Additional Utility Helicopters (S-70i Black Hawk) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

As part of its continuing need to improve its mobility capabilities to address the lack of enough air assets and the ageing of existing air assets, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) raised the requirement for the acquisition of a second batch of S-70i Black Hawk Combat Utility Helicopters (CUH) to replace the retired fleet of Bell UH-1D/H Huey, and complement the existing fleet of Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters operated by the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

This led to the Additional Utility Helicopters (S-70i Black Hawk) Acquisition Project, which is being pursued as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase projects of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

The project may be alternatively called as the Combat Utility Helicopter (Phase 4) Acquisition Project, 

The S-70i Black Hawk, these examples bound for the PAF. Photo c/o Polish Embassy in the Philippines.

Summary:

Combat Utility Helicopter (Phase 4) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 06 March 2024.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (205th Tactical Helicopter Wing)

* Quantity: 32 helicopters

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

* Project ABC: Php32,000,000,000.00 Php31,753,846,153.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement (Government-to-Government) with Polish Government, with US Government approval

* SARO Release: 
   - SARO-BMB-D-21-0013898 dated 27 December 2021 worth Php1,600,000,000.00 for 5% of contract sum as initial payment;
   - SARO-BMB-D-22-0006442 dated 08 August 2022, worth Php3,980,800,000.00 for 12.5% of the contract sum as 2nd MYOA milestone payment;
   - SARO-BMB-D-23-0017462 dated 25 May 2023, released 25 May 2023, worth Php4,128,000,000.00 for 13% of contract sum as 3rd MYOA milestone payment;

   - SARO-BMB-D-24-0000866 dated 04 March 2024, worth Php8,256,000,000.00 for 26% of contract sum as 4th MYOA milestone payment.
 
* Winning Proponent: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. (thorough its Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec)

* Product for Delivery: Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk International

* Contract Price: approx. Php31,753,846,153.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 23 January 2021

* Searching Hashtag: #PAFCUHAcquisition #PAFCUHPhase4Acquisition #PAFAdditionalUtilityHelicoptersAcquisition

* Status: Decision to acquire more S-70i Black Hawk helicopters made as the PAF was forced to retire its fleet of UH-1 Huey helicopters after several accidents between 2019-2020. SARO for 5% initial funding was released on 27 December 2021, with NOA released in favour of PZL Mielec on 28 December 2021, and Contract Signing most likely made January or February 2022. 2nd MYOA SARO released on 08 August 2022, 3rd MYOA SARO on 25 May 2023, and 4th MYOA SARO on 04 March 2024. Delivery of first batch of 5 helicopters have been delayed and it is expected that PZL Mielec will push through with this within 2nd quarter of 2024.


Overview:

The Philippine Air Force decided to retire its fleet of Bell UH-1 Huey combat utility helicopters after several fatal and non-fatal crashes between 2019-2020.

The Philippine Air Force has been using the Bell UH-1 Huey for decades, with the first units said to have entered service with the PAF in 1967 with the first four (4) UH-1D transferred from the United States. More than 100 more units arrived over the next 4 decades, mostly with the newer and improved UH-1H Huey. Despite the high number of units delivered, the PAF only has less than 40 units in service by 2010.

A PAF Bell UH-1H Huey during training exercises. Credits to original source of photo.

While the PAF acquired the PZL Swidnik W-3A Sokol, Bell 412EP and the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk in its earlier CUH acquisitions, the PAF's recent acquisition of Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters was found to be the most logical choice for repeat orders.

This was due to their capability vis-à-vis their price, support by the Polish government, and previous issues with the W-3A Sokol's design and performance.

While the Bell 412 remains a viable option, the previous issues that led to the cancellation of the acquisition of 16 Bell 412EPI in favour of the S-70i Black Hawk remains a roadblock, as the acquisition of 32 more helicopters still falls within the administrations of both Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The PAF Bell 412EP CUH. Credits to original source of photo.

Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, was able to completely deliver the 16 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the PAF as of November 2021, and were the entire procurement as very satisfactory.

A decision to pursue additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters was decided by the PAF's Technical Working Group, with negotiations proceeding in early 2021.

The Department of National Defense expects a Notice of Award (NOA) and Contract Signing to be made by January 2022, and start of deliveries to proceed by late 2023 or early 2024.

The Sikorsky PZL Mielec S-70i Black Hawk. Photo credited to PZL Mielec's website.

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U P D A T E S:
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27 January 2021:

MaxDefense Philippines sources confirmed that the Philippine Air Force submitted a report to Senate on the status of their UH-1 Huey helicopter fleet, and certain Senators have committed to support the acquisition of replacement helicopters.

Support for funding for more or less 40 new combat utility helicopters have been made by certain Senators to be included in the FY2022 defense budget.

Funding for another 20 helicopters was also committed by these Senators at a later date.

Photo credits to PAF.

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14 April 2021:

The Department of National Defense has signed an Implementing Agreement of Defense Acquisition with its Polish counterpart on 07 April 2021, which was meant to support the acquisition of more S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec.

DND Asec. Jesus Ray Avilla signs the Implementing Agreement between Poland and the Philippines on 07 April 2021. Photo credits to Polish Embassy in the Philippines.

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07 December 2021:

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that the Department of Budget Management (DBM) has approved the release of Php32 billion for the acquisition of 32 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force from Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec. This is an additional project under the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase.

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28 December 2021:

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana mentioned during the contract signing of the Corvette Acquisition Project, that they are expecting the Contract Signing for the acquisition of 32 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force to be happening by January 2022.

He also said that this project, together with the OPV Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy, could be among the last AFP Modernization projects to be signed under the Duterte administration.

One of the PAF's new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during induction on December 2021. Photo credits to DND.

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29 December 2021:

The Department of Budget Management (DBM) has released a new SARO dated 27 December 2021 with an amount of Php1.6 billion for the initial funding requirements of the project.

This represents 5% of the Php32 billion project cost for the acquisition of 32 S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters.

It remains to be seen if 5% is enough for the initial funding, as this would be dependent on the Terms of Reference (TOR) agreed upon by the DND and Sikorsky / Lockheed Martin / PZL Mielec.

It is also possible that a separate SARO would be released to complete the rest of the initial funding, which is normally 15% based on past experiences in other projects.

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16 January 2022:

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana has confirmed that a Notice of Award has been released last 28 December 2021 for the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force in favour of Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec.

32 S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters will be delivered to the PAF in 4 batches: 5 units in 2023, 10 units in 2024, 10 units in 2025 and 7 units in 2026.

The contract is being finalized and the DND intends to release the Notice to Proceed immediately thereafter to officially start the contract implementation.

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15 August 2022:

The DBM has released the 2nd milestone payment for the project under SARO-BMB-D-22-0006442 dated 08 August 2022 and worth Php3,980,000,000.00 or around 12.5% of the contract sum.

SARO showing 2nd MYOA allocation. Photo screen grabbed from DBM 2022 SARO.

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25 May 2023:

The Department of Budget and Management has released a MYOA payment for the project, with SARO-BMB-D-23-0017462 dated and released on 25 May 2023 and worth Php4,128,000,000.00, or 13% of the project's contract sum.

MaxDefense PH is expecting that PZL Mielec is probably scheduled to start delivery of the 1st batch, which was previously indicated by former Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana as 5 units for 2023.

Screengrabbed from DBM 2023 SARO.

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06 March 2024:

The 4th MYOA milestone payment for the project has been released by the DBM under SARO-BMB-D-24-00000866 dated 04 March 2024 and worth Php8,256,000,000.00. This is worth approximately 26% of the contract sum.

The first batch of 5 helicopters were suppose to be delivered to the Philippines back in 2023, while another batch of 10 helicopters are scheduled for delivery within 2024. It now remains to be seen if PZL Mielec can deliver the first 5 aircraft as soon as it can, considering new payment in being provided to them despite the aircraft not delivered.



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First post and edit: 29 December 2021

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Additional Air Transport Capability (C-130J Super Hercules) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has raised the requirement for new heavy tactical transport aircraft to beef up its fleet, as requirements for air transport has increased while air assets are ageing and dwindling in numbers and operational availability.

The PAF proceeded to submit their requirements to the Department of National Defense (DND) for the acquisition of additional aircraft under the Brand New Additional Transport Aircraft, later renamed Additional Air Transport Capability Acquisition Project, which was submitted to the first raised in 2019.

A C-130J-30 Super Hercules of the US Air Force in Villamor Airbase, Manila. Photo credits to Associated Press (AP).

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Project Summary:

Additional Air Transport Capability (C-130J Super Hercules) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 13 December 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (220th Airlift Wing)

* Quantity: 3 units plus ILS package, reduced from 5 units plus ILS package

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

* Project ABC: approx. Php22,200,000,000.00, reduced from Php37,000,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: US Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) Procurement

* Source of Funding: Multi-Year Contractual Authority for unspecified number of years, using General Appropriations Act (GAA)

* SARO Release:
   - SARO-BMB-D-22-0004784 dated 10 June 2022 worth Php3,505,000,000.00 (15% initial payment);
   - SARO-BMB-D-23-0026645 dated 11 December 2023 worth Php3,330,000,000.00 (15% 2nd milestone payment)

* Winning Proponent: Lockheed Martin

* Product for Delivery: C-130J-30 Super Hercules plus Integrated Logistics Support Package

* Contract Price: Php22,199,999,983.47

* Residual Price: Php16.53

* First post by MaxDefense: 06 May 2020

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFBrandNewC130JAcquisition

* Project Status: PAF sent Request for Information (RFI) to manufacturers in late 2019, and Lockheed Martin provided RFI reply on June 2020. Project was proposed for funding under FY2021 defense budget but failed to gain traction due to government's diversion of defense funds to COVID response expenses. Initial downpayment of Php5.5 billion approved under FY2022 defense budget, finalizing terms of reference and other requirements prior to project award to Lockheed Martin. MYCA shows that total quantity reduced from 5 to 3 aircraft only. SARO for 15% DP released on 10 June 2022. NOA released 29 December 2022. Contract said to be signed February 2023, and Notice to Proceed released 05 June 2023. Delivery set for July 2026 for the 1st aircraft, October 2026 for the 2nd aircraft, and January 2027. 2nd payment milestone made with SARO released on 11 December 2023.

A C-130J-30 of the US Air Force. Photo credits to Lockheed Martin.

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Overview:

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been in need for new heavy tactical transport aircraft to complement its ageing and dwindling fleet of Lockheed C-130 legacy Hercules heavy tactical airlift aircraft.

The last time the PAF received brand new C-130s were in the 1976-1977 when the Marcos administration acquired 4 new Lockheed C-130H Hercules from the US. Of those 4, only 1 aircraft remain at this time.

Prior to this project, the PAF has been receiving or buying refurbished legacy C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from the US during the Marcos, Cory Aquino, Ramos, Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino and Duterte administrations.

Some of the PAF's retired C-130 Hercules aircraft, as seen in Benito Ebuen Airbase several years ago. Credits to original source.

But these have not been enough considering the PAF has been losing C-130s due to crashes or accidents, or due to poor maintenance. Out of the 5 refurbished C-130 Hercules received in the last 20 years, only 2 are still in working condition.

The PAF was looking at acquiring larger aircraft, particularly strategic airlift aircraft to improve its capability to carry heavier load over longer distances, as part of its  proposed Strategic Airlift Aircraft Acquisition Project. But due to the lack of numbers in its C-130 fleet, the plan was shelved in favor of acquiring slightly smaller aircraft like the C-130 or equivalent.

The PAF sent out Request for Information to global manufacturers in late 2019, and Lockheed Martin provided their reply by June 2020 with a proposal for 5 new C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft. The stretched Super Hercules was proposed based on the capacity required by the PAF.

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines has confirmed that Airbus' previous proposals under the Strategic Airlift Aircraft Acquisition Project for 2 Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft remains in place as of 2020. Other aircraft looked at by the PAF are the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, and the Kawasaki C-2. The Kawasaki C-2 is competing against Airbus A400M in the Strategic Airlift Aircraft project.

The Airbus A400M Atlas strategic airlift aircraft, which is larger than the C-130J Super Hercules. This example with the German Luftwaffe. Photo credits to Wikipedia Commons.

The project was approved for implementation in 3rd quarter 2020, selecting Lockheed Martin's C-130J-30 Super Hercules with a proposed budget of Php37 billion for 5 aircraft including an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. Acquisition will be through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) with Lockheed Martin, which allows the deal to be cheaper although not supported by the US Government's logistics package.

A C-130J-30 Super Hercules of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Photo credits to RNZAF.

The funding for the initial down payment of 15% of the cost worth around Php5.5 billion was requested by the PAF and DND to be included in the Fiscal Year 2021 allocation for the AFP Modernization Program, but it was not included due to reduced prioritization of defense projects in favour of COVID-19 pandemic response expenses.

It was again proposed to be included in the FY2022 funding under the AFP Modernization Program, and this has been successfully included, being "marketed" to Congress as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) asset.



Finally on Feburary 2023, the Contract between the DND and Lockheed Martin was signed, and the Notice to Proceed was released on June 2023.

The DND said the deliveries of the aircraft will be on July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027.


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U P D A T E S:
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14 October 2021:

Amendments were made by Congress to the FY2022 Defense Budget, with Php5.5 billion now included to allow for the down payment for acquisition of 5 new C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force.

It appears that this was the only item approved by Congress out of the Php98.2 billion "Additional Priority Projects of the DND for FY2022" that the DND was asking and was presented to both the Congress and Senate Hearings on the FY2022 Defense Budget.

Lets see if there will be further improvements in the Senate version of the FY2022 Defense Budget.

The House of Representatives (Congress) released their list amendments on the proposed FY2022 budget, which includes the downpayment for 5 new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Photo credits to Inquirer.net.

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17 June 2022:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a SARO worth Php3.505 billion tp cover for the initial funding for the Additional Air Transport Capability project, which is actually the C-130J acquisition.

The SARO also covers funds for electric meter for operational facilities at Villamor Air Base, which could only cost around Php5 million.

It appears that the cost is around 10% of the contract price, which places it at around Php35 billion, or Php2 billion less than the Project ABC.

If this is the case, the possibility that the Notice of Award to Lockheed Martin could be made before Pres. Duterte steps down from office.

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17 September 2022:

The Philippine Government has approved the Multi Year Contractual Authority (MYCA) for the project last May 2022.

But the quantity of aircraft to be procured was reduced from 5 to just 3 units. The budget was also reduced, and we are still confirming the new amount as of this writing.

With this development, it appears that a contract between the DND and Lockheed Martin would be coming soon, considering the MYCA places the project to a total of 4 fiscal years from 2022 to 2025, and the 15% initial funding was already released by the DBM through a SARO last June 2022.

Based on information, all 3 aircraft would be delivered only by 2025, although milestones have been set between 2023 and 2024 on the building of the aircraft.

It remains to be seen if the government will be funding the other 2 aircraft as part of Horizon 3, or if it would be increased to more than 2 aircraft considering the PAF may need more than 5 new C-130Js in the future.

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03 March 2023:

The DND has released a Procurement Monitoring Report as of January 2023, wherein it confirmed that a Notice of Award has already been released last 29 December 2022 for the Additional Air Transport Capability Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force which involves the acquisition of 3 C-130J-30 Super Hercules (stretched) heavy tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin.

This project is covered under the 2nd List of Horizon 2 of the RAFPMP.

The deal was was done through Direct Contracting, which means that it is a Direct Commercial Sale with Lockheed Martin and not through Foreign Military Sales with the US Department of Defense.

This allowed for the aircraft to be slightly cheaper but without much support coverage from the US DOD, which hopefully is covered by other means by the Philippine DND and PAF.

So far no official announcement has been made by the  DND, PAF and Lockheed Martin although this might chance once a Contract and Notice to Proceed are in place.

The DND report was from January so its highly possible that a Contract would be signed soon, or have already been signed between Lockheed Martin and DND.

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17 October 2023:

The DND has confirmed that it has already released the Notice to Proceed for the acquisition of 3 brand new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to Lockheed Martin.

While it did not mention when the NTP was released, defense page Pitz Defense Analysis was able to obtain a copy of the NTP showing the released date as 05 June 2023, and also saying the contract was actually signed as of February 2023.

The DND said the deliveries of the aircraft will be on July 2026, October 2026, and January 2027.

The Philippines will become the 2nd country in Southeast Asia to order the C-130J Super Hercules after Indonesia.

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20 October 2023:

Lockheed Martin confirms the DND's earlier announcement on the procurement of 3 C-130J-30 stretched Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force.

We'll discuss in the near future regarding the potential follow-on orders for additional aircraft, as the PAF tries to meet its minimum requirements of total C-130s of  around 10 to12 aircraft.

Photo screengrabbed from Lockheed Martin's Facebook page.

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13 December 2023:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the 2nd tranche of payments for the Additional Air Transport Capability Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force, with a new SARO for 3 different projects combined into one.

The SARO-BMB-D-23-0026646 dated 11 December 2023 and released on the same date worth Php11,390,400,000.00 includes the 2nd milestone payment for the Additional Air Transport Capability (C-130J) Acquisition Project worth Php3,330,000,000.00.

This is worth 15% of the total contract cost, which brings the payment made for the project at 30% of total cost.

Screenshot of the SARO taken from DBM.

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First edit and release: 22 November 2021
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines

ORD PABAC2-018-2021 Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

 The Philippine Army (PA) continues its acquisition of more 5.56x45mm assault rifles based on the M4 / AR-15 platform as part of its 2019 budget.

Due to its similarity to an earlier project, MaxDefense Philippines and Philippine Defense Review decided to name this project as the Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project (2021) of the Philippine Army, with emphasis on adding "2021" to differentiate from the other similar projects that were raised 2018 and 2019, and to anticipate future purchases by the Philippine Army.

A Philippine Army soldier with an M4-type rifle, likely Remington R4A3.

Overview:

As the Philippine Army continues to expand in size and improve its standard infantry weapon systems by moving away from old M16A1 rifles, it has embarked on the acquisition of more 5.56x45mm assault rifles to cover these requirements. 

After the massive acquisition of rifles in the last few years which resulted to the delivery of the Remington R4A3 5.56x45mm rifle, the Philippine Army has now started on yearly acquisitions just to cover for any gaps in the firearms requirements within the organization.

For 2021, with the plan to expand the manpower of the Philippine Army beyond its usual size, it found itself in need of additional 5.56mm rifles. And like what they did in 2018 and 2019, they decided to go for an acquisition using its own budget for the year instead of going through the AFP Modernization Program that has already been approved in 2018. 

Out of the several tender attempts made by the Philippine Army for Fiscal Year 2021, as of October 2021 this is the only project that pushed through up to a contract.

1,118 units are sought after in this specific project, with the specifications very much the same as earlier acquisitions under the Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Projects.

As expected, the same tenderers submitted their bid including Armscor Global Defense, Trust Trade - Taurus Armas, SIG Sauer, among others.

Trust Trade - Taurus Armas won the tender, with the NOA released on their favor on 12 July 2021. A contract was signed and NTP released on 28 September 2021, giving the companies 210 days to delivery the firearms, which falls around April 2022.


Project Summary:

Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project (2021)

Note: Edited as of 20 May 2022.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC2-018-2021

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified units)

* Quantity: 1,118 units

* Modernization Phase: N/A, Philippine Army procurement outside RAFPMP for 2021

* Project ABC: Php31,388,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA 2021

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: Taurus Armas (Brazil)

* Product for Delivery: Taurus T4 5.56x45mm rifle, 14.5" barrel

* Contract Price: Php36,478,104.40

* First post by MaxDefense: 09 October 2021 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAAssaultRifle556Acquisition

* Status: Submission of Bids on 12 April 2021, with Taurus Armas of Brazil declared the lowest calculated bidder. Notice of Award released on 12 July 2021, with the Notice to Proceed and Contract released on 28 September 2021. Delivery expected in 210 days after NTP release. Delivery confirmed as of April 2022. PROJECT COMPLETED.

The Taurus T4 5.56mm rifle. Photo c/o Monch Publishing.

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U P D A T E S:
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05 October 2021:

MaxDefense received confirmation that the Taurus Armas won the tender to supply 1,118 units of M4/AR-15 type 5.56x45mm rifles for the Philippine Army.

Photo from PhilGEPS.

With Taurus already in the process of supplying their T4 rifle, the new contract means that the same rifle would be delivered, as the specifications are the same.

The Taurus T4 5.56x45mm rifle, which is based on the AR-15 design. Photo taken from Pinterest.

It would be remembered that only last 25 September 2021, Taurus Armas and Trust Trade announced that the T4 successfully passed rigorous testing and inspection by the Philippine Army.

According to Trust Trade, the tests include Completeness Inspection & Random Sampling, Physical Inspection, Weight & Dimensional Inspection, Trigger Pull Test, Functional Test, Cyclic Rate of Fire Test, Targeting & Accuracy Test, Maximum Effective Range Test, High Pressure Resistance Test, Dust Exposure Test, Mud Immersion Test, Water Immersion Test, Drop Safety Test, Interchangeability Test, Endurance Test and Cook Off Test.

It remains to be seen if this batch of 1,118 units will need to undergo the same test again, especially if Taurus can prove that it will come from the same production batch as those delivered in an earlier contract.

Taurus team with Filipino officials as it completed pre-delivery inspections and passing of tests of their T4 rifles for the Philippine Army. Photo credits to Trust Trade.

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20 May 2022:

A follow-up by our parent page MaxDefense Philippines with a source from the Philippine Army has confirmed that Taurus Armas has completed the delivery of 1,118 new T4 assault rifles as of April 2022.

No further information has been made but apparently the rifles have already been distributed to Philippine Army units.

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With the Taurus T4 5.56mm rifles already delivered and formally inducted with the Philippine Army, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the ORD PABAC2-018-2021 Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 10 October 2021

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource.

ORD PABAC2 012-20 Watercraft (Patrol Boat) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

  

The Philippine Army (PA) has started to improve and modernize its riverine capabilities, which is among their existing capabilities that are not well known to the general public.

Aside from the acquisition of several riverine operations boats under the Revised AFP Modernization Program's Horizon 2 Phase, the Philippine Army has also opened tender for additional boats, funded by their annual operating budget.

In this resource page, the discussion will focus on the acquisition of 8 new Watercraft Patrol Boats during Fiscal Year 2020.

The Light Boat from Stoneworks Specialist International, as displayed by the Philippine Army. The contract for additional boats call for a similar design as the Light Boats.

Project Summary:

Watercraft (Patrol Boat) Acquisition Project 

Note: edit as of 09 October 2021

* Project Number: ORD PABAC2-012-20 

* End User: Philippine Army (Special Forces Regiment - Airborne)

* Quantity: 8 boats

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php28,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds of the Philippine Army FY2020

* Winning Proponent: Stoneworks Specialists International Corp.

* Product for Delivery: 27' FRP-hulled Light Boats, with Trailer

* Contract Price: Php28,000,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 09 October 2021 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag/s: #PAWatercraftAcquisition 

* Status: Separate procurement from Riverine Equipment Project, and was procured using Philippine Army's GAA Funds from FY2020. Submission of Bids was made on 22 December 2020, with the project eventually awarded to Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. Contract and Notice to Proceed were released on 28 December 2020. Delivery expected to be on or before 31 August 2021. PROJECT COMPLETED

Photo taken from and credited to the Philippine Army.

Acquisition of Additional Light Boats:

The Philippine Army already has an ongoing contract to supply Light Boats when the new tender for Watercraft Patrol Boats came out in late 2020. The Light Boats were contracted to Stoneworks Specialist International Corp.

As per specifications of the Watercraft Patrol Boat Acquisition Project, the dimensions and performance of the boats, including the materials used are similar to the original specifications of the Light Boats of the Riverine Operations Equipment project, which has been changed later on.

The Philippine Army previously confirmed that the Light Boat has a maximum speed of 25 knots and can carry 8 fully-equipped troops, although it appears to be similar in size to the existing Assault Watercraft boats. 

The boats are small enough for safe operations even on small rivers, but sturdy enough to operate in calm waters of larger bodies of water like lakes.

According to Stoneworks, the boats are 26 feet long (7.92 meters), and are made of fiberglass. It has a capacity of 11 fully equipped troops and 1 pilot, has 2 outboard motors each with 115hp, a maximum speed of 25 knots full load, or 35 knots with the pilot only. 

It has a gun mount for a .60-caliber machine gun, and has a loudspeaker and search light.

Once delivered, the total number of Light Boats of the Philippine Army will increase, from 52 based on the original Riverine Operations Equipment Light Boat project, to 60 once the Watercraft Patrol Boat project is included.

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With the Stoneworks 8-meter Watercraft Patrol Boats already delivered and inducted to the Philippine Army as of 4th quarter 2021, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the ORD PABAC2 012-20 Watercraft (Patrol Boat) Acquisition Project  of the Philippine Army as COMPLETED.

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First posted and released on 09 October 2021.

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ORD PABAC-009-06-20 Trucks Field Ambulance, Troop Carrier Light and Troop Carrier Medium Acquisition Project (2020) of the Philippine Army

 The Philippine Army had raised a requirement for 49 new Light Troop Carrier Trucks, 18 Medium Troop Carrier Trucks, and 3 Field Ambulances  that would be acquired through the Philippine Army's Government Appropriations Act (GAA) funding under Fiscal Year 2020.

This is not one of the usual truck procurement projects of the Philippine Army that were included in the AFP Modernization Program, but instead would be procured using its own annual funding.

And this one has a surprise twist as unusual models were delivered by the winning bidder.

The Dongfeng EQ2082 6x6 medium military truck in troop carrier form. Photo credits to Alibaba.com.

The Beijing Auto Works Beijing Jeep BJ2022. Photo credits to Made In China.com.

Project Summaries:

Lot 1: Field Ambulance Acquisition Project (2020):

Note: Edited as of 23 May 2022.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC-009-06-20

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 3 units

* Modernization Phase: GAA 2019 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php16,920,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Government Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019 funding of the Philippine Army

* Winning Proponent: Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc.

* Product for Delivery: Sinotruk HOWO light duty truck in field ambulance configuration.

* Contract Price: Php14,844,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 01 October 2021

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PATrucks2020Acquisition

* Status: Project was implemented through Public Bidding, with SOBE held on 17 November 2020. Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc. as declared the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder. MaxDefense PH believes truck to be supplied are Chinese-made Sinotruk HOWO light duty trucks. Delivery confirmed as of 15 July 2021. Assumed to have been inducted to the Philippine Army as other vehicles delivered in this batch have been inducted as of May 2022. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Lot 2: Troop Carrier, Light Acquisition Project (2020):

Note: Edited as of 23 May 2022.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC-009-06-20

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 49 units

* Modernization Phase: GAA 2019 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php142,100,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Government Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019 funding of the Philippine Army

* Winning Proponent: Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc.

* Product for Delivery: Beijing Auto Works BJ2022 Yongshi

* Contract Price: Php122,010,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 01 October 2021

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PATrucks2020Acquisition

* Status: Project was implemented through Public Bidding, with SOBE held on 17 November 2020. Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc. as declared the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder. Based on photos, trucks delivered were Chinese-made Beiing Auto Works BJ2022 single-cab pick-up type. Delivery confirmed as of 15 July 2021. At least 6 units inducted with 551st Engineering Battalion, which confirms acceptance by Philippine Army. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Lot 3: Troop Carrier, Medium Acquisition Project (2020):

Note: Edited as of 23 May 2022.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC-009-06-20

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 18 units

* Modernization Phase: GAA 2019 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php106,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Government Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019 funding of the Philippine Army

* Winning Proponent: Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc.

* Product for Delivery: Dongfeng EQ2082 6x6 military medium truck

* Contract Price: Php89,910,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 01 October 2021

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PATrucks2020Acquisition

* Status: Project was implemented through Public Bidding, with SOBE held on 17 November 2020. Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc. as declared the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder. Based on photos, trucks delivered were Chinese-made Dongfeng EQ2082 6x6 military medium trucks. Delivery confirmed as of 15 July 2021. At least 1 unit inducted with 551st Engineering Battalion, which confirms acceptance by Philippine Army. PROJECT COMPLETED

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Overview:

The project aims to acquire 70 new trucks through public tender and by using the Philippine Army's own annual operating budget, which is an unusual move by the Philippine Army.

This is due to most of its truck procurement done via the Philippine Army's Modernization Program, or through the AFP Modernization Program, and is usually acquired through Government-to-Government (G2G) process. In the past decade, most if not all new truck procurements were supplied by Kia Motors of South Korea in the form of the Kia KM-series trucks.

Despite the procurement done in 2020, the funding were confirmed to be from FY2019.

Currently, the Light Troop Carrier Truck of the Philippine Army is the Kia KM450 4x4 truck, which is a modernized version of the 1960s era M715 4x4 truck from the US. While the Medium Troop Carrier Trucks are the Kia KM250 6x6 truck, which is also a modernized version of the M35 from the US.

According to MaxDefense Philippines' sources, originally the Philippine Army tried to undertake a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with South Korea for additional Kia KM250 and KM450 trucks. But the new specifications was set to include EURO-4 emissions standard, which was said to be lacking in the older-design KM250 and KM450 series trucks.

This prompted the Philippine Army to open a public bidding, which was said to have been entered by Kia Motors and Russia's Ural.


In comparison:

We try to compare the new acquisition of Light Troop Carrier Trucks to previous acquisitions of the Philippine Army and other armed services of the Philippine government.

Currently the Trucks Troop Carrier Light has a budget of Php2,900,000.00 each. But Jinyi's contract value has an average price of around Php2,490,000.00 each.

The BAW BJ2022 single-cab version, which is the basis for the Truck Troop Carrier Light delivered by Jinyi. Photo credits to CarNewsChina.com.

Meanwhile, the budget for Trucks Troop Carrier Medium has an average of Php5,900,000.00, but Jinyi's price for the Dongfeng EQ2082 "Long Nose" medium truck is Php4,995,000.00 each.

The Field Ambulance is something different as Jinyi delivered based on a commercial light utility truck from Sinotruk Howo.

A Sinotruk Howo light duty truck similar to those delivered to the Philippine Army but with a different cargo cab. Photo credits to ECVV.com.

a. Kia KM450 truck - considered as Light Troop Carrier Truck per Horizon 2 phase of RAFPMP. Based on 2018 contract between DND and Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA)

Php677,247,850.00 for 215 Kia KM450 trucks, or a unit rate of Php3,150,000.00 per unit.

Kia KM450 1 1/4-ton trucks used as armed troop carriers by the Philippine Army. 

b. Kia KM250 truck - considered as Medium Troop Carrier Truck per Horizon 2 phase of RAFPMP. Based on 2018 contract between DND and KOTRA.

Php1,859,984,500.00 for 310 Kia KM250 trucks, or a unit rate of Php6,000,000.00 per unit.

A Kia KM250 2 1/2-ton truck of the Philippine Army. Photo credits to Wikimedia Commons.

c. GAZ Sadko truck - considered as Medium Troop Carrier Truck per procurement by the PNP Special Action Force. Based on 2019 contract between PNP-SAF and ConEquip Philippines.

Php119,128,800.00 for 37 GAZ Sadko 4x4 trucks, or a unit rate of Php3,220,000.00 per unit.

A GAZ Sadko 4x4 truck of the PNP Special Action Force. Photo credits to original source.

d. Ural Next trucks - considered as Heavy Troop Carrier Truck per procurement by the PNP Special Action Force. Based on 2108 contract between the PNP-SAF and ConEquip Philippines.

Php85,575,000.00 for 10 Ural Next 42306 trucks, or a unit rate of Php8,557,500.00 per truck, although this includes 2 trucks modified into Command and Control trucks with airconditioned and fitted cabin.

Based on the Contract Price submitted by ConEquip Philippines for the Philippine Army's requirement of 90 vehicles, it appears that each truck is around Php2,254,000.00.

That is far cheaper to the Kia KM450's year 2019 rate, or even the GAZ Sadko's year 2019 rate.

Project Awarding:

All 3 lots were awarded to Davao-based company Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Ltd, which is known as a local distributor of Chinese-made trucks and vehicles. The NOA was released in favor of Jinyi on 17 November 2020, and was provided the contract and Notice to Proceed (NTP) as of 06 April 2021.

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U P D A T E S:
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01 October 2021:

MaxDefense Philippines released photos showing the BJ2022 trucks in a storage facility in Luzon from a few months ago, and the same trucks in an Army facility in Mindanao as of September 2021.

BJ2022 trucks in Luzon sometime July 2021, and in Midandao as of September 2021. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines.

This was followed by a video showing the vehicles delivered in a port in Mindanao. The video shows the Sinotruk Howo medium trucks as well. No photo was seen on the field ambulance but it was assumed to be based on the BJ2022 trucks as well.

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05 October 2021:

Inquirer.net confirmed MaxDefense Philippines' earlier reports of delivery of Chinese trucks to the Philippine Army, as the Philippine Army spokesman himself confirmed the delivery.

Apparently, the vehicles were from Dongfeng Motors, but our checking based on the photos available from MaxDefense Philippines show that not all were from Dongfeng. Only the Trucks Troop Carrier, Medium were from Dongfeng, but the Truck Troop Carrier Light were from Beijing Auto Works, while the Field Ambulance were from Sinotruk.

Since the trucks are still undergoing technical inspection, we cannot say that the project is completed as the Philippine Army may reject them if found to be not according to specifications.

Inquirer's report are as follows:

PH Army buys Chinese transport trucks

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQINQUIRER.net / 04:49 PM October 05, 2021

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Army has recently acquired 70 Chinese-made military vehicles.

A technical inspection is ongoing for 49 light troop carriers, 18 medium cargo trucks, and three ambulances manufactured by Chinese state-owned Dongfeng Motors, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad told Inquirer.net.

An ambulance costs almost P5 million each; the light troop carriers were around P2.5 million each; and the medium cargo trucks were almost P5 million each, he said.

The vehicles were delivered last July 15 and were brought to an Army unit in Zamboanga City.

The lowest bid was made by supplier Jinyi Import & Export Trading Co. Inc. Other bidders were South Korea’s Kia Motors and Russia’s Ural, Trinidad said.

The vehicles are currently undergoing “very rigid” inspection and several field tests, said Trinidad.

“The delivery itself is for technical inspection, if we will accept it,” he said.

“So there’s a big possibility that if what they delivered was not what was promised regarding specifications, we will not accept. Definitely,” he said partly in Filipino.

More details about the purchase will be released after the technical inspection, he said.

The acquisition of the Chinese-made military vehicles is a procurement project of the Philippine Army in 2019.

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23 May 2022:

The Philippine Army's 551st Engineering Battalion confirmed that it received some of the Chinese-made Beijing Jeep BJ2022 and Dongfeng EQ2082 troop carrier vehicles to augment its logistics and troop transport capabilities.

The 551st Engineering Battalion received 6 BJ2022 and 1 EQ2082 troop carrier trucks.

Surprisingly, the vehicles were named as Dongfeng SS-89 and SS-89K trucks, respectively. But a quick search in Google doesn't show any Dongfeng SS-89 model in their lineup.

This goes to show that the Chinese vehicles we reported last year was eventually received and accepted by the Philippine Army, despite our questions especially on the Beijing Jeep BJ2022 meeting the specs of the 1 1/4-ton Troop Carrier requirements.

Photo credits to 551st Engineering Battalion, Philippine Army.

Also, the Philippine Army's Army Support Command (ASCOM) 10th Forward Service Support Unit also posted their transportation of 28 BJ2022 Yongshi 1 1/4-ton troop carrier trucks and 8 EQ2082 2 1/2-ton troop carrier trucks from Camp General Arturo Enrile in Zamboanga City to the 4th Infantry Division based in Camp BGen Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, and 55th Engineering Brigade, also within Camp General Arturo Enrile in Zamboanga City.
 
The ones received by the 551st Engineering Battalion could be part of this delivery.

Photo credits to 10FSSU, ASCOM PA.

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With the Beijing Jeep BJ2022 Yongshi and Dongfeng EQ2082 trucks already delivered and inducted to the Philippine Army as of May 2022, it can be assumed that all trucks including the Sinotruk HOWO light duty field ambulance truck are also delivered and inducted. With this, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Trucks Field Ambulance, Troop Carrier Light and Troop Carrier Medium Acquisition Project (2020) of the Philippine Army as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 09 October 2021
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource