Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Lot 4a - Communications Vans with ILS Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

 As part of efforts to improve the Command, Control and Communications (C3) capabilities of the Philippine Navy, particularly the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), the service has made efforts to procure new communications equipment under the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program as part of the Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Acquisition Project.

The project has 5 sub-lots that are being procured separately but simultaneously.

This resource page will focus on Lot 4A which is for the Supply and Delivery of Communications Vans including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package, which is the bare vehicle component of the project.

The Kia KM452 shop van variant of the venerable Kia KM450 1 1/4-ton truck. Photo credits to Kia Motors.

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Project Summary:

Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Lot 4A - Communications Vans with ILS:

Note: Edited as of 15 September 2023.

* End User: Philippine Navy (multiple units)

* Quantity: 30 Communications Vehicles, and ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Priority Phase Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php170,610,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND)

* Source of Funding: AFP Modernization Fund for FY 2022

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-22-0005200 dated 21 June 2022 worth Php170,590,200.00

* Winning Proponent: KIA Motors Corp.

* Product for Delivery: Kia KM42 1 1/4-ton Truck Shop Van

* Contract Price: Php170,590,200.00

* Residual Price: Php19,800.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 16 September 2023

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNNC3EquipmentLot4aAcquisition #PMCNC3EquipmentLot4aAcquisition

* Status: This project is part of the Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects under RAFPMP, which aims to improve the Command, Control and Communications (C3) capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps. This lot specifically supply and delivery of vehicle to be used as Communications Van, and acquired through G2G with South Korea. SARO for full amount was released on 21 June 2022, and Notice of Award was released on 29 June 2022.

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Overview:

The Philippine Navy has allotted more than Php2 billion for the acquisition of new communications equipment that will be used by both the Philippine Navy proper and the Philippine Marine Corps.

The Lot 4a focuses on the supply of vehicles to be used as communications vans, which would later on be installed with communications equipment to be procured as part of the project's Lot 4b phase.

A budget of Php170,610,000.00 was allocated for the project, and will be acquired through Government-to-Government procurement with South Korea's Ministry of National Defense, as indicated in the DND's Procurement Monitoring Report B12a as of 11 July 2023.

The project as a whole was planned to be funded through Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA) payments for 4 years beginning 2021, although several sub-lots of the project itself only started in 2022. Lot 4A itself only started in 2022, and is expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy by 2023.

Based on simple mathematics, a budget of Php5.69 million was allocated for the acquisition of each vehicle, which means these are within the price range of the Kia KM450 series light truck.

Based on the technical specifications of Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4b, the vehicle to be used will be the Kia KM452 1 1/4-ton vehicle with shop van body. At least we know that the vehicle is no stranger to the Philippine Navy & Philippine Marine Corps. It is surprising though that armoring was not made prior to delivery of the vehicles, which may mean that either the price of armoring in South Korea is far higher than doing it in the Philippines, or Kia has not offered to have them armored.

The Kia KM450 series has been in service with the Armed Forces of the Philippines since the early 2000s, and it already has a vey robust supply chain, high experience in maintaining and sustaining the vehicle, and even modifying it for certain needs. 

It is very practical for the Philippine Navy to select this vehicle although we actually prefer the use of the newer KLTV chassis which are newer and more powerful, and can be procured already with armoring. 

The vehicles would undergo armoring, modification, and installation of communications equipment which are part of the Naval C3 Equipment - Lot 4b's project scope.

Communications equipment mounted on a vehicle for the US Marine Corps. Photo credits to Strategic Intelligence Service.

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30 June 2022:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the SARO for the Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4a - Communications Van Acquisition Project, with SARO-BMB-D-22-0005200 dated 21 June 2022 worth Php170,590,200.00, equivalent to the total value of the project.

This means the awarding of the project to the winning proponent, which is believed to be Kia Motors, is not too far away.

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22 September 2023:

According to the DND's Procurement Monitoring Report B12a as of July 2023, the DND has already released the Notice of Award of the project to the winning proponent, which was not named.

Our mother page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed through its sources that Kia Motors was indeed the recipient of the award, which can confirm that the vehicle to be used is either based on the older Kia KM450, or the newer KLTV.

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15 September 2023:

It was confirmed through the Technical Specifications of the Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4b - Armoring of Communications Vehicles, and Supply & Integration of Communications Equipment Acquisition Project, that the vehicle supplied is the Kia KM452 shop van variant of the Kia KM450 1 1/4-ton 4x4 light truck.

Specs of Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4b did not mention any vehicle name, but slipped in to discreetly mention KM 452 as the vehicle of application, or the vehicle procured under the Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4a project. Photo screengrabbed from DND's Bidding Documents for Naval C3 Equipment Lot 4b.

It is not yet confirmed though if the vehicles are already in the Philippines, although tendering for Lot 4b means that the vehicles are either on its way, or could already be in the Philippine Navy's yards awaiting for them to be upgraded to Communications Vans.

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First post and edit: 15 September 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Lot 4b - Armoring of Communications Vans, Supply and Integration of Communications Systems Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

As part of efforts to improve the Command, Control and Communications (C3) capabilities of the Philippine Navy, particularly the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), the service has made efforts to procure new communications equipment under the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program as part of the Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Acquisition Project.

The project has 5 sub-lots that are being procured separately but simultaneously.

This resource page will focus on Lot 4B which is for the Armoring of Communications Vans, and Supply and Integration of Communications Equipment including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package.

Communications equipment mounted on a vehicle for the US Marine Corps. Photo credits to Strategic Intelligence Service.

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Project Summary:

Naval Command, Control and Communications Equipment Lot 4B - Armoring of Communications Vans, and Supply and Integration of Communications System:

Note: Edited as of 13 September 2023.

* End User: Philippine Navy (multiple units)

* Quantity: Various HF/VHF/UHF Radios, and Vehicle Armoring for 30 vehicles, 450 units of UHF Handheld radios, and ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Priority Phase Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php429,066,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Multi-Year Contractual Authority as part of Naval C3 Equipment Acquisition Project, starting FY2021

* SARO Release: TBC

* Winning Proponent: TBC 

* Product for Delivery: TBC

* Contract Price: TBC

* Residual Price: TBC

* First post by MaxDefense: 13 September 2023

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNNC3EquipmentLot4bAcquisition, #PMCNC3EquipmentLot4bAcquisition

* Status: This project is part of the Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects under RAFPMP, which aims to improve the Command, Control and Communications (C3) capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps. This lot specifically covers armoring and vehicle reconfiguration, and the supply and integration of various communications radio and equipment. Public Bidding opened 08 September 2023, SOBE on 04 October 2023.

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Overview:

The Philippine Navy has allotted more than Php2 billion for the acquisition of new communications equipment that will be used by both the Philippine Navy proper and the Philippine Marine Corps.

The Lot 4b focuses on up-armoring new communications vans being acquired under the Lot 4a of the project, as well as acquisition and integration of  communications equipment to be installed on these new vans.

A budget of Php428,066,000.00 was allocated for the project, and will be acquired through public bidding, preferably by local suppliers.

The project as a whole was planned to be funded through Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA) payments for 4 years beginning 2021, although several sub-lots of the project itself only started in 2022. Lot 4B itself only started on September 2023, and is expected to be completed in 360 days from release of Notice to Proceed, or somewhere around early 2025.

An example of a vehicle armoring facility. Photo credits to Armored Vehicles Pakistan.

Based on simple mathematics, a budget of Php14.3 million is allocated for the acquisition of communications systems, integrating them with the communications van, armoring the communications vans and integrated logistics support.

Based on the technical specifications of the project, the vehicle to be used will be the Kia KM452 1 1/4-ton vehicle with shop van body. At least we know that the vehicle is no stranger to the Philippine Navy & Philippine Marine Corps. It is surprising though that armoring was not made prior to delivery of the vehicles, which may mean that either the price of armoring in South Korea is far higher than doing it in the Philippines, or Kia has not offered to have them armored.

The Kia KM452 shop van variant of the venerable Kia KM450 1 1/4-ton truck. Photo credits to Kia Motors.

The technical specifications also mentioned the requirements to be as follows:

Communications Equipment - must be interoperable with the Philippine Navy's existing radios and include the following:

1. HF Transceiver Base Radio
2. VHF Air Band Base Radio
3. VHF Marine Band Base Radio
4. UHF Base Radio
5. UHF Repeater System
6. IP Radios
7. Satellite Phone
9. Satellite Internet Broadband
10. VTC Camera
11. PA System
12. Telescopic Antenna
13. Portable Generators
14. Uninterruptible Power Supply

Armoring and Vehicle Reconfiguration - at least CEN 1063 Level B6 / NIJ Level 3 / STANAG 1 - High Powered Rifle Kinetic Energy ballistic protection against 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds

In addition, the project calls for the proponent to supply 450 units of UHF Handheld radios.

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11 September 2023:

The Department of National Defense (DND) has opened a public bidding for the Naval Command, Control, and Communications Equipment Lot 4B - Armoring of Communication Vans, and Supply and Integration of Communications Equipment with ILS Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy.

The tender was opened on 08 September 2023, with the Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) scheduled on 04 October 2023, subject to changes depending on requests by proponents or changes from the Philippine Navy of DND Bids and Awards Committee 2.

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First post and edit: 13 September 2023

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Additional Utility Helicopters (Bell 412) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

As part of improving its lift capabilities with the retirement of older Bell UH-1 Huey combat utility helicopters, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has embarked on the acquisition of replacements. 

It was decided that aside from acquiring the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk in the combat utility helicopter role, the PAF decided to procure a second model to supplement and complement the Black Hawk in the form of the Bell 412 multirole helicopter.

This resource page discusses the acquisition of Additional Utility Helicopters, particularly the Bell 412 for the Philippine Air Force.

A Bell 412EP of the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, as of 2018. Photo taken from and credited to aviation photographer Efrain Noel Morota.

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Project Summary:

Additional Utility Helicopters (Bell 412) aka Combat Utility Helicopter (Phase 5) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 15 September 2023.

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

* Quantity: 8 units plus ILS package

* Modernization Phase: 2nd List of Horizon 2 Phase Projects of RAFPMP, moved to Horizon 3 Phase 1 - Horizon 2 Continuation Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php6,392,619,750.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with Japanese  Ministry of Defense

* Source of Funding: Multi-Year Contractual Authority for 3 years, using General Appropriations Act (GAA) starting FY2023

* SARO Release: 
   - SARO-BMB-D-23-0020671 dated 03 August 2023 worth Php958,892,963.00 (15%) as initial payment

* Winning Proponent: TBC 

* Product for Delivery: Subaru Bell 412EPX

* Contract Price: Php6,392,619,750.00

* Residual Price: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 23 February 2022

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFAdditionalBell412Acquisition #PAFCUH

* Status: This project was included under 2nd List of Horizon 2 in 2021 due to increasing need to have additional Bell 412 helicopters to complement the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk in combat utility helicopter role. To be acquired through Direct Contracting / Government-to-Government. Was suppose to receive funding in 2022 but was moved to 2023. Initial funding released 03 August 2023, with Notice of Award expected by August-September 2023. Confirmed by sources and other documents to be the Subaru Bell 412EPX.

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Overview:

With the Philippine Air Force now making the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk as its main combat utility helicopter after receiving 16 units in an initial order made in 2018 and ordering another 32 units in a second batch order made in 2021, the other helicopters models with similar roles is becoming less relevant due to their lesser numbers.

The fatal crash of one of the first 16 Black Hawk helicopters in June 2021 that led to the grounding of the entire Black Hawk fleet was a reminder to the PAF that they need to invest in another combat utility helicopter model to avoid grounding the entire fleet when an accident occurs.

Since the PAF originally wanted the Bell 412 as the eventual replacement of the Bell UH-1D/H Huey helicopter due to several factors like size, acquisition and operating cost, similarity between both models, and Bell's very good support, it was not difficult for the PAF to decide which model should be used as an alternative to the Black Hawk.

The PAF originally requested for 10 brand new Bell 412 helicopters with a budget of US$151.3 million, for either the EPI or the newer EPX variant, to supplement its current fleet of 5 Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters. In addition, it has studied the possibility of replacing the PAF's Bell 412EP VVIP helicopters (3 Bell 412EPs procured during the Noynoy Aquino administration, 3 procured during the Ramos administration) and reconfiguring them as combat utility helicopters.

One of the 5 Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters during turnover and induction to PAF service in August 2015. Photo credits to PAF.

One of the new Bell 412EP configured to VVIP transport, which were originally planned to be reverted back to combat utility role after the APEC 2015 summit, but did not happen. Credits to original source of the photo.

These moves will allow the PAF to create a full squadron of more than 20 Bell 412s to be operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

The final number was reduced to 8 new Bell 412s with a budget of Php6.4 billion, which will be acquired through Direct Contracting / Government-to-Government deal. It remains to be seen if it would be with Canada where Bell Helicopters produces the Bell 412s, or with another country like Japan which produces the Bell 412EPX-based Subaru UH-2.


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19 July 2023:

The DND through its BAC2 report as of July 2023 has confirmed that the Philippine Air Force's Additional Utility Helicopter (Bell 412) Acquisition Project is now in advanced stages and is just awaiting the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management for it to be able to award the project.

This project was actually first introduced in 2020 as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase, but failed to reach advanced stages by the time Horizon 2 ended and was pushed back to Horizon 3 phase.

It involves the acquisition of 8 Bell 412 helicopters to beef up the current fleet of the PAF, and will be the 2nd main Combat Utility Helicopter of the PAF and act as an alternative model and provide the PAF with helicopters in case the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk CUH are grounded for safety or other reasons.

While it was specific for Bell 412s, it remains to be seen if it will consider models based on the Bell 412 model like the Subaru UH-2 which is actually a Japanese-made variant of the Bell 412EPX.

A Bell 412EP of the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, as of 2018. Photo taken from and credited to aviation photographer Efrain Noel Morota.

Once delivered, the PAF will have 13 Bell 412s as Combat Utility Helicopters, in addition to the 3 Bell 412EP VIP helicopters acquired during Horizon 1, and between 3 to 5 older Bell 412EP and 412HP VIP helicopters acquired during the Ramos administration back in the 1990s.

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03 August 2023:

The DBM has released the SARO for the acquisition of Additional Utility Helicopters (Bell 412) for the Philippine Air Force, with an initial funding worth Php958,892,963.00 released today 03 August 2023.

SARO for initial payment for project acquisition of Bell 412EPX helicopters. Photo screengrabbed from DBM's SARO listing.

This amount represents 15% of the total contract cost, which is to be used as initial funding. This confirms that the project will be paid via Multi Year Contractual Allocations (MYCA) following milestones of the project.

As we mentioned before, the PAF is looking to acquire 8 Bell 412s to supplant its current fleet of 5 Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters operated by the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing as its alternate CUH variant after the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk.

The Bell 412s are smaller and cheaper than the S-70i Black Hawk, and are also cheaper to sustain. They can be used for missions that do not require the size and power of the Black Hawks, which will allow the PAF to save in operating costs in the long run.

Before being cancelled by former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte during his administration, the DND was previously finalizing acquisition of Bell 412EPI variant, which is a more advanced variant of the PAF's Bell 412EP.

Upon checking with sources, it was confirmed that this project is considered part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 of the RAFPMP, rather than the current Horizon 3 whose shopping list is not yet approved by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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

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21 August 2023:

Our sources confirmed that the Bell 412 variant that the Philippine Air Force will be procuring is the Subaru Bell 412EPX, which shares the same platform as the Subaru Bell UH-2 for delivery to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

This will make the Philippine Air Force the 2nd military export user of the Subaru Bell 412EPX after the Guatemalan Air Force.

This will also be a boost for Japan and Subaru Corporation which is trying to expand its military exports after Japan loosened its tight laws on exporting military hardware and subsystems.

Bell Helicopters is still involved in the project although Subaru's involvement is said to be wider for this variant.

The Subaru Bell 412EPX. Photo c/o Subaru Corp.

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15 September 2023:

Based on Horizon 3 phase documents, the Additional Utility Helicopters (Bell 412) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force has been moved to the Horizon 2 Continuation Projects which covers Horizon 2 and 2nd List of Horizon 2 projects that have not reached awarding stage as of 2023.


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First post and edit: 04 August 2023

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

AMMO-PNBAC2-2022-09 Assault Rifle 5.56mm with Optics Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines)

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), through the Philippine Navy (PN) has started to procure additional 5.56x45mm assault rifles based on the M4 / AR-15 platform as part of its 2022 annual budget.

This is to replace some of the damaged / lost Remington R4 5.56mm assault rifles over the years, while also increasing its inventory as the Philippine Marine Corps increased its number of marines in the past few years.

Philippine Marines with Remington R4A3 5.56mm assault rifle. Photo credits to Benar News.

Overview:

The Philippine Marine Corps has raised a requirement for the acquisition of 939 units of new 5.56mm Assault Rifles with Optics, as it continues to improve its firearms inventory to replace damaged or lost Remington R4A3 rifles over the years since its introduction several years ago. 

It is not surprising that rifles have been lost in combat, considering the Philippine Marine Corps have been active in fighting terrorist and separatist groups, and has sustained fatal losses including their firearms.

The Philippine Marine Corps also appears to have slightly expanded the size of its marine personnel, as the force creates new units to meet future challenges.

Like the Philippine Army, the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Navy itself has started procuring firearms, force protection equipment and other basic equipment using its annual GAA funds rather than riding on the AFP Modernization Program.

It appears that the procurement of firearms like this project will be happening almost every year, depending on their requirement.

Based on post-tender information, three tenderers submitted a bid: Nashe Enterprises partnered with still unidentified firearms manufacturer, United Defense Manufacturing Corporation (UDMC) with Dasan Machineries of South Korea, and Intrade Asia Pacific with SIG Sauer USA.

Nashe Enterprises is believed to be partnered with Daniel Defense USA, which has the DDM4 family meeting the requirements. 

UDMC-Dasan Machineries is believed to have offered their DSAR15 which has a DGIS variant. So far, the only concern with this offer is that the DSAR15 appears to be lacking in number of users especially outside South Korea.

UDMC is also one of the local retailers of Trijicon, which is expected to be used by UDMC in their offer for the Optics. The MRO family of red dot sights could fit the requirements and budget.

The Dasan DSAR15 rifle (top) and Trijicon MRO sealed red dot sight (above) could be the offer submitted by UDMC. Photo credits to Dasan Machineries and Trijicon websites.

SIG Sauer's SIGM400 Pro 14.5" rifle is believed to be the one offered to the Philippine Marine Corps, which is the same product delivered to the Philippine Army a few years ago when SIG Sauer also won a tender for Direct Impingement variant of AR-15/M4 type rifles.

Since SIG Sauer has its own line of optics, it is possible that they also offered their own product to go with the rifle.

The SIG Sauer SIGM400 Pro in 14.5" barrel without suppressor, which is believed to be the product offered to the PMC. Photo credits to SIG Sauer USA's website.

The SIG Sauer ROMEO4T red dot sight fits the requirement and budget among their product line for optics. Photo credits to SIG Sauer USA's website.

Project Summary:

Assault Rifle 5.56mm with Optics Acquisition Project (2022)

Note: Edited as of 03 June 2023.

* Project Number: AMMO-PNBAC2-2022-09

* End User: Philippine Marine Corps (unspecified units)

* Quantity: 939 units

* Modernization Phase: N/A, Philippine Navy (Marines) procurement outside RAFPMP for 2022

* Project ABC: Php93,900,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Navy GAA 2022

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: SIG Sauer USA

* Product for Delivery: SIG Sauer SIGM400 Pro 5.56x45mm rifle, 14.5" barrel

* Contract Price: Php93,900,000.00 

* Residual Amount: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 03 June 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PMC556mmAssaultRifle2022Acquisition

* Status: Requirement for 939 units to include optics. First bidding attempt opened on 18 April 2022, SOBE on 06 May 2022. Project bidding declared failure as of 19 September 2022 due to post-disqualification of winning bidder. New Invitation to Bid was raised on 22 July 2022, and SOBE was scheduled on 11 August 2022. Based on BAC resolution, 3 bidders submitted, with Nashe Enterprises rejected while United Defense Manufacturing Corporation + Dasan was lowest bidder but failed to meet Post-Tender Inspections. SIG Sauer and Intrade Asia Pacific passed PDI and was awarded the project with NOA released on 20 December 2022, and received on 27 December 2022. No contract signing as of June 2023.

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30 September 2022: 

The Philippine Navy has posted an Invitation to Bid for the acquisition of new 5.56mm assault rifles with optics last 18 April 2022, with the SOBE scheduled on 06 May 2022. 

But as of 19 September 2022, the project was declared a failure due to post-disqualification of the winning bidder.

No information was made available on the tenderers or who was the winning bidder.

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28 November 2022:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that the Philippine Navy has re-started the public bidding to acquire new 5.56mm Assault Rifles with optics, but no information was made regarding the status of the tender nor the competitors.

Defense industry sources has mentioned that SIG Sauer, Taurus Armas and Dasan may have participated together with their respective local representatives (Intrade Asia Pacific, Trust Trade, and UDMC), as these have been the same companies that have been competing for assault rifle projects in the Armed Forces of the Philippines since 2018.

The three potential competitors are the Dasan DSAR15 from South Korea, the Taurus T4 from Brazil, and the SIG Sauer M400 from US/Germany. Photo credits to original sources.

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01 December 2022:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines received information from a defense industry source saying that that United Defense Manufacturing Corporation, which offered the DSAR15 rifle from South Korea's Dasan Machinery is currently the lowest bidder, with Intrade Asia Pacific - SIG Sauer and Nashe Enterprises as the other tenderers.

No information was made on what brand Nashe Enterprises is carrying for this tender but MaxDefense Philippines believes that it could be Daniel Defense, which has a DI variant for its DDM4 series of 5.56mm AR-15 rifles.

It still remains to be seen if UDMC will pass the Post-Qualification Inspections, which will determine if the project will be awarded to them.

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03 June 2023:

Based on the tender results released by PHILGeps, it appears that the Philippine Navy BAC has awarded the project to SIG Sauer USA and its local representative Intrade Asia Pacific.

The BAC resolution has confirmed that UDMC was indeed the lowest bidder, but has failed in the Post-Qualification Inspection, which allowed second lowest bidder SIG Sauer to have their chance, which they were able to complete and pass.

UDMC's failure were attributed to documentation requirements and not the product itself. No PQI has been made on Dasan Machinery itself after UDMC failed its own PQI.

A Notice of Award in favor of SIG Sauer was released on 20 December 2022, and was accepted by their local representative Intrade Asia Pacific on 27 December 2022.

The SIG Sauer SIGM400 Pro in 14.5" barrel without suppressor, which is believed to be the product offered to the PMC. 

SIG Sauer's SIGM400 Pro 14.5" rifle is believed to be the one offered to the Philippine Marine Corps, which is the same product delivered to the Philippine Army a few years ago when SIG Sauer also won a tender for Direct Impingement variant of AR-15/M4 type rifles.

Since SIG Sauer has its own line of optics, it is possible that they also offered their own product to go with the rifle.

NOA in favor of SIG Sauer released on 20 December 2022. Photo credits to PHILGeps.

So far there has been no indication that a contract signing or release of Notice to Proceed has happened between December 2022 and May 2023.

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First edit and release: 03 June 2023

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource.

ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 Rifle 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

 The Philippine Army has raised for a requirement for more 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR), many of which are needed as the service moves to improve its firepower capability, while also replacing older DMRs.

With the success on the procurement of more than 800 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles under the 2nd List of Horizon 1 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, the Philippine Army is now in the process of relying less on the AFP Modernization Program for procurement of small arms, especially with allocation for capital expenditures under the annual budget has increased over the past few years.

In this resource page, we discuss the ORD PABAC2-046-09-22 Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle Acquisition Project which was opened for public tender on September 2022. We expect more similar projects in the future which will have their own resource pages as well.

A SIG Sauer SIG716 G2 DMR.

Project Summary:

Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 22 September 2023.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 (formerly ORD PABAC2-046-09-22)

* End User: Philippine Army (multiple units)

* Quantity: 100 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles with ILS

* Modernization Phase: GAA2022 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php39,338,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA for Fiscal Year 2022 - RA11639

* SARO Release/s: TBC

* Winning Proponent: TBC

* Product/s for Delivery: TBC

* Contract Price: TBC

* Residual Amount: TBC

* First post by MaxDefense: 23 April 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PA762DMR2022Acquisition 

* Status: Invitation to Bid released on 19 September 2022. Bidding failed. A new bidding process was initiated in 2023 with a new project number ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 with SOBE scheduled on 31 August 2023, moved to 07 September 2023. This failed again, and now awaiting what the Philippine Army will do.


Overview:

The requirement for 100 new 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle appears to be a continuation of the Philippine Army's need for more of such weapons, as it plans to provide DMRs to more units considering it has already provided enough for the Special Operations units like the Light Reaction Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and the Scout Ranger Regiment.

This is especially needed as many regular infantry units are still using converted M14 7.62mm battle rifles as designated marksman rifles, and are in need of replacement.

Based on the Technical Specification of the 7.62mm DMRs, the requirement is for an AR-15-based gas piston-type platform, with a heavy match-grade barrel chambered to fire 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. 

SIG Sauer through its local representative Intrade Asia Pacific is believed to have won the tender with the SIG 712G2 DMR. Photo credits to Ricardo Torres @ Pinterest.

It appears to be similar to the previous requirement under the previous project from Horizon 1, which is not surprising to keep standardization.

According to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, its source from the defense industry pointed that it is highly likely that the same company and product won the tender for this project, which is Intrade Asia Pacific, which represent SIG Sauer in the Philippines, and that the SIG 716 G2 DMR may was offered.

If correct, this means that the Philippine Army will be getting the same rifle as before, and keeping its rifles standard.

The Philippine Army's SIG 716 G2 DMR, 800+ units which were procured as part of 2nd List of Horizon 1. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines.

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10 March 2023:

The Philippine Army has confirmed that the bidding for the Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle project has failed, and a new bidding process would be started at a later date.

It appears that there was a proponent who made it to certain level of discussion but an agreement was not reached, thus the bidding failure only happening in 2023.

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20 August 2023:

Another bidding attempt was raised by the Philippine Army's PABAC2, this time with a submission date of 31 August 2023, and later moved to 07 September 2023.

The specifications and budget remains the same, but the project number was renamed to reflect it being done in 2023.

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22 September 2023:

The Philippine Army has confirmed that the re-bidding attempt for the project has failed, and the announcement was made only a few days after closing the tender.

This means that nobody submitted a bid, and we expect the Philippine Army to review its bidding requirements to and see if adjustments are needed especially with regards to target dates, document requirements and package inclusions.


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First edit and release: 23 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ISAFP Project Lot 1 - Unmanned Aerial Systems Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has embarked on the procurement of new systems that would enable them to conduct intelligence work, being the main intelligence arm of the AFP.

The ISAFP Project was raised as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Project, with a budget of Php1.2 billion covering 5 lots. 

This resource page covers Lot 1, which involves the acquisition of new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

The IAI-Bluebird Aerosystems WanderB-VTOL UAV from Israel. Photo for representation only as there is no confirmation yet on which UAS was selected. Photo credits to IAI.

Project Summary:

Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) Project Lot 1 - Unmanned Aerial Systems Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Note: Edited as of 22 April 2023

* End User: Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP)

* Quantity: TBD

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

* Project ABC: Php240,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G), believed to be with Israeli Ministry of Defense

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligation Authority (MYOA) process.

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-0015964 dated 17 April 2023 worth Php238,827,920.00 (full amount)

* Winning Proponent: TBD, believed to be an Israeli company

* Contract Price: Php238,827,920.00

* Residual Price: Php1,172,080.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 22 April 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag:  #AFPISAFPLot1UASAcquisition 

* Status: Involves procurement of Level 1 unmanned aerial systems. SARO released on 17 April 2023 for the full amount.

Overview:

As part of a broader acquisition project for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has raised a requirement for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) which would enable it to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering flights over areas of interests.

So far we have not seen the requirements set by this project, although the budget of Php240,000,000.00 (around US$4.26 million) is expected to only be enough for either several dozen Level 1 or a few Level 2 UAS, each with around 2 or 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and control system.

Since the ISAFP is not a manpower-intensive service, it is expected that they may opt for UAS models that are sufficient enough to fly at ranges beyond 30 kilometers, and have an endurance of more than 2 hours. This means a Level 1 UAS, similar to the Elbit Systems Skylark 3 UAS acquired by the Philippine Army.

According to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, its sources has confirmed that the DND was negotiating with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) back in 2022 regarding this project, which means that this is being acquired under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with Israel involving IMOD, and will be from an Israeli company.

So far, Elbit Systems already have a strong foothold in the AFP, with the Philippine Air Force operating the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 MALE UAS, and the Philippine Army operating the Hermes 90 THOR mini quadcopter UAS, the Skylark I-LEX mini UAS, the Skylark 3 UAS and the Hermes 450 MALE UAS.

The Elbit Systems Skylark I-LEX. Photo credits to Elbit Systems.

Other Israeli companies actively offering the UAS to the AFP are Aeronautics with their Orbiter series of UAS, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) including Bluebird Aerosystems which is partly owned by IAI.

The IAI-Bluebird Aerosystems WanderB-VTOL small UAS. Photo credits to IAI.

The SARO for the 100% contract price of the project was released by the Department of Budget and Management on 17 April 2023, and it is expected than a contract would be awarded to the selected proponent by mid-2023.

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First edit and release: 22 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

To recapitalize its dwindling number of basic/primary trainer aircraft in its inventory due to retirement of ageing assets, the Philippine Air Force has experienced a backlog of training activities for its new pilots, said to be reaching as far as 4 years.

With the PAF left only with a handful of SF-260MP/TP trainer aircraft, it has been determined that priority would be given for the procurement of more and newer trainer aircraft.

This allowed raising the Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project, which aims to procure 18 new basic/primary trainer turboprop aircraft to increase the number of aircraft in service while replacing retired aircraft that were taken out of service without a replacement coming in to cover their loss.

The project is considered to be the first that involves the acquisition of brand new aircraft for the Philippine Air Force under the old AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act 7898.

One of the 18 SF-260FH trainer aircraft delivered to the PAF. Photo credits to PTV News.

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Project Summary:

Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 15 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (Air Education and Training Command)

* Quantity: 18 units plus ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php622,590,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Asian Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi S.P.A.

* Product for Delivery: SIAI-Marchetti SF-260FH trainer aircraft

* Contract Price: Php621,671,410.00

* Residual Price: Php918,590.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 16 April 2023 (this post) 

* Status: 18 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260F trainer aircraft were delivered. Project Completed as of June 2011.

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Overview:

As part of efforts to modernize the Philippine Air Force, among the requirement that was in need of immediate concern was the dwindling number of basic / primary trainer aircraft in its fleet.

The PAF is one of the major users of the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 family of light propeller-driven trainer aircraft, and has been using them since the early 1970s with 33 SF-260MP and 16 SF-260W to replace the Beech T-34A Mentor in the training role, and to provide light attack capability to strike units to complement the AT-28 Trojan, respectively. All the SF-260Ws have been retired, while some of the SF-260MPs remain in service although it remains how many are left.

One of the PAF's SF-260MP trainer aircraft, taken in 1979. Photo credits to Aria Deja Vu.

The PAF also ordered another batch of 18 SF-260TP in the training role to replace some of the retired SF-260MPs, with the improved Allison 250-17D turboprop engine, which were delivered starting in mid-1993. Some were transferred to the 15th Strike Wing as light attack aircraft later on to replace the SF-260Ws.

With the PAF lacking in sufficient number of SF-260MPs and TPs for training, the PAF has raised a requirement to procure newer training aircraft, preferably sticking to the SF-260 family to take advantage of their experience in the type.

One of the PAF's SF-260TP in light attack role with the 15th Strike Wing. Photo credits to PAF.

As early as 2003, it was already identified by the Philippine Air Force that it requires new trainer aircraft, although funding appears to have been a problem that did not allow them for such requirement to be met. 

It was only by 2006 that funding commitment has been secured, and the actual funding made available by 2007. This allowed the DND to start a public bidding by early 2007, with the submission and opening of bids held on 27 July 2007 with only 1 bidder, the Joint Venture of Asian Aerospace Inc and Alenia Aermacchi S.P.A, which took over the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 production in Italy.

The company offered their latest SF-260FH, which is an improved version of the SF-260TP with the introduction of fuel-injection technology as well as improved avionics and cockpit design.

Post qualification inspections were conducted from 23 to 29 September 2007 in Milan, Italy, and the DND has released the Notice of Award in favor of the said company on 06 November 2007, and the contract signed by 2008.

Part of the deal was the local assembly of the aircraft, which arrived in the Philippines in knock-down kits and assembled by Aerotech Industries Philippines, and delivered all to the Philippine Air Force by April 2011.

The aircraft were all tested, and final acceptance and induction to the Philippine Air Force's Air Education and Training Command was made by June 2011, in time for the PAF's anniversary by July.

In addition, Aerotech Philippines donated two of its three SF-260MZs, which the PAF leased from 2002 to 2008 to cover the lack of sufficient training aircraft in its inventory. These were ex-Zambian Air Force that were bought and rebuilt by Aerotech Philippines.

The delivery was noted to address the three to four years training backlog in the PAF.

All 18 SF-260FH aircraft are shown after their delivery in 2011. Photo credits to PAF.

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One of the SF-260FH aircraft crashed on 31 January 2015 in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas.

The report from Philippine Star is found below:

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2 PAF pilots die as SF-260 plunges into sea

Jaime Laude - The Philippine Star 
February 1, 2015 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Two pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) died when their training plane crashed in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas yesterday morning.

Reports reaching the PAF headquarters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City identified the fatalities as Capt. John Bayao and 1st Lt. Nazer Jana.

The pilots were conducting air exhibition for the scheduled celebration of Nasugbu’s Liberation Day when their SF-260 plane crashed 150 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Bucana at 9:45 a.m.

Nasugbu police head Chief Inspector Pablo Aguda said the bodies of Bayao and Jana were retrieved about 20 meters deep and brought to Manila.

PAF spokesman Col. Rico Canaya said they have yet to determine the cause of the plane crash.

The PAF leadership, under Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, dispatched a team of air force probers to Nasugbu to conduct an investigation. – With Arnell Ozaeta      

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With this, the total number of SF-260FH aircraft in the PAF's inventory is down to 17 units, plus two SF-260MZs and an unspecified number of SF-260MPs.

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First edit and release: 16 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource