheless, MaxDefense/PDR believes that the AVLB in total would exceed 60 tons in weight, as the bridge itself is expected to already weight more than 15 tons, and the MBT platform would definitely be around 45 to 55 tons.

This breaks the weight barrier that has been the issue on the Philippine Army's decision to acquire main battle tanks. Whatever the AVLB platform would be will potentially affect the Philippine Army's future decision on main battle tank acquisition for commonality reasons.

Further updates are expected on the project as it nears Notice of Award release, which is expected to happen on or before February 2020.

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14 January 2020:

MaxDefense received word from sources that the Philippine Army's Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge Acquisition Project was awarded to Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I sometime between late December 2019 and January 2020. We are expecting to receive a copy of the Notice of Award (NOA) from the DND soon.

As for what product was offered, MaxDefense already have information but will let our readers discuss about it in our social media page.

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24 January 2020:

Finally, after keeping silence on the developments of this project, MaxDefense can finally speak up as the Department of National Defense (DND) has made the developments public.

The DND has finally awarded the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 1: Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) Acquisition Project to Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I - Israel Military Industries Joint Venture, with a Contract Price worth US$27,727,188.00 officially converted to Php1,407,459,790.10.

The NOA released by the DND in favor of Elbit-IMI JV. Photo taken from PhilGEPS.

Based on MaxDefense's sources, Elbit Systems - IMI Joint Venture (which is a weird venture considering IMI was already procured by Elbit Systems last year and is just now a division within Elbit Systems) will be providing an extended length version of the Leonardo DRS - IMI Systems Joint Assault Bridge.

The Joint Assault Bridge is a scissor-type bridging system with a Military Load Capacity (MLC) rating of MLC-85, which means it can withstand loads of up to 85 tons. This means it can support even the heaviest main battle tanks which weigh around 65-70 tons. Leonardo DRS is the prime contractor while Israel Military Industries (IMI) is one the main partners of the project and development of the bridging system.

In the US Army and US Marine Corps, the Joint Assault Bridge will use the General Dynamics M1 Abrams tank platform, and is seen as a less expensive alternative to the M104 Wolverine, and a replacement to the old M60 AVLB system that requires replacement.

MaxDefense sources confirmed that Elbit-IMI JV might supply an lengthened version of the Leonardo DRS - IMI Joint Assault Bridge being developed for the US Army and US Marine Corps. Photos from Leonardo DRS website. 

Since the Philippine Army specified a diesel-engined tracked tank platform, it will not use the General Dynamics M1 Abrams tank platform, and will instead use a different platform.

If MaxDefense sources are correct, the platform will be based on the latest Leopard 2 main battle tank chassis called the Panzerschnellbrucke 2 from Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), or Israel's Merkava IV from the Israel's MANTAK (Merkava Tank Office) which are the only tank platforms that meets the specified requirements of the Philippine Army.

Currently the Leopard 2 platform is used by the German Leguan bridging system, although sources confirmed that the Leopard 2 could also be modified to carry the JAB system.

The Leopard 2 tank platform is said to have been proposed by Elbit-IMI JV for the AVLB acquisition project. This would be supplied by Germany's KMW. Photo taken from KMW's website.

This means that the Leopard 2 could become more likely for the Philippine Army to consider in its future Main Battle Tank requirements, although this is more speculation due to the Philippine Army's planned MBT acquisition still in the process of being justified as part of the Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, and also the procurement process still unknown.

MaxDefense will discuss more about this possibility in future blog entries.

With Elbit being the winning proponent, it is also expected that the vehicles would be equipped with new communications equipment using Elbit-Tadiran's product line. MaxDefense believes this will include also the E-LynX mobile ad-hoc network communication system which is said to be introduced to some of the Philippine Army's newer armored vehicles supplied by Elbit System like the M113A2 Mortar Carriers, in addition to standard combat net radio systems like Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) used by NATO countries and the US, including its allies like the Philippines.

Elbit E-LynX (top) and SINCGARS (above) are expected to be included as the communications system of the AVLB. Photos credited to original sources.

With a delivery period of 550 days from Notice to Proceed (NTP), MaxDefense expects the delivery of this project to be completed only by late 2021. This is reasonable enough, and MaxDefense even believes that the Philippine Army should acquire additional units as 2 units may not be enough for its current and future requirements.

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29 April 2021:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released funding under SARO-BMB-D-21-0001686 worth PHP529,097,693.00 dated 20 April 2021 and released on the same day. This amount covers for the 2nd of  3 Multi Year Contract Contractual Authority (MYCA) budget allocations for the project.

This means that the project continues to proceed as plan, after being awarded to Elbit Systems Land C4I – Israel Military Industries Joint Venture in 2019.

It remains though if the project will proceed with the planned delivery by late 2021 or early 2022 deadline.

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14 July 2022:

The Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) bound for the Philippine Army was reported to have arrived in Batangas on 12 July 2022.

Contrary to our previous report, the armored vehicle platform used is not Germany's Leopard 2, but is the Merkava IV from Israel. We believe this is the first time the Merkava IV has been exported outside Israel.

According to our source, there were changes made from the previous proposal to use Leopard 2 platform, as the Merkava IV platform is more beneficial considering the product is being delivered by Elbit Systems Land & C4I.

The use of Merkava IV chassis actually opens a door to what could be the potential main battle tank for consideration by the Philippine Army, although this is a surprise considering the tank's heavy weight, a boon to Philippine Army planners.

The bridge remains the same as previously proposed, based on Israel Military Industries (now part of Elbit Systems) & Leonardo's design, said to be a long version of the Joint Assault Bridge being delivered to the US military.

Photo credits to Philippine Army.

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22 October 2022:

A photo of one of the Merkava AVLB was shared by a community member, said to be taken in Israel before the delivery to the Philippines.

Photo credits to MaxDefense PH community member who wish to remain anonymous.

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04 February 2024:

Despite the vehicles being delivered, there has been no public display of these new AVLBs since 2022, despite them being expected to be among those for display in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' anniversary parade last December 2023.

It remains to be seen if the project is completed, or if there are problems that could be delaying the completing of the deliveries.

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First edit and release: 24 October 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines)

To augment existing inventory of of force protection equipment while also replacing damaged and old units, as well as to keep up with the growing number of manpower and new units, the Philippine Navy on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps is acquiring additional body armor vests and helmets under the Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project.

This is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, and was among those given In-Principle Approval by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on June 2018.

PMC units have started using the Marom Dolphin Fusion System as shown above during the Philippines-Australia Exercise ALON 2023 last August 2023. Photo credits to PMC.

Project Summary:

Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor & Helmet) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 16 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Philippine Marine Corps)

* Quantity: 7,491 units o f Body Armor (Lot 1), 9,528 units of Helmets (Lot 2)

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: 
     Lot 1: Php441,893,560.00
     Lot 2: Php240,734,000.00
     TOTAL : Php682,627,560.00 

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funded

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-20-0000703 dated 11 February 2020 worth Php507,312,686.00 representing 100% of total contract amount 

* Winning Proponent: Marom Dolphin (Israel)

* Product for Delivery: Marom Dolphin High Cut Ballistic Helmet and Fusion System Force Protection Equipment

* Contract Price: Php507,312,686.00

* Residual: Php175,314,874.00

* First post by MaxDefense: June 2019 (see MD's AFP Modernization Program List)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNFPEAcquisition #PMCFPEAcquisition

* Status: Invitation to Bid released on 21 October 2019, with Submission and Opening of Bids scheduled on 12 November 2019. Israel's Marom Dolphin was declared the lowest qualified bidder, passed PQI last December 2019. SARO released on 13 February 2020 covering 100% of total contract price, NOA in favor of Marom Dolphin was released on 20 August 2020. Delivery started on August 2022, and was reported to be completed as of 1st quarter of 2023. Deployment of the FPEs was noted as of March 2023 and was confirmed to have been distributed to most MBLTs as of April 2023. PROJECT COMPLETED.

Lot 1 calls for body armor, and Lot 2 for helmets. Credits to original sources of photos, for reference only.

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Overview:

The Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) is used in all Territorial Defense, Security, and Stability Operations of the Philippine Marine Corps. There are three identified general physical operational environment in the utilization of the body armor and helmet:

1. Internal Security Operations in Rural Areas: the continuous ISO against terrorist groups concentrated in the country's hinterlands will still be the major operational environment for the Marines.

2. Amphibious Environement: the core competency of the Marines in being amphibious will be another operating environment. These may be seaward coming from land, towards the land coming from the sea, or just in the littoral enviroment.

3. Urban Terrain: Military Operations in Urban Terrian (MOUT) are another aspect being honed by the Marines. The presence of infrastructure and man-made obstacles is another operational environment that could not be disregards.

The FPE should be scalable to allow easy configuration to all the different operational requirements from light configuration to full-body armor configuration.

Philippine Marines during training exercise. The service is in need of new body armor and helmets. Photo credits to DVIDs Hub.

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22 October 2019:

The Department of National Defense (DND) has released the bid documents for the Force Protection Equipment Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Two separate lots were made with Lot 1 covering the Body Armor, and Lot 2 for the Helmets.

Changes were made compared to the original plans. Previously the Philippine Navy was planning to acquire the same number of body armor and helmets at 8,860 pairs. Now the body armor was reduced to 7,491 units, while increasing the number of helmets to 9,528 units.

So far there are 23 groups that requested for bid documents, although we do not expect all of them to submit a bid.

Pre-bid Conference is scheduled on 29 October 2019 which is expected to clear out queries and clarifications. We expect the queries and replies by the DND  Bids and Awards Committee and Philippine Navy's Technical Working Group for the project coming out via a Supplementary Bid Bulletin before the SOBE date.

Philippine Marines during training. The service needs new sets of body armor and helmets.

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29 October 2019:

Earlier today, the Pre-Bid Conference was held for the project, and it was noted that there at least 12 proponents present in the meeting.

Among those noted present were Source Vagabond from Israeli, MKU Ltd. of India, Mars Armor of Bulgaria, among others.

These are the same companies that have been involved in many Body Armor and Helmet biddings within the AFP major branch services and the Philippine National Police.

According to an industry source, it appears that the technical specifications for the project has a lot of flaws, and many of the companies made their queries which is expected to be replied by the DND-BAC and Philippine Navy TWG in the next few days.

One of the proponents, Source Vagabond, previously displayed their body armor and helmet in ADAS 2016, as seen above. Photo exclusively shared to MaxDefense by one of our source.

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10 November 2019:
Pre-Bidding updates have been made available by the Department of National Defense regarding this project.

Deliveries of the 1st tranche is now moved to 180 days from issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP), up from 120 days. 2nd tranche was also moved to 240 days from NTP issuance, up from 180 days.

Requirements including winning previous similar contracts was adjusted, and more clarifications were made on documentation requirements.

The technical specs of the body armor and helmets were also amended, with the specs now more specific especially on the inclusions based on the maximum allowed weight, and inclusions based on the scalability.

Queries from Source Vagabond Systems Ltd., International Diamond ETH Inc., Marom Dolphin Ltd., and MKU Ltd. were also answered.

MaxDefense won't be very specific on the changes as it involves a lot of items. Instead, we refer our readers to the link from the DND's Supplemental Bid Bulletin.

More can be found on the link to the Supplemental Bid Bulletin HERE. 

Also, the bid submission date was moved from 12 November 2019 to 14 November 2019..

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25 November 2019:

MaxDefense received confirmation that the DND Bids and Awards Committee has declared Israeli protection equipment manufacturer Marom Dolphin as the lowest qualified bidder for the Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project.

But apparently there is an issue affecting the project. According to our sources, the DND-BAC chairman has been pressing on Maron Dolphin to immediate conduct the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) earlier than usual.

This is the same DND-BAC Chairman that MaxDefense mentioned in a post last time as pushing its weight against DND leadership decision on the Philippine Army's Light Tank acquisition project.

Sources mentioned that this DND-BAC Chairman who is also a DND Assistant Secretary is in favor of one of the losing bidders, and pressuring Marom Dolphin to conduct the PQI earlier than planned is a way to put the Israeli company into a possible disqualification, resulting to the favored company to be next in line for PQI inspection and winning the tender.

Let's see if Marom Dolhpin can survive this pressure from the DND-BAC, considering the project is also in a hurry of being implemented and awarded as the year is ending and the risks of having the project funds returned back to the national coffers if unused remains high.

Marom Dolhpin's line of vest and plate carriers, which applies to the Body Armor component of the FPE Project. Photo taken from Marom Dolphin's website.

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18 February 2020:

The SARO for the project amounting to Php517,312,686.00, or 100% of the total contract price was released by the Department of Budget Management (DBM) last 13 February 2020, which means that the Notice of Award (NOA) for the project is expected to be released soon.

MaxDefense received information that Israel's Marom Dolphin is expected to receive the NOA as they have been the lowest bidder for the project, and has passed the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) conducted last December 2019.

It is still unknown what exact helmet and body armor design would Marom Dolphin supply although it is expected to be similar to those they already supplied to the AFP in the past.

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12 October 2020:

The Department of National Defense (DND) has released the Notice of Award (NOA) in favor of Israel's Marom Dolphin Ltd., for the Force Protection Equipment Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy. 

The NOA was dated on 20 August 2020 and was signed by Marom Dolphin on 24 September 2020.

According to the attached Memorandum from the DND, Marom Dolphin competed with two other companies, MKU Ltd. from India and Welcron Co. Ltd. from South Korea. Marom Dolphin emerged as the Lowest Bidder, with Php507,312,686.00, against MKU Ltd's Php528,697,643.01, and Welcron Co. Ltd's Php631,974,550.18.

Maron Dolphin passed the Post Qualification Inspection conducted last December 2019, but the result was questioned by MKU Ltd. resulting in a lenghty process in conducting ballistic tests in the US. 

The delays in making the final decision means delays in the delivery, considering the product delivery schedule will be dependent on when the Notice to Proceed is provided, which in turn is dependent also on the Signing of Contract.

The project NOA, in favor of Marom Dolphin. Photo screengrabbed from DND documents.

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12 July 2022:

Israeli tactical gear manufacturer Marom Dolphin shows their Fusion System, which they are supplying to the Philippine Marine Corps.

The Fusion System combines Marom Dolphin's body armor vest, duty belt and a 60 liter or 30 liter backpack.

Video credits to Marom Dolphin's Youtube channel.

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05 August 2022:

The Philippine Marine Corps has finally received its order for new Body Armor and Helmet from Israel's Marom Dolphin.

As we showed in a video before (see update above), it uses Marom Dolphin's Fusion System which is a patented advanced carrying system which integrates a tactical duty belt, a protective vest and a full-sized backpack all together into one modular system. The system can be used with or without ballistic soft and hard panels.

Photos show the Marom Dolphin Fusion System as displayed with the Philippine Marine Corps' basic combat uniform. Photo credits to Philippine Marine Corps.

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20 March 2023:

Earlier today, our parent page MaxDefense Philippines noticed that the newly re-equipped Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 (MBLT-6) which was sent-off a few weeks ago, that they are ALL wearing high-cut tactical helmets and new body armor.

Surprisingly, high cut helmets are normally worn by special operation units so at first, one would think that the MBLT-6 marines were from the Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG).

It appears that the helmets and body armor were the ones supplied by Israel's Marom Dolphin.

The Philippine Marines received 7,491 body armors and 9,528 helmets as part of the Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project. The quantity alone says its for every marine battalion landing team and not for MARSOG, which is already equipped with US-supplied FPEs.

It is now shown in these photos, at a closer look at what they look like.

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16 April 2023:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed through its sources with the Philippine Marine Corps that Marom Dolphin has completed the delivery of all 7,491 body armor and 9,528 helmets including accessories as of early 2023 as part of the Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines).

The equipment have been distributed to most of the Philippine Marine Corps' Marine Battalion Landing Teams, and will be the standard FPE of the service within this year.

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With the Marom Dolphin Fusion System force protection equipment including the helmets and body armor already delivered as of early 2023, and put into service with the Philippine Marine Corps,MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Force Protection Equipment (Body Armor and Helmet) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 22 October 2019

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource