Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

To improve its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities while providing its new combat warships with a proper aerial component, the Philippine Navy has requested for the acquisition of six new Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopters as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP)

This project discusses about the upcoming Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy, also known as the Anti-Submarine Helicopters Phase 2 Acquisition Project. This is to separate from an earlier project with the same/similar name.

An AW159 Wildcat naval helicopter of the Philippine Navy. 

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Project Summary:

Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter (aka Anti-Submarine Helicopter Phase 2) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 26 August 2025.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Naval Air Wing)

* Quantity: 6 units including ILS and munitions

* Modernization Phase: Re-Horizon 3 Phase of RAFPMP,

* Project ABC: Php42,290,538,180.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) with still unidentified country, based on Negotiated Inventory-Based Items clause of RA12009.

* Source of Funding: TBC

* SARO Release/s: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* Residual Amount: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense:

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNASWHelicopterPhase2Acquisition #PNASHPhase2Acquisition

* Status: The project is a follow-on to the Anti-Submarine Helicopter project implemented under Horizon 1 phase, as more surface combatants enter Philippine Navy service. Project was part of Horizon 3 proposal, and was carried over to Re-Horizon 3 phase with a slightly increased budget. Project Terms of Reference reportedly approved as of June 2025.

The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk.

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Overview:

The Philippine Navy has been growing its naval capabilities including introducing more major surface combatants to its fleet since 2020. These surface combatants are capable of multi-domain combat including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), among others.

With this, there is also a growing need for additional naval helicopters capable of both ASW and ASuW operations, which will complement these ships.

The Anti-Submarine Helicopter will be capable of operating from Philippine Navy ships, and will be most likely assigned to the new Miguel Malvar-class frigates, and other upcoming surface combatants including the winning designs for the Frigate (Full Complement) and Corvette (Phase 2) Acquisition Projects that are being pursued under the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP.

The helicopters are expected to be able to deploy a dipping sonar, have capability to interpret data from dipping sonar and sonobuoys while also working together with other naval and air assets, and will be capable of firing anti-submarine torpedoes as well as launching air-to-surface missiles.

According to sources, the Philippine Navy actually received offers from Leonardo, which is currently offering the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat that the Philippine Navy already has in service, while Sikorsky Helicopters and Airbus NH Industries are offering their MH-60R Seahawk and NH90NFH naval helicopters, respectively.

The AW159 Wildcat has an advantage, being already in service with the Philippine Navy in terms of commonality and price. It was said to be the cheapest option among the 3 offers, and is already proven with the PN.

The MH-60R Seahawk is the naval variant of the S-70 Black Hawk, in which the Philippine Air Force is becoming one of the largest operators of the S-70i Black Hawk variant. The MH-60R is the latest iteration and features improved overall capability, avionics and weapons delivery.

Surprisingly, Airbus is said to be offering the NH Industries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), instead of the AS565MBe Panther that it offered back in the Anti-Submarine Helicopter Acquisition Project back in 2014-2016. Compared to the Panther, the NH90 is larger and far more expensive, and is actually not a 100% Airbus product but more of a product from a larger conglomerate of European aircraft companies.

Surprisingly, Airbus was said to be offering the NH90 NFH instead of the Airbus AS565MBe Panther naval helicopter. Photo credits to German Navy and Airbus.

So far, the DND was said to have positioned itself on applying the Republic Act 12009's Negotiated 53.8.1 - Inventory Based Items, which means that the DND would be procuring a product that is already in the Philippine Navy's inventory.

This places the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat in a favorable position, moreso with Leonardo actively looking for new buyers of the type as the production is currently only catering to a small order by the Algerian Navy scheduled for delivery in a few years time.

But the selection of the AW159 Wildcat also places the Philippine Navy in a difficult position considering its ally the United States, as well as its Multilateral Defense partners like Australia and Japan, and other Strategic Partners like South Korea and India, are all users of the MH-60R or SH-60 Seahawk helicopters. 

This means that the Philippine Navy may lose out in terms of being in a common fleet of naval helicopters as its expected coalition partners, having disadvantage in sharing spare parts, getting maintenance and other support with countries using the Seahawk helicopter.

It would still be determined if Leonardo will indeed win this project, or a different interpretation can be made on 53.8.1 to allow MH-60R based on the AFP being a user of the S-70A and S-70i Black Hawk derivatives.

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10 July 2025:

In its latest Procurement Monitoring Report as of 1st Half of 2025, the Department of National Defense has confirmed that the mode of procurement of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter Acquisition Project (Phase 2) of the Philippine Navy will be through Negotiated 53.8.1 (Inventory-Based Item) as of 05 June 2025, and that the Terms of Reference of the project was approved on 24 June 2025.

This means that acquisition of additional ASW helicopters, which we previously reported to be 6 units with a budget of Php42,290,538,180.00 will most likely be awarded to Italian defense giant Leonardo for the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat naval helicopters.

The term "Inventory-Based Item" means that the DND will be procuring based on what the Philippine Navy already has in its inventory, rather than opening a public tender which will possibly push the Philippine Navy to acquire another helicopter model depending on the winning proponent. 

So far our parent page MaxDefense Philippines has not received word if the project can push through this year, although the report mentioned that it will be financed either by Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA aka paid for in installment every year using yearly GAA funding allocations) or through Loan Financing which will make it faster for the DND to start the project.

PDR and MDP will investigate more if this project can push through this year since the Terms of Reference of the project, which is the basis of what will be the contract between the DND and the proponent, is already approved and the next process will be securing the funding and releasing a Notice of Award.

It is interesting that this project is ahead in terms of processing compared to the Frigate (Full Complement) aka Frigate Phase 2 Acquisition Project which the procurement process is yet to be approved and the terms of reference not yet approved, when sources confirmed that the DND is pushing for the Frigate's contract to be signed before yearend.

This means that there is a huge chance that the ASW Helicopter Phase 2 Acquisition may overtake the Frigate (Full Complement) and be contracted also this year. 

An AW159 Wildcat ASW helicopter of the Philippine Navy.

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First edit and release: 26 August 2025
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

2025-27 Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optic Sights Acquisition Project of the Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of new 5.56mm Assault Rifles as part of its acquisition for Fiscal Year 2025 although funding came from 2024.

This is part of a multi-year effort to improve the overall firepower of the service, as well as replace ageing or lost/damaged assets.

With this, the Philippine Coast Guard, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invited manufacturers and suppliers to submit a bid for the Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sight for the PCG.

Project Summary:

2025-027 Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sights Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 26 August 2025

* Project Number: IB No. 2025-027

* End User: Philippine Coast Guard 

* Quantity: 1,666 units

* Modernization Phase: Philippine Coast Guard GAA Acquisition for FY2024

* Project ABC: Php299,880,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA Funds for FY2024

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* Residual Difference (Savings): TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: 26 August 2025 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PCG556mmM4withOptics2025Acquisition 

* Status: Public tender was opened on 01 July 2025, with a scheduled submission and opening of bid envelopes (SOBE) scheduled on 28 July 2025. 

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Overview:

For the last few years, the Philippine Coast Guard has been investing more in various weapons including pistols, machine guns, sub machine guns, sniper rifles, grenade launchers and assault rifles as part of its modernization drive and acquired from Israel under the PCG's Firearms Acquisition Project.

As an example, its most recent acquisitions include 4,357 units of IWI Galil ACE 21N 5.56x45mm assault rifles with 8.5” barrels.

As the PCG requires more assault rifles to replace damaged or those too old to refurbish, it has now raised a requirement for another 1,666 units.

It still remains unknown if the acquisition would also be used to cover a possible increase in Coast Guard SOG personnel or just replace old units.

Further updates will be provided once they become available.

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First edit and release: 26 August 2025
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ORD-PABAC2-046-24 Light Machine Gun, 5.56mm Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of new 5.56mm Light Machine Guns using funding for their General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.

This was to fill in requirements to either replace existing units, and also replace lost and damaged/written off units.

With this, the Philippine Army, through its Bids and Awards Committee 2 (BAC2), invited manufacturers and suppliers of light machine guns to submit a bid for the Light Machine Gun, 5.56mm (2025) Acquisition Project. While the project was funded using 2024-sourced budget, this was opened for tender only in 2025.

Project Summary:

Squad Automatic Weapon (2025) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 03 August 2025

* Project Number: ORD-PABAC2-046-24

* End User: Philippine Army (Special Operations Command)

* Quantity: 211 units

* Modernization Phase: Philippine Army GAA Acquisition for FY2024

* Project ABC: Php161,757,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA Funds for FY2024

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* Residual Difference (Savings): TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: 03 August 2025 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PA556mmLMG2025Acquisition 

* Status: Public tender was opened on 14 July 2025, with a scheduled submission and opening of bid envelopes (SOBE) scheduled on 05 August 2025. This was rescheduled to 19 August 2025 after a request from FN Herstal.

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Overview:

It has been years since the Philippine Army acquired new 5.56mm squad automatic weapons in significant numbers, as the last effort for such was made in the late 2000s when it acquired more the 6,500 brand new K3 light machine guns from S&T Daewoo of South Korea.

Prior to that, an earlier acquisition was made for more than 400 units of the FN Herstal Minimi squad automatic weapons.

Since then, it is expected that the Philippine Army already lost some of them to enemy action or ambushes or have been written off due to damage.

Based on the technical specifications, it is highly likely that these machine guns would be for the Special Operations units assigned with the AFP's Special Operations Command including the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment, and Light Reaction Regiment.

For this acquisition, the Philippine Army only plans to procure 211 units, although it now follows a new strategy in the procurement of firearms which is now being done using General Appropriations Act (GAA) yearly funding rather than relying on the AFP Modernization Program.

Thus, it is expected that acquisitions will be done in smaller numbers, but several procurements will be made over the next few years.

A Philippine Army squad automatic rifleman with a S&T Motiv K3 SAW. 

Technical Requirements:

The Philippine Army provided what it says is their standard technical specifications for 5.56mm light machine guns, with some of the important features listed below:

Firearm Specifications:
Caliber: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO
Barrel: quick changeable, made of high-grade alloy or stainless steel,1:7 rifling, 8in.  RH rifling twist, chrome lined chamber and bore, with folding carrying handle
Sights: Adjustable post type iron sights at front, adjustable open aperture-type iron sight on rear.
Gas Regulator: adjustable gas control

Rate of Fire: 700 to 1,000 rounds per minute

Overall Length: 950mm maximum

Overall Weight w/o Accessories: 7.85 kilograms maximum

Barrel Length: 330 - 365mm
Trigger Pull: 7.5 to 16 pounds pull weight, trigger pull free from creep
Butt stock: Retractable or collapsible, with minimum of 4 positions, with hydraulic recoil buffer type system, and non-slip butt plate

Receiver Assembly Material Composition: High-grade aluminum alloy and/or Carbon Alloy and/or Steel and/or Titanium  
Top Mount Rail: MIL STD 1913 Picatinny rail

Operating System: Gas-Operated, Long Stroke Piston
Firing Mode: minimum of Safe and Full Automatic 
Feeding: capable of accepting STANAG 4179  magazine, or disintegrating metallic link belt

Major Accessories:
* 2 x 30-round STANAG 4179 aluminum or polymer magazines per LMG
* 2 x 200-round linked capacity polymer or water resistant fabric ammunition bag
* 1 x 2-point Tactical Sling per LMG
* 1 x Spare Barrel per LMG


One of the major differences in the specifications for 5.56mm light machine guns of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Marine Corps is the operating system, as the Philippine Army specifies for a long stroke gas piston system, while the Philippine Marine Corps does not specify as long as it uses a gas operated system.

Benchmarking o the FN Minimi:

To discuss what we may expect, lets focus our dissecting the specifications to the most likely benchmark, which is the FN Herstal Minimi, specifically the current Mk.3 variant.

This is due to FN Herstal being among those that participated in the Pre-Tender Conference, as we as not asking for any changes in the technical specifications which means that they have a product that complies with it.

While FN Herstal also has the new Evolys Ultralight 5.56mm machine gun, it does not meet several requirements of the technical specifications, automatically removing it from the potential offerings.

A summary table on the FN Minimi 5.56 Mk3 series. Credits to FN Herstal.

FN Herstal currently has 5 variants of their Minimi Mk3, which includes the Standard variant and Tactical LB (Long Barrel) that uses the 465mm barrel length, and the Tactical SB (Short Barrel), SF (Special Forces) and Para which all have the shorter 379mm barrel length.

Based on barrel length, both the Standard and tactical LB variants do not meet the barrel length specs which limits it to between 330 to 365mm long.

Despite having the same barrel length, all 3 short-barrel Minimis have varying overall weights.

With the maximum weight set at 7.85 kilograms, only the Tactical SF and Para version meet the requirements while the Tactical SB variant is slightly overweight.

The final difference between the Tactical SF and Para will be on the butt stock. While both uses retractable designs, only the Tactical SF meets the requirement for a hydraulic recoil buffer system.

So it is most likely that FN Herstal will offer their Minimi Mk.3 Tactical SF variant for this requirement, which also gives us an idea that the machine guns are most likely for Special Operations units

Infographic on the Minimi 5.56mm Mk3 SF, credits to Ricardo Torres @ Pinterest.

Other Potential Offers:

While it is known that both FN Herstal and System Defense showed interest in the project, it is possible that more companies may show interest in supplying these requirements.

Being one of the world's major users of the S&T Motiv (now SNT Motiv) K3, the Philippine Army may also be looking at the company's new K15 5.56mm machine gun, which is aimed at replacing the K3 and fixing issues on the old model.

So far, SNT Motiv has not provided too many details on their K15, although it appears that it only has 2 models - a Standard variant with long barrel, and a Para variant with a shorter barrel. 

While the Para variant meets the weight, barrel and overall length requirements, it also probably suffering from the same issue as the Minimi Para with regards to the butt stock.

While the Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Negev NG5 SF meets many of the requirements, its gas operated short stroke gas piston fails to meet the requirements, as the technical specifications calls for a long stroke piston design,

Infographic on the IWI Negev NG5 SF, credits to Ricardo Torres @ Pinterest.

With the recent selection by the Philippine Marine Corps of the Mertsav Defense Systems MMG762, which is said to be a copy of the FN Herstal Minimi 7.62, it is also possible that Mertsav Defense Systems might be interested to participate in offering their MMG556, which is a copy of the Minimi 5.56.

Their MMG556C variant appears to be a copy of the Minimi 5.56 SF, also featuring a short barrel and long stroke gas piston system, while dimensions and weight are all within the technical specifications.

It is highly possible for it to compete against the Minimi, and may have a price advantage, although it remains to be seen if there is an agreement between FN Herstal and Mertsav Defense Systems to not compete with each other.

The Mertsav MMG556C also meets the requirements of the Philippine Army. Photo credits to Mertsav Defense Systems.

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30 July 2025:

Two Supplemental Bid Bulletins was released on 29 July 2025, which extended the Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes from 05 August 2025 to 19 August 2025.

Contract delivery duration was also extended from 300 calendar days to 460 calendar days

It appears that the request for both the extension of submission date and delivery date was made by Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal SA.

There was a request from Turkish arms company System Defense for considering a gas operated short stroke operating system, in contrast to the technical specifications which says gas operated long stroke operating system. The request was denied since the technical specifications was already set and further changes will not be easy.

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First edit and release: 03 August 2025
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Presidential Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force has requested for the acquisition of a new Presidential Aircraft, which would be used to  the President and the First Family, as well as other high-level government officials during official travels especially overseas.

With this, the Presidential Aircraft Acquisition Project was included in the Re-Horizon 3 phase priority projects. 

The Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ321neo. Photo credits to Aircharter Advisors.

Project Summary:

Presidential Aircraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 26 July 2025.
 
* End User: Philippine Air Force (250th Presidential Airlift Wing)

* Quantity: 1 units, plus unspecified subsystems and ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Re-Horizon 3 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php8,813,750,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Direct Contracting

* Source of Funding: Multi-Year Contractual Authority for (X) years, using General Appropriations Act (GAA) from FY2025 to FY200X.

* SARO Release/s: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* Residual Amount: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: 15 June 2022

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFPresidentialAircraftAcquisition 

* Status: The project was included as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP. The project's Terms of Reference are still being finalized as of 01 July 2025.


Overview:

The acquisition of a presidential aircraft has always been a sensitive issue in the Philippines, as spending billions of pesos on an aircraft that will fly the country's president around seems insensitive when the country has financial issues to pay for social services and needs of the general public.

But what many fail to understand is that, being the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the country's leader will need to be able to move around easily, both domestic and overseas, as part of his/her duties. And will also need to be done with high regard to safety, security, and capability to continue managing the affairs of the country wherever may be.

While there have been earlier attempts to procure a presidential of VVIP aircraft, this sensitivity has been a factor, thus the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Air Force previously made efforts to downplay such acquisition.

First, the project was renamed as the "Command and Control Aircraft" which is in fact a basic feature of a presidential aircraft, but the name allows it to downplay and concerns that it was in fact a VVIP aircraft with communications features.

Secondly, the DND and PAF made efforts to reduce the overall cost of such acquisition by selecting a small business jet aircraft capable only of domestic or regional air travel. In fact, the previous acquisition of the Gulfstream G280 as part of the Horizon 2 phase was too downplayed that in the end, the aircraft appears to be too small (the G280 is among the smallest business jets in the market today) to be used as a presidential aircraft for official travels, but only suitable for quick flights within the country.

In the end, the DND and PAF still relies on chartering either larger business jets (as in the recent trip to the United States by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a meeting with US President Donald Trump), or larger medium-long range airlines from Philippine Airlines.

Chartered aircraft usually do not have the extra requirements of a proper presidential aircraft, which includes customized layout to allow for a "flying office", a private room for the president and the first family, as well as lacking in military-spec secured communications equipment that allows for interoperability with existing communication systems of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Chartered aircraft are also more suited to passengers in volume, thus the presence of too many economy seats especially for a Government delegation that requires more tables and premium sleep-able seats.

With these capabilities lacking, it has been determined that having a proper presidential aircraft is needed, not just for travels but also for emergency when the high government officials including the president will need to be flown somewhere else for safety while continuing coordination with the rest of the government or the military.

The BBJ 737 MAX 9. Photo credits to Boeing.

Procurement Analysis:

Under Re-Horizon 3, a budget of Php8,813,750,000 (roughly US$157 million) was allocated for the procurement of a presidential aircraft.

This budget is, to be frank, very low to allow for the acquisition of a medium or long haul customized VIP aircraft like the Boeing Business Jet BBJ-787 and BBJ-777, and the Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ-330neo and ACJ350.

Instead, the budget might allow for a smaller aircraft like the ACJ319/320/321neo or or the BBJ737 MAX-7/8/9.

Other options may include customized but simpler versions based on the Airbus A320neo or A321neo, or the Boeing B737 MAX 7/8/9 variants.

It will eventually depend on what the specifications require, it there will be a lot of customizations required including the level of luxury features.

If extra space is needed to allow non-VIP additional seating for passengers like media/press personnel, low-level government or military officials,etc., it is best for the consideration of the longer variants which includes the ACJ321neo or the BBJ737 MAX-9.

Both Airbus and Boeing are capable of delivering the aircraft, but it will depend on price, inclusions, support, and probably political reasons as to what aircraft will be selected.

So far, the Philippine Air Force has better relations with Airbus due to the presence of the Airbus-CASA C-295M/W aircraft in its fleet as well as existing support agreements, while there are no Boeing aircraft in the PAF's inventory.

But with the recent meeting of Pres. Marcos and US Pres. Trump, there might be some considerations made to give Boeing an incentive to finally have something for the AFP considering its failure to achieve an order for its offerings which include the F-15EX Eagle II fighter, AH-64E Apache Guardian and AH-6  attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopter, and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Length difference of the BBJ 737-7, 737-8 and 737-9. Photo credits to Boeing Business Jets.

Both Airbus and Boeing are capable of delivering the aircraft, but it will depend on price, inclusions, support, and probably political reasons as to what aircraft will be selected.

So far, the Philippine Air Force has better relations with Airbus due to the presence of the Airbus-CASA C-295M/W aircraft in its fleet as well as existing support agreements, while there are no Boeing aircraft in the PAF's inventory.

But with the recent meeting of Pres. Marcos and US Pres. Trump, there might be some considerations made to give Boeing an incentive to finally have something for the AFP considering its failure to achieve an order for its offerings which include the F-15EX Eagle II fighter, AH-64E Apache Guardian and AH-6  attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopter, and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Boeing also has an advantage considering the Philippines uses mostly American-sourced communications equipment which will make it easier to do with Boeing in terms of technical and political reasons.

Another concern is range. Airbus claims that the ACJ320 has an flying endurance of up to 15 hours or a range of up to 6,750 nautical miles, while Boeing claims the BBJ737 can also have a flying endurance of 15 hours and a range of around 6,600 nautical miles.

This range is enough for the aircraft to fly from Manila to Los Angeles, California at normal cruising/economy speed.

Whatever the selection may be, this would definitely improve the way the Commander in Chief would be flying, with the aircraft good enough to have the callsign "Kalayaan One".

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First edit and release: 26 July 2025
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines

Additional FA-50 Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine AIr Force

As part of continued efforts to improve its air combat capability, the Philippine Air Force requested for the acquisition of additional Fighter / Surface Attack Aircraft / Lead-in Fighter Trainers, which is its term for Light Combat Aircraft, as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

This resource page focuses on the acquisition of Additional FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, which is actually the second acquisition of the said aircraft under the RAFPMP, the first being as part of the Horizon 1 phase.

Two FA-50PH Fighting Eagle LCAs of the Philippine Air Force during Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Northern Territory, Australia. Photo credits to the French Air and Space Force.

Project Summary:

Additional FA-50 Aircraft Acquisition Project (aka Fighter / Surface Attack Aircraft / Lead-in Fighter Trainer Phase 2) :

Note: Edited as of 17 July 2025.
 
* End User: Philippine Air Force (5th Fightrer Wing)

* Quantity: 12 units, plus unspecified munitions and ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Re-Horizon 3 Phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php40,000,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) deal between the Philippine DND and South Korea Ministry of Defense

* Source of Funding: Multi-Year Contractual Authority for (X) years, using General Appropriations Act (GAA) from FY2025 to FY200X.

* SARO Release/s: TBC

* Winning Proponent: Korea Aerospace Industries

* Product for Delivery: FA-50 Block 70 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft

* Contract Price: Php39,999,995,509.54

* Residual Amount: Php4,490.46

* First post by MaxDefense: 15 June 2022

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFAdditionalFA50Acquisition #PAFFSAALIFTPhase2Acquisition

* Status: The project was included as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP, and was acquired through Government-to-Government mechanism with the South Korean Ministry of Defense. Notice of Award given to Korea Aerospace Industries on 21 May 2025, and a Contract was signed between the DND and KAI on 02 June 2025. Delivery of first 3 units expected by 1st or 2nd quarter 2028.


Overview:

In the Philippine Air Force's original plan under the Revised AFP Modernization Program drafted and approved in 2014, it was indicated that the PAF will need at least 24 Surface Attack Aircraft (SAA), which is its term for a jet-powered light combat aircraft capable of launching bombs, air-to-ground missiles, rockets and other munitions to attack land and naval surface targets.

The plan was to procure an initial batch of 12 units under Horizon 1 priority phase, and 12 units under the Horizon 2 priority phase.

So far, the Philippine Government under former President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III was able to meet the request to acquire the initial batch under the Horizon 1 phase, which saw the selection and procurement of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The term used back in 2015 was "Fighter / Surface Attack Aircraft / Lead-in Fighter Trainer", which is a combination indicating its intended purpose of being a light fighter aircraft capable of air combat and surface attack missions, as well as being used as a lead-in fighter trainer for pilots being prepared for assignment on more advanced Multi-Role Fighters.

12 FA-50PH Fighting Eagle LCAs were delivered to the PAF starting late 2015, and was completed by July 2017.

These aircraft formed the revitalized fighter component of the PAF, conducting air policing and patrols, ground attack, surveillance and training platform for fast jet student pilots.

While it was hoped that the second batch of F/SAA/LIFT aircraft as well as the first batch of Multirole Fighters would be acquired as part of the Horizon 2 phase, the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte failed to finance both projects despite getting approval.

With Horizon 3 phase arriving, which later on was revised to the current Re-Horizon 3 plan, the acquisition of a second squadron of 12 F/SAA/LIFT aircraft was again included, which eventually was renamed as the "Additional FA-50 Aircraft" Acquisition Project after a decision by the DND and PAF was made to do a follow-on order of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle instead of selecting a different model for commonality reasons.

This was despite offers made by several other aircraft manufacturers including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) which offered the Hurjet, Hindustan Aerospace Industries (HAL) with their Tejas Mk.1A, Boeing and Saab with their T-7 Red Hawk, and Leonardo with their M-346FA.

The TAI Hurjet was among those offered to the PAF for the F/SAA/LIFT Phase 2 project. Photo credits to TAI.

With the selection, the DND moved to procure the aircraft via Government-to-Government (G2G) process. Despite the who negotiation process happening since 2023, the proper tender tender process was only on April 2025, although the process from then on was very quick,with a Notice of Award released in favor of Korea Aerospace Industries as early as 21 May 2025, and a contract signed between KAI and the DND in Camp Aguinaldo on 02 June 2025

Based on information released by the DND, the aircraft will be the FA-50 Block 70, with the first batch of 3 aircraft are expected to be delivered on or before 2nd quarter of 2028, with the entire order expected to be delivered by 2030.

The Block 70, previously known as the Block 20, is a further evolution of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle from Korea Aerospace Industries. 

It will have ability to use carry the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod and the GBU-12 Paveway II smart bomb which were added under the Block 50, as well as the 300 gallon center line tank and an aerial refuelling capability from the Block 60.

In addition, the Block 70 will have AESA surveillance and fire control radar, enabling the use of beyond visual range air to air missiles (BVRAAM) and off boresight air to air missiles.

These would make them more advanced than the PAF's current fleet, which are Block 0 or 1 variants that have some few modifications in terms of data link, communications, and possibly on updates on its mechanical fire control radar.

This new Block 70 aircraft would be the same as those ordered by Malaysia and Poland recently.

A scale model of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle ordered by Malaysia which is said to also be Block 70 aircraft. Credits to original source.

This chart describe the progression from Block 50 to Block 70 of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle. Photo credits to Frances Mangosing.

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First edit and release: 26 July 2025
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines

Squad Automatic Weapon (Phase 2) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

With the continuing need for new Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW), the Philippine Army (PA), together with the Philippine Navy on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) requested for the acquisition of new 5.56x45mm light machine guns, that would be distributed to front line units of both services.

As a continuation of the success of one of the AFP Modernization Program's first Capability Upgrade Program, the Squad Automatic Weapon (Phase 2) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) called for the purchase of 6,540 new SAWs as an initial procurement. 

A Philippine Army infantryman with a K3 squad automatic weapon. Photo credits to the Philippine Army.

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Project Summary:

Squad Automatic Weapon (Phase 2) Joint Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 23 April 2025.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) (multiple units)

* Quantity: 6,540 units

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

* Project ABC: Php1,727,438,000.00, increased from original Php613,894,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Hanwha Corporation and S&T Daewoo

* Product for Delivery: S&T Daewoo K3 5.56x45mm Light Machine Gun

* Contract Price: Php1,210,725,915.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php516,712,085.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBC

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAPMCSAWPhase2Acquisition

* Status: Initial project has a lower budget and quantity requirement, and was awarded to FN Herstal in 2013 and Contract signed on 13 July 2004. Project was put on hold after allegation of overpricing and irregularities on implementation. Project was restarted with a higher budget and quantity requirement in 2007, with Joint Venture of Hanwha Corporation and S&T Daewoo was declared the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder, and Notice of Award released on 15 June 2007. Initial batch of 700 units delivered on 03 December 2007, with the rest delivered by June 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

With the success of an earlier procurement of Squad Automatic Weapons for both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, a new requirement was raised in 2003 for a total of 1,700 units with a proposed Approved Budget of Contract (ABC) worth Php613,894,000.00.

The new SAWs are expected to arm infantry and marine units and replace older machine guns which consist of older variants of the venerable M60 7.62mm general purpose machine guns (GPMGs) which are very heavy especially for smaller Filipino physique compared to the M60 which was designed for use by larger caucasian or black soldiers of the US Armed Forces.

An M60E3 at the hands of a squad automatic rifleman. Reliability has been an issue with these machine guns, as well as weight due to their design and use of larger 7.62x51mm NATO rounds.

The SAWs are also expected to replace a number of non-standard models including the Singaporean-made CIS Ultimax 100, and other models.

Back then, the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps only has a few light machine guns in service. Aside from the few hundred FN Minimi LMGs acquired under the Phase 1 of the SAW Joint Acquisition Project, volume fire support was provided by M60 GPMG, which are also in limited quantity in both services.

The CIS Ultimax 100 5.56x45mm light machine gun, which was availability in very limited numbers in PA service. Photo taken from Wikipedia.

To have commonality with the earlier acquisition of FN Minimi, the DND directly negotiated with FN Herstal in 2003 for the acquisition of 1,700 light machine guns with a budget of Php613,894,000.00.

Both parties signed a Contract by 13 July 2004, and the Notice to Proceed released on 06 September 2004.

Allegations of fraud and overpricing surfaced considering the average price of each FN Minimi LMG was valued at around Php361,114.00, which is too high at that time.

It was also found that the deal failed to meet the requirements of Republic Act 9184 due to the use of foreign currency, as well as requirements of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with regards to pricing for follow-on acquisitions.

Pressure from lawmakers and other groups forced the DND to review the contract and ultimately cancel it, with FN Herstal being against the cancellation.

Due to the urgency of SAWs in both ground services, the DND again raised the need to restart the project, which it did in 2007 when it released new technical specifications and Invitation to Bid, this time under a Public Tender.

The budget was increased from Php613,894,000.00 to Php1,727,438,000.00, and the quantity was also increased from 1,700 units to 6,540 units. This gives an average budget of Php264,134.00 per LMG, which is almost 27% lower than the average price in the earlier contract with FN Herstal.

During the public bidding, FN Herstal participated with their Minimi as their offer, competing against several other tenderers, with the Bid Submission scheduled on 30 March 2007.

Eventually the Joint Venture of Hanwha Defense and S&T Daewoo submitted the lowest bid and also passing the Post-Bid Qualifications, with an offer worth Php1,270,725,915.00, or an average of Php194,300.00 per LMG.

The Notice of Award was released on 15 June 2007, and the Letter of Credit opened on 21 November 2007.

S&T Daewoo showed their capability to deliver quickly when they delivered the first batch of 700 units by 03 December 2007, while the rest of the orders were delivered in full by June 2008.

The DND declared the project as Completed as of August 2008.

Since their delivery, the S&T Daewoo K3 became the most prolific light machine gun / squad automatic weapon in both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps.

An automatic rifleman with the Philippine Army, now sporting the S&T Daewoo K3 SAW. Photo credits to the Philippine Army.

The increase in quantity in the K3 SAWs has allowed both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps to capitalize on this by replacing the M60 as Squad Automatic Weapon, while also allowing for carrying more ammunition due to the use of the smaller and lighter 5.56x45mm NATO rounds.

This gave automatic riflemen longer staying power in providing fire support, while the reduced weight of the SAW gave them better flexibility especially in movement.

A typical Philippine Army Infantry Squad in the 2020s, with the automatic rifleman from both Fire Team A and B using the K3 5.56mm SAW. Photo credits to the Philippine Army.

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With the Minimi SAWs already delivered and formally activated with different units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, MaxDefense officially consider the Squad Automatic Weapon (Phase 2) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

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First posted and released on 26 April 2025.
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource