Minor Mobility Projects of the Philippine Army under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

 Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army and of all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor Mobility Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army, which are projects classified under Force Protection Projects that are less than Php100 million in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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MOBILITY PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:

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3. Armored Recovery Vehicle Acquisition Project 

Overview:

The Philippine Army has requirements for armored recovery vehicles to support its mechanized forces, although did not have enough funds.

Instead, the service pushed for the acquisition of just one vehicle, and was specified to be using an M113 tracked armored vehicle or a derivative of the vehicle as the base platform. This would allow commonality with the vehicles in service with the Philippine Army which include the M113A1 and the AIFV.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php72,000,000.00., with the project tendered in 2002.

7 bidders were reported to have submitted a bid, but it was Turkey's FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S. which was awarded the project after offering their proposal worth Php55,757,986.00, receiving a Notice of Award from the Department of National Defense in 2002.

FNSS offered an ARV variant of their ACV-300 tracked armored vehicle, which was derived from the FMC AIFV.

The delivery was said to have been completed as of January 2004.

The procurement of the ACV-300-based ARV led to the Philippine Army to reconsider the ACV-300 series a few years later when it tendered for the acquisition of 6 tracked armored personnel carriers.

The Philippine Army's ACV-300 ARV. Photo credits to Philippine Armed Forces Unofficial II.

Project Summary:

Armored Recovery Vehicle Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 24 April 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army (Armor Division)

* Quantity: 1 no.

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

* Project ABC: Php72,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S. (Turkey)

* Product for Delivery: ACV-300 armored recovery vehicle

* Contract Price: Php55,757,968.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php16,242,032.00

* Status: Project awarded to FNSS in 2022, product delivery completed as of January 20004. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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11. Assault Watercraft Acquisition Project

Overview:

The Philippine Army identified the requirement for at least 20 new riverine assault boats for the Special Forces Regiment, to supplement its existing fleet of wooden boats acquired several years earlier.

The new boats will be made of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) aka fibreglass and are meant to be more robust and more rigid, can carry more troops, and are faster and more reliable.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php70,590,000.00.

The public bidding was opened on 28 February 2007 wherein 3 bidders expressed interest and submitted bids.

The joint venture of Filipinas Fabricators Sales Inc. and Colorado Shipyard, both Filipino companies, was declared as the Lowest Calculated Bidder.

As part of qualifications, the joint venture went through Post-Qualification Inspection and conducted sea trials of a sample boat from 07 to 11 May 2007 in Cebu, which the joint venture successfully passed. The joint venture received a Notice of Award (NOA) on 21 June 2007.

The sample boat used by Filipinas Fabricators - Colorado Shipyard JV during Post Qualification Inspections. Photo credits to Adroth's website.

Based on the photos, all 20 boats were delivered with a trailer to carry it over land. The boats have outboard motors and appears to have some slight difference over the sample boat tested during qualification inspections.

Riverine troops have placed bipod-mounted light machine guns above the boat's bow, although this is no actual mounting on the boat itself.
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The deliveries were said to have been completed as of December 2008, with the DND also declaring the project completed.

Some of the delivered assault watercrafts. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

Project Summary:

Assault Watercraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 24 April 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 20 units

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

* Project ABC: Php70,590,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Filipinas Fabricators Sales Inc. - Colorado Shipyard JV (Philippines)

* Product for Delivery: 9-meter Riverine Assault Watercraft

* Contract Price: Php65,049,800.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php5,540,200.00

* Status: Public bidding opened on 28 February 2007, with Filipinas Fabricators - Colorado Shipyard JV declared lowest calculated bidder. Post-Qualification Inspection and sea trial of sample conducted on May 2007, and Notice of Award released on 21 June 2007. All boats have been delivered as of late 2008, with the DND declaring the project completed as of December 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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18. Motorcycles Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involved the acquisition of 271 units of new light motorcycles to be used for utility purposes for the Philippine Army.

The project was originally planned to be acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php17,330,450.00.

But 2 consecutive bidding failures delayed the project, and giving the DND a reason to pursue the project via Negotiated Procurement with select motorcycle companies. 

The project was awarded to Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp., which was among the bidders from the two earlier failed biddings. It is believed that Kawasaki Philippines offered their Fury 125cc light motorcycle, which appears to be what was also shown in the DND's annual report for 2007.

We were not able to monitor the delivery of these motorcycles, although the DND has reported that deliveries were completed with the Philippine Army as of August 2008.

A Kawasaki Fury 125cc light motorcycle. Photo credits to Moto Mag Philippines.

Project Summary:

Motorcycles Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 24 April 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 271 units

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

* Project ABC: Php17,330,450.00

* Acquisition Mode: Initially through Public Bidding, moved to Negotiated Procurement after 2 bid failures

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

* Winning Proponent: Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp. (Philippines)

* Product for Delivery: believed to be Kawasaki Fury 125cc light motorcycle

* Contract Price: Php17,330,450.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php0.00

* Status: Initially opened for public bidding, but two consecutive bidding failures pushed the DND to pursue the project by Negotiated Procurement. Project was awarded to Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp. DND reported that product delivery was completed as of August 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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20. Light Support Watercraft Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 4 units of new Light Support Boats for use by the Philippine Army's Special Forces Regiment, as part of their needs for new assets to support its Riverine operations.

No information was made available regarding this project, except for the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php38,830,000.00, and that the unknown winning proponent submitted a bid worth Php25,300,000.00.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of August 2010.


Project Summary:

Light Support Watercraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 24 April 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army

* Quantity: 4 units

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

* Project ABC: Php38,830,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: unknown, TBC

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

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown model of light support watercraft

* Contract Price: Php35,300,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php3,530,000.00
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* Status: No details were available regarding this project. The DND has reported that the product delivery was completed as of August 2010. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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29. Truck, 5-ton Prime Mover for 155mm Howitzer Joint Acquisition Project

Overview:

The Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps raised a requirement for 5-ton Prime Mover trucks that will be assigned to tow their new M-71 155mm towed howitzers.

Both services requested for 6 units each, which is 1:1 ratio with their new towed howitzers.

The project was procured through Negotiated Procurement / Government-to-Government (G2G) as they intended to acquire a truck model that was already in service with the AFP, which is the Kia KM500. Both services allocated a budget of Php38,900,000.00 each, or a total of Php77,800,000.00.

The timing of the procurement also made it more reasonable to go directly with a G2G procurement with South Korea as part of a bulk buy, as there are also other procurement requirement for specialized variants of the Kia KM450 by the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force (discussed separately in the next project below), as well as more Kia KM450 trucks and Kia KM450 field ambulances for both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps (discussed separately in their own resource pages).

The project was awarded to Hyundai Motors of South Korea, which owns Kia Motors, with a contract price of Php38,880,000.00 for each service, or a total of Php77,760,000.00 for both services combined.

The DND has reported that both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps received their trucks and confirmed the completion of delivery as of January 2013.

The Kia KM500 trucks of the Philippine Army (top) and Philippine Marine Corps (above). Photo credits to Philippine Defense Forces Forum's Facebook page.

Project Summary:

Trucks, 5-ton Prime Mover for 155mm Howitzer Joint Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 18 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army (Army Artillery Regiment) and Philippine Marine Corps (Field Artillery Battalion)

* Quantity: 6 for Philippine Army, 6 for Philippine Marine Corps 

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

* Project ABC: Php77,800,000.00 combined

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement / Government-to-Government with South Korea Ministry of National Defense

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

* Winning Proponent: Hyundai Motors (South Korea)

* Product for Delivery: Kia Motors KM500 5-ton 6x6 trucks

* Contract Price: Php77,760,000.00 combined

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php40,000.00 combined

* Status: As part of a greater effort to acquire several trucks for the Philippine Army, Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine Air Force, it was decided to procure these trucks through Government-to-Government (G2G) process with the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. The DND has reported that the trucks were delivered, and the project completed as of January 2013. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 24 April 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

UH-1H (EDA) Refurbishment / Upgrade Project of the Philippine Air Force

In 2003, the Philippine Air Force was trying to acquire additional Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters to have enough numbers to retain its air mobility capabilities to support combat and non-combat operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This resource page tackles one of the solutions that were undertaken by the Philippine Air Force, which is to acquire UH-1H helicopters from the United States' Excess Defense Articles.

Two UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters of the Philippine Air Force during exercises with the US. Photo credits to DVIDS.

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Project Summary:

UH-1H (Excess Defense Article) Refurbishment / Upgrade Project

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2024.

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

* Quantity: 6 aircraft including Integrated Logistics Support

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

* Project ABC: Php405,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government deal through US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) / Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Programs

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

* Winning Proponent: DynCorp International through US Department of Defense

* Product for Delivery: Refurbished and upgraded UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters taken from US Excess Defense Articles

* Contract Price: Php404,279,090.00

* Residual Price: Php720,910.00

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFRefurbishedUH1HAcquisitionProject

* Status: The first 5 helicopters were delivered to the PAF on 15 August 2006, with the final helicopter delivered on 09 May 2007. DND declaring the project completed as of May 2007. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

In 2003, the Philippine Air Force was in desperate need for more combat utility helicopters as its fleet was also getting smaller as many of its existing Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters were ageing fast and are being retired and cannibalized to keep other aircraft in service, or are simply in need of retirement.

As part of the US' military assistance to the Philippines, the US Department of Defense allocated for the transfer of 10 Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters from its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) stock, as long as the Philippines will shoulder the cost to rehabilitate, refurbish and upgrade them to acceptable levels, and to deliver them from the US to the Philippines.

The Philippine Air Force raised the requirement under its Acquisition of Refurbished UH-1H Helicopters (Excess Defense Articles) to deliver the 10 helicopters pledged by the US Government, with a budget of Php442,700,000 allocated for the project, and target delivery date of June 2006.

But due to further confirmation of the total cost, it appears that the PAF's allocated budget can only allow for the acquisition, refurbishment and upgrade of 6 helicopters instead of 10, resulting to a reduction of helicopters.

The project was later on separated into the UH-1H (EDA) Support Acquisition / Upgrade Project of the PAF which aims to provide for the procurement of the helicopters from the US EDA stocks, and the UH-1H (EDA) Refurbishment / Upgrade Project, with a budget of approximately Php9,000,000.00 and Php405,000,000.00, respectively.

The UH-1H (EDA) Refurbishment / Upgrade Project was procured through Government-to-Government deal with the US through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS), with the US Department of Defense awarding the project to American military contractor DynCorp International.

DynCorp technicians conducting maintenance work. Photo for reference only, credits to DynCorp International.

The Letter of Award was signed by the Department of National Defense on 14 December 2003, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the project on 06 February 2004. 

A Joint Visual Inspection was conducted by the PAF and DND in Texas between 25 March to 05 April 2004 to see the actual helicopters to be delivered, and to check DynCorp's capability to deliver the services.

The first 5 helicopters were delivered to the Philippine Air Force on 15 August 2006, with last helicopter arriving in the Philippines on 09 May 2007 which was delivered together with 10 other donated Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters as part of the pledge of then US President George W. Bush to the administration of then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Four of the upgraded Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters upon arrival via commercial shipping. 

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With the six UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters completing its refurbishment and upgrade works, delivered and re-inducted with the Philippine Air Force as of May 2007, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the UH-1H (Excess Defense Article) Refurbishment / Upgrade Project of the Philippine Air Force as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 20 March 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

OV-10 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) Project of the Philippine Air Force

With the OV-10A Bronco light attack aircraft ageing rapidly and many of the PAF's examples going to the boneyard without the ability to replace them with new aircraft, the service understood that something has to be done with what they have while they are still looking for ways to replace the OV-10 fleet with a new aircraft.

The Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) was meant to address this issue in the short to medium term, and an initial batch of 6 aircraft were eyed to undergo the upgrade works.

This resource page discusses the project which was undertaken as part of the Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program under RA 7898.

One of the upgraded OV-10M Bronco light attack aircraft of the 15th Strike Wing, Philippine Air Force. Photo credits to Philstar.

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Project Summary:

OV-10 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2024.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (15th Strike Wing)

* Quantity: 6 aircraft including Integrated Logistics Support

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

* Project ABC: Php256,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Marsh Aviation and Aeromart

* Product for Delivery: OV-10M Upgrade

* Contract Price: Php245,759,000.00

* Residual Price: Php10,241,000.00

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFOV10MUpgradeProject

* Status: The project involves upgrading 6 OV-10A aircraft with overhauled engines, installing new 4-bladed propellers that increased aircraft performance, and replacement of avionics. Project awarded to Joint Venture of Marsh Aviation and Aeromart, with the contract signed 20 August 2004. All 6 aircraft were delivered to the PAF and inducted as of 3rd quarter 2006, with the DND declaring the project completed as of September 2006. PROJECT COMPLETED.

To note, further upgrades were made years later but not part of this project.

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Overview:

With the OV-10A Bronco light attack aircraft ageing rapidly and many of the PAF's examples going to the boneyard without the ability to replace them with new aircraft, the service understood that something has to be done with what they have while they are still looking for ways to replace the OV-10 fleet with a new aircraft.

The Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) was meant to address this issue in the short to medium term, and an initial batch of 6 aircraft were eyed to undergo the upgrade works.

One of the PAF's OV-10A Bronco as seen in the early 2000s. Photo credits to Simple Planes.

A budget of Php256,000,000.00 was set aside for the project, which will involve overhauling the engines, acquiring spare engines, acquiring new 4-bladed propellers to replace the existing ones, re-wiring of the aircraft, structural enhancements, and improvement on the aircraft's avionics.

2 bidders submitted their proposals but the proposal from the Joint Venture of Marsh Aviation and Aeromart won. A contract was signed by the DND on 20 August 2004, with the project pushing ahead with a target completion date of 2 years.

An initial batch of 4 propellers and 4 overhauled engines were delivered as of 05 February 2005, and a second batch of 4 overhauled engines and 4 propellers were delivered as of 19 September 2005. A third batch of six propellers were delivered on 24 October 2005, while the last batch involving 4 overhauled engines were delivered by 2006.

The project was declared completed as of September 2006 with all 6 aircraft upgraded to what they call the OV-10M (Modified) standard, which passed testing and acceptance by the Philippine Air Force.

The PAF was said to have been satisfied with the upgrades that it wanted to implement the same upgrades for the rest of the fleet, but funding was not made available in the next few years prompting the PAF to shoulder on with repairing the other aircraft as much as they can.

While not part of this upgrade program, the PAF continued to improve the OV-10M several years later, including adding the capability to drop GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II smart bombs. The improved avionics and structural upgrades done as part of this project made it easier for such upgrade to be made.

A PAF OV-10M dropping a GBU-12 Paveway II bomb during testing and training exercises. Photo credits to PAF.

According to MaxDefense Philippines' sources, only a few OV-10Ms are in service as of March 2014. The aircraft were used at a very high operational tempo since 2006. The aircraft also lost their 4-bladed propellers as there was no more available propellers, and the PAF resorted to returning to the original 3-bladed propellers to keep the aircraft serviceable.

One of the remaining OV-10M Bronco was seen here with its original 3-bladed propellers as of April 2019 as it participated in the PH-US Exercise Balikatan 2019. Photo credits to DVIDS.

One of the PAF's upgraded OV-10M without the 4-bladed propellers. Note the GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II smart bombs in its winglets. Photo credits to Military Porn @ Reddit.

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With the six OV-10A Bronco light attack aircraft upgraded to OV-10M standards, and delivered and formally inducted with the Philippine Air Force as of September 2006, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the OV-10 Serive Life Extension Program (SLEP) Project of the Philippine Air Force as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 16 March 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Man-Portable Air Defense System (2024) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

As part of efforts to finally widen its very limited air defense capabilities as part of its modernization, the Philippine Army has started to plan for the procurement of Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS).

These are meant to be mobile and would be used for air defense of critical infrastructure like the presidential palace and other facilities.

A Mistral 3 MANPADS. 

Project Summary:

Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) (2024) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 31 January 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army (specific unit unconfirmed)

* Quantity: 10 units

* Modernization Phase: not applicable

* Project ABC: Php381,621,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: TBC

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA FY2024 Capital Outlay

* SARO Release/s: TBC

* Winning Proponent: TBC

* Product for Delivery: TBC

* Contract Price: TBC

* Residual Amount: TBC

* First post by MaxDefense: 31 January 2024 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAMANPADS2024Acquisition

* Project Status: Project was first floated as part of acquisitions being pushed by the Philippine Army in 2023. Request for Information has been sent to different manufacturers as of late 2023. Actual procurement process expected to start in early 2024.

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Overview:

Air defense has been a key capability that has been almost missing with the Philippine Army for several decades.

The Philippine Army used to have air defense units using anti-aircraft guns received from the US government after World War II, including M45 Quadmounts using 12.7mm machine guns. But these have all been retired from service decades ago.

Currently it does not have any purpose-built air defense system. It has no gun or missile air defense systems of its own, and while it is holding a few dozen Man-Portabale Air Defense Systems, these are actually for the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and are assets owned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

There was an effort to procure new MANPADS for the Philippine Army under the Horizon 2 Phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, but it has failed to reach actual procurement stage by the end of Horizon 2 Phase in 2022, and it appears to have been cancelled and re-introduced as a new project for Short Range Air Defense System (SHOADS) under the Horizon 3 Phase from 2023 (which will have its own separate resource page for further discussion).  It is still unclear though if these will still be consisting of MANPADS, or a short range system that is more capable than MANPADS but falls short to be called a medium-range air defense system.

While there is already a procurement project for such, it appears that a new separate effort is being made to procure  small quantities of MANPADS outside the AFP Modernization Program, and will be funded using annual capital outlay for ordnance procurement.

It is still unclear as to the concept of this procurement plan, but it appears that this is meant for the Philippine Army to hasten the introduction of air defense systems starting with MANPADS, and to start introducing such systems to specific units of the Philippine Army that will be handling air defense in the future.

The urgency of this procurement, the small quantity involved, and not waiting for the Horizon 3 Phase project for SHORADS is very obvious in this specific project, and it remains to be seen as to why.

The project specifications has not been made available yet, and for now we can only speculate as to what the potential products in the market that could be offered to the Philippine Army.


Potential Models for Consideration

Being a revision of the earlier MANPADS Acquisition Project under Horizon 2 phase of RAFPMP, we are expecting the same products that were offered before to be again reconsidered for this new project, although shortlisted products might have an advantage over others.

Among the potential candidates for the supply of MANPADS are:

* MBDA Mistral 3 – one of the shortlisted models under the Horizon 2 phase MANPADS requirements, it is an improvement of the older Mistral variants and has even been proven for use against surface targets. This is already in service with the Philippine Navy as the short-range air defense system found on the Jose Rizal-class frigates, and could find its way to several other ships for the same requirement. An older variant is already in service with the Presidential Security Group although they are reportedly under the safeguard of the Philippine Army’s Armor Division based on documents received by our parent page MaxDefense Philippines a few years ago.

* Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger – the main MANPADS of the Philippines’ only treaty ally, the United States. There are also reports that the Presidential Security Group are also in possession of a few of these missile systems, also safeguarded by the Philippine Army. The Stinger has proven its effectiveness and worth against Russian aircraft and drones in Ukraine, despite its older design. 

The FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS.

* LIG Nex1 Chiron – South Korea’s indigenous MANPADS that is now being offered for export. The Chiron is said to be a Korean copy of the older version of MBDA Mistral. Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines reported before that the Chiron, together with the Mistral 3, are among the top choice of the Philippine Army for its previous MANPADS Acquisition Project under Horizon 2.

The Chiron in service with the ROKA.

 

* Thales Starstreak Mk. II – the MANPADS of choice of the British armed forces, the system was also offered to the Philippine Army as part of the highly-mobile ForceSHIELD air defense system. It uses a Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) using laser beam guidance system whose advantage includes resistance to jamming by infrared and/or radar/radio countermeasures, although it also means it is not a fire and forget system and exposes the operator.as he need to keep the laser on the arming unit on the target until impact. Starstreak is also considered a hyper-velocity missile due to its high speed, considered to be the fastest among current MANPADS in the market.

The Starstreak MANPADS. Photo credits to Wikimedia.

* Mesko Piorun NG – an improved version of the older Grom missile from Poland, including  improvements in the detection sensitivity that allowed for increased range, increased resistance to countermeasures, use of priximity fuse and improved night capability. The only issue at the moment is production is currently ramped up for European orders including supplying to Ukraine for use against Russia.

The Piorun and Piorun NG in a display. Photo c/o 

Due to CAATSA and the War in Ukraine, we do not expect Russian products to be included in any evaluation except for comparison purposes only.

 

Related Readings:

Further reading can be made on similar projects of the Philippine Army. Click the project names below which links to the respective resource page.

Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army


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First posted and released on 31 January 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

 

Civil Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Dozers and Graders Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines raised a requirement to improve its engineering capabilities, as the military starts to modernize and improve its overall capability under the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

This allowed the implementation of the AFP Civil Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project as part of the Horizon 1 Phase of the RAFPMP.

The project was divided into several lots, with this resource page focusing on Lot 1 involving the acquisition of Bulldozers and Graders.

One of the Philippine Army's HBXG SD5K bulldozers as seen in 2020. Photo credits to 52nd Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army.

Project Summary:

Civil Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Dozers and Graders Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines:

Note: Edited as of 09 December 2023 but first posted on 27 January 2024.

* End User: Armed Forces of the Philippines (Service Support Units, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force)

* Quantity: 12 units Bulldozers, 8 units Graders

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: PHP212,240,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: AFP Modernization Trust Fund under GAA FY2017.

* SARO Release/s: SARO-BMB-D-17-0025063 dated 20 December 2017, released 22 December 2017

* Winning Proponent: Civic Merchandising Inc.

* Product for Delivery: unconfirmed, believed to be HBXG SD5K bulldozers and Sany STG180C-6 graders

* Contract Price: Php95,709,768.00

* Residual Amount: Php116,530,232.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 26 January 2015

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFPCEELot1Acquisition

* Project Status: First bidding attempt oepened on 19 October 2016, but this attempt failed and another bidding attempt oepend on 23 August 2017 and SOBE on 27 September 2017. SARO released worth PHP95,709,768 on 22 December 2017. NOA released in favor of local company Civic Merchandising Corp. on 09 January 2018, and the NTP was released on 12 July 2018 and contract signed by 23 July 2018. The projects were confirmed by sources to have been delivered as of 1st quarter of 2019. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

As part of improving the civil engineering capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in general, the AFP Civil Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project was raised as part of the AFP Modernization Program's Horizon 1 Phase from 2013 to 2017.

Among those include the acquisition of bulldozers and graders needed for clearing and earthworks, road works, and for emergency HADR operations. These are usually undertaken by the engineering services of each of the AFP's service branches, which are also used to support development projects of the Philippine Government. 

The acquisition of bulldozers and graders were combined in a single subproject as Lot 1, which was allocated a budget of Php212,240,000.00 for 12 small bulldozers and 8 graders.

The procurement process was through public bidding, with the tender proceeding on 19 October 2016 with a scheduled Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) by November 2016. This was pushed back several times until the SOBE was scheduled on 15 February 2017. 

The first bidding attempt failed, and another attempt was raised on 23 August 2017. This time the tender was successful and the project was awarded to local supplier Civic Merchandising Corp., which received the Notice of Award from the DND on 09 January 2018, and the Notice to Proceed on 12 July 2018. The Contract was signed as of 23 July 2018.

While it is unconfirmed what the company delivered, our parent page MaxDefense Philippines believes that they delivered Chinese-branded construction equipment, potentially the HBXG SD5K bulldozer and Sany STG180C-6 graders.

Both were said to have been delivered to the Philippine Army by 1st quarter of 2019, and were already seen in service with the some of the engineering brigades of the Philippine Army by mid 2019.

With the bulldozers and graders already delivered and formally activated with different service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, MaxDefense officially consider the Civil Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Dozers and Graders Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as COMPLETED.

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First posted and released on 27 January 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Phase 3 Acquisition Project of the Philippine Coast Guard

As part of efforts by the Philippine Coast Guard to modernize and expand its fleet and Japan readily giving assistance to the Philippines to improve maritime safety and law enforcement capabilities, a project was brought out to fulfil these requirements with the help of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The ships will be used to respond to offshore and coastal maritime incidents such as Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN), Maritime Security (MARSEC) operations.

This resource page was initiated and originally written by one of MaxDefense Philippines' longtime  contributor, "Herbie", who also previously contributed and written for other resource pages here at Philippine Defense Resource. We thank Herbie for sharing and allowing his work to be posted in this page.

A Magbanua-class 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard. An improved version might be used for the new MSCI Phase 3 project. Photo credits to Global Business Press.

Project Summary:

Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Phase III Project of the Philippine Coast Guard

Note: Last edited as of 15 January 2024

End User: Philippine Coast Guard

Quantity: 5 units

Project ABC: Php 29,300,000,000.00

Acquisition Mode: Limited Source Bidding

Source of Funding: Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan

SARO Release: TBC

Winning Proponent: TBC

Product for Delivery: 5 units of 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel, still unconfirmed design

Contract Price: TBC

First post by MaxDefense: 20 March 2023

MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: 

Project Status: Publicly confirmed by the PCG on November 2023, as part of Japan's commitment to strengthen the capabilities of the PCG. Undergoing pre-procurement process as of 15 January 2024.

Overview:

Based on the Philippine Coast Guard's 2020 Acquisition Plan, the service aims to have at least ten Ocean Patrol Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs), and thirty Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

One of the projects to achieve that Plan is the Phase III of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the PCG (MSCIP Phase III), which aims to provide additional large ships to the service.

Credits to Philippine Coast Guard.

Through the years, the PCG stated its acquisition plans in different fora.

In May 2022, then PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu stated that it is ideal to have a 97-meter MRRV for each of the PCG’s 15 Coast Guard Districts. 

Last June 2022, then CG Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante conveyed the possibility of procuring additional units of 97-meter MRRVs during a visit to the PCG by officials from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

In July 2022, the PCG submitted its proposal to the Department of Transportation (DoTr) for the acquisition of additional 97-meter MRRVs.

Also during a January 2023 visit of officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines at the PCG Headquarters in Manila, then PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu discussed the proposed acquisition of additional 97-meter MRRVs among other projects that are planned with Japanese assistance. During media interviews of this visit, the PCG Commandant mentioned the plans to acquire five additional 97 meter MRRVs was in progress with the DOTr and NEDA.

During various media interviews starting last February 2023 when the military-grade laser pointing incident by the China Coast Guard happened, PCG Spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela mentioned the PCG needs more than 20 offshore patrol vessels in its fleet.

Around March 2023, during the FY 2024 Budget Preparation, documents from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) showed that the PCG submitted a project to procure five 80-100 meter ships with an estimated budget of around Php21 billion.

Finally last 09 November 2023, the NEDA Board approved the Php29.3 billion Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the PCG, Phase 3, which will involve the design, construction, and delivery of five units of MRRVs, each with a length of 97 meters and with a five-year integrated logistics support.

According to JICA, it is estimated that a budget of approximately JPY 18 billion (~ Php7 billion) for five years will be required for O&M costs for the ships. With that, around Php22.3 billion will be used for the Consulting and Construction contracts for the five ships.

According to the DOTr, this project will complete the seven units needed to enable a minimum strategic deployment of capable coast guard vessels within our vast maritime jurisdiction particularly in our exclusive economic zones and extended continental shelf, with due regard for the competing budgetary requirements of the government vis a vis the challenges to our maritime safety and security.

A total of 380 personnel will be required for the five ships to be procured under this project. As part of the Lessons Learned of other Japanese ODA projects, it is important for this project to secure personnel with training in order to ensure safe operation of the ships.

And by continuing to have a Preventive Maintenance Policy (currently implemented in MSCIP Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects), the ships are aimed to have an operational life of 30 years.

From July 2022 when it was submitted to the DOTr for endorsement to the Embassy of Japan up to November 2023 when it was approved by the NEDA Board in just 15 months, this project can be seen as obviously expedited compared to other PCG projects. This can be a prime example of how a project can be prioritized even though working with a foreign partner like the JICA.

Sources:

* Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
* Philippines National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)
* Philippine Coast Guard

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First edit and release: 15 January 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource