Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lots 1 and 2 Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy has embarked on the acquisition of a third batch of three (3) Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) to improve the capability of the Littoral Combat Force in securing coastal / littoral waters of the country.

The Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Acquisition Project was among those proposed for acquisition as part of the Horizon 1 Priority Projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program approved in 2013.

The project will involve only the acquisition of platforms (the boats itself), while other components will be funded separately.

The MPAC Mk. III after delivery to the Philippine Navy. Photo provided to MaxDefense by a source.

Project Summary:

Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lot 1 - Platform Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 10 February 2026.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Littoral Combat Force)

* Quantity: 3 nos.

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php270,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding 

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

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-16-0000170 dated 21 January 2016 worth Php864,320,000.00 (includes full amount of project)

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation (Philippines) and Lung Teh Shipbuilding (Taiwan)

* Product for Delivery: Lung Teh Multi-Purpose Attack Craft Mk. III

* Contract Price: Php268,880,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php1,120,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: To follow

* Searching Hashtag: #PNMPACBatch3Acquisition

* Status: Delivery completed as of July 2017, commissioned into the Philippine Navy on thereafter. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lot 2 - Weapons and Ammunition Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 10 February 2026.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Littoral Combat Force)

* Quantity: 3 sets

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php594,320,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement - Government-to-Government (G2G) with Israel Ministry of Defense.

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

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-16-0000170 dated 21 January 2016 worth Php864,320,000.00 (includes full amount of project)

* Winning Proponent: Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd.

* Product for Delivery: Rafael Typhoon MLS-ER missile launchers, Spike-ER missiles, Mini Typhoon RCWS mounts

* Contract Price: Php594,320,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: To follow

* Searching Hashtag: #PNMPACBatch3Acquisition

* Status: Delivery completed on April 2018, with sea acceptance tests done after installation on MPAC Mk. IIIs on 09 August 2018. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

The Philippine Navy has seen the value of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC), after having several units delivered from earlier acquisitions. The MPACs are used as assault boats for special operations units of the Philippine Navy like the Naval Special Operation Group (NAVSOG) and Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG), allowing for quick insertion and extraction while providing fire support from its machine guns.

Due to lack of assets, the Philippine Navy also used the MPAC as fast interceptors along the busy waters of Western Mindanao. But it was found that the boats were lacking in firepower in this mission.

Further planning by the PN suggested that the Littoral Combat Force may use the MPAC as a platform for "swarm tactics" against a larger naval force, by attacking larger warships in groups and using missiles to do damage.

As part of Horizon 1 phase Priority Projects, the Philippine Navy tendered for a up-armed MPAC variant, which was later won by the Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation - Lung Teh Shipbuilding>

This resulted to what was called the MPAC Mk. III after making changes to the previous MPAC Mk. II and incorporating the need to install the Rafael Typhoon Spike-ER Multiple Launching System (MLS) and Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS).

This would make the MPAC MK. III the first surface vessels of the Philippine Navy to be actually armed with missiles, with the Spike-ER acting as a small short-range surface-to-surface missile.

This resulted in reduced space for assault troops, which were used to provide space for weapon controllers and computers.

Delivery of the boats are expected to be made by July 2016.

The MPAC Mk. III have the following specifications: 

* Length: at least 17 meters long
* Displacement: less than 30 tons (without the weapon systems)
* Maximum Speed: at least 45 knots
* Range: at least 300nmi at transit speed
* Propulsion: 2 diesel engines coupled to water jet system
* Complement: 2 officers and 5 crew members, plus 8 fully equipped troops.
* As-delivered Standard Weapons: 2 M60 7.62mm light machine guns (supplied by the Philippine Navy) in addition to those to be delivered separately under the MPAC Combat Systems and Capability Upgrade Lot 1 project.


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U P D A T E S:
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25 February 2016:

The Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk. 3 Lot 1 acquisition project for the Philippine Navy has been awarded to a joint venture of Propmech Corp. Philippines and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corp. of Taiwan for Php 268,880,000.00 for 3 boats.

Propmech and Lung Teh were also involved in the development and successful delivery of MPAC Mk.1 & Mk.2 boats to the PN.

NOA photo credits to PhilGEPS.

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30 April 2016:

An artwork of the MPAC Mk. III was shared at the Timawa defense page.

It shows what appears to be the Spike-ER launcher behind the bridge structure, while the Rafael Mini Typhoon RCWS mount can be found above the bridge. A manually-operated 7.62mm light machine gun mount can also be seen just behind the mast.

Credits to Timawa.net for the photo.

An illustration of the missile-equipped MPAC Mk. 3. Photo taken from the old Timawa.net defense forum.

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28 September 2016:

A report from Shephard Media confirms that Rafael has not only got a contract from the Philippine Navy to supply Typhoon RCWS Spike-ER for the MPAC Mk.3, but also for air-launched Spike-NLOS for the AgustaWestland AW-159 Wildcat anti-submarine warfare helicopters. 

The report also confirmed the previous posts MaxDefense made that Rafael offered the Derby BVRAAM, Litening family of targeting pods, Spice precision guided munitions, and others for the FA-50, and also air defense solutions, which is actually the SPyDer short-medium range surface-to-air missile system.

Rafael is at ADAS 2016, and can be found at Stand 1110.

Shephard Media is the official Show Daily Media Publisher & Media Partner, while MaxDefense is an official Media Partner for ADAS 2016. Photo taken from ADAS 2016 Day 1 Show Daily. 

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19 May 2017:

Turns out that the latest Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) for the Philippine Navy, known as the MPAC Mk.3, are all almost completed, with only minor works remaining. Seen here are 

BA-488 and BA-491, while BA-489 is not shown. The MPACs are displayed as part of the Navy's 

"Run for the Navy 2" programme tomorrow. The Spike ER launcher and Mini Typhoon RCWS will be available only by October 2017 if everything goes according to schedule.

Also appearing are BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11) and an AW-109E naval helicopter. Thanks to one of MaxDefense Philippines' contributors, who wish to remain anonymous, for the photo.

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21 May 2017:

MaxDefense finally received confirmation that the Philippine Navy will formally receive the 3 brand new Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk. 3 from Propmech Corporation by tomorrow, 22nd May 2017, and will be commissioned into service with the Littoral Combat Force of the Philippine Fleet.

Afterwards, all three new boats (BA-488, BA-489, and BA-491) will head to Davao City. Will tell you all why tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rafael confirmed to MaxDefense that the delivery of weapons for the MPAC Mk. 3, specifically the Mini Typhoon RCWS for 50-calibre MGs and Typhoon MLS-ER launchers, as well as Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles will be made as early as October 2017 if no problems will come up.

In the meantime, here are photos of all three new MPAC Mk. 3 together at Sangley Point Naval Base, taken today. Credit to one of MDP contributors who wish to remain anonymous. 

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A model of the MPAC Mk. III as displayed by Lung Teh Shipbuilding in the Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defense Exhibition 2018. Photo credit to IHS Markit, taken from Jane's Navy International.

With all three boats ships delivered and commissioned to the Philippine Navy as of 2017, MaxDefense believes we can now consider the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy as COMPLETED.

All other upgrade works (ie. missile system installation) are covered by a different contract and project, and will be discussed separately.

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 First edit and release: 10 February 2026
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

 

Additional Close Air Support Aircraft (Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force has requested for the acquisition of a second batch of light attack aircraft as it continues to modernize and rebuild its ageing fleet.

With this, the much anticipated acquisition of additional A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft was started under the Additional Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project, also known as the Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2 Acquisition Project, as part of the PAF's Capital Outlay expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024. 

An A-29B Super Tucano of the Philippine Air Force. Photo credits to PAF.

Project Summary:

Additional Close Air Support Aircraft (Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 06 February 2026.
 
* End User: Philippine Air Force (15th Strike Wing)

* Quantity: 6 units including ILS package

* Modernization Phase: PAF Capital Outlay under GAA FY2024

* Project ABC: Php6,596,782,570.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Direct Contracting under Sec. 50

* Source of Funding: PAF General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY2024

* SARO Release/s: N/A

* Winning Proponent: Embraer S.A.

* Product for Delivery: Embraer A-29B Super Tucano

* Contract Price: Php6,570,262,912.00

* Residual Amount: Php26,519,658.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 31 December 2024

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFAdditionalCASAAcquisition #PAFCASAPhase2Acquisition

* Status: This was originally part of Horizon 3 but was removed in Re-Horizon 3 due to the change of plans, and instead was initiated outside the Revised AFP Modernization Program's funding and was instead funded through the Capital Outlay funds of the PAF for FY2024. Discussions with Embraer has been ongoing since 2023 but formal procurement only started in late 2024. Notice of Award was released in favor of Embraer S.A. on 19 December 2024, with the Contract signed and Notice to Proceed released on 27 December 2024. Delivery is expected for all aircraft to be completed by 2026. Embraer only confirmed the deal with the Philippines during the Singapore Airshow on February 2026.

Overview:

The Philippine Air Force previously acquired six brand new A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of fixed wing aircraft, specifically the Rockwell OV-10A/C/M Bronco which has been in service with the PAF since the early 1990s.

These light attack aircraft are suitable for use in counter-insurgency and counter terrorism operations, but can also be used for limited strike and anti-shipping roles using small air-to-ground missiles and precision bombs, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions including maritime patrol, and other support roles.

The PAF's existing fleet of A-29B Super Tucanos have been noted to carry and use the GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, as well as the Lizard PGM and APKWS guided rockets.

Orientation of PAF personnel on the Lizard PGM and APKRWS. Photo credits to PAF Flying School.

Due to funding constraints, only six aircraft were acquired back in 2017, with the project also delayed in its implementation by several years, considering it was suppose to have been started in 2013.

In reality, the PAF needed at least 12 aircraft to form a proper attack squadron, although a larger quantity of around 24 aircraft would have been preferred, 

As part of the Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, 18 more aircraft were proposed to be acquired to fill in two squadrons of 12 aircraft each, although this was later on removed from the updated Re-Horizon 3 phase project acquisition list.

Its removal from the Re-Horizon 3 shopping list does not necessarily taking out plans to acquire additional aircraft, and this was proven when the DND raised a requirement to procure 6 more aircraft, but using Capital Outlay funding allocations for the PAF under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, with the project named as the Additional Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project.

The acquisition phase was quick as formalities only took a few weeks until a contract was signed and the Notice to Proceed released in favour of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A.. This made the project as one of the fastest projects to be ever implemented by the DND.

This acquisition not only proved that the DND can actually hasten the process, but also prove the PAF's ability to reduce its reliance on the RAFPMP funds for it to acquire the necessary assets and services it requires. 

Six aircraft will be delivered by Embraer to the Philippine Air Force, all expected to arrive in the Philippines within 2026 according to the DND.

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U P D A T E S:
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31 December 2024:

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has confirmed that it received an order for an undisclosed number of A-29B Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft from an undisclosed country, with deliveries expected by 2026.

This goes in line with the announcement made by the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Juliano Llarenas during the decommissioning ceremony of the OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra fleet that  a contract for 6 additional A-29B Super Tucano has been signed with Embraer recently, which will represent the replacement for the outgoing OV-10s.

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines assumes that Embraer's announcement is actually that for the Philippines.

But it still remains to be seen how this will be funded considering that it was not among those planned for funding under the RAFPMP FY2025 proposal. It also appears to be not part of Re-Horizon 3 procurement plan, and instead could have been awarded as part of the Trainer Aircraft Acquisition of the PAF under Horizon 2 Priority Phase because of Embraer's statement that aligns the procurement with that for advanced trainers.

It is also highly possible that the procurement could have been made outside of the RAFPMP, and may have been done using the Capital Outlay funding of PAF since the order is only for 6 aircraft instead of the expected 12 to 18 units as indicated in the original Horizon 3 plan.

We'll find out more information about this in the next few months.

Embraer's social media post confirming their receipt of an order for 6 aircraft back in December 2024. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines.

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08 December 2025:

The Philippine Air Force defended its decision to procure additional A-29B Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft after Senator Erwin Tulfo questioned the purchase instead of pursuing additional jet-powered combat aircraft.

Senator Tulfo, with his usual lack of knowledge on military systems as he already highlighted years ago when he was still a journalist working together with his brothers, said that the Super Tucanos are "outdated", referring to its propeller-driven propulsion system without knowing that propeller-driven aircraft does not mean outdated and backward.

The PAF confirmed that so far, they only ordered an additional of 6 aircraft, and focus is now more on pursuing multirole fighters. This was despite the PAF originally planning to procure up to 18 more aircraft to add to the 6 already in service, to form 2 squadrons of 12 aircraft each.

It remains to be seen if the PAF will order more Super Tucano aircraft in the future or not, although MaxDefense Philippines believes that the 15th Strike Wing should start considering the acquisition of jet-powered combat aircraft capable of carrying and firing medium-range anti-ship missiles, stand-off weapons and advanced air-launched munitions for strike in support of territorial defense.

The avionics of the A-29B Super Tucano is actually up to modern standards with large glass cockpit displays and advanced sensors. Credits to original photo source.

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06 February 2026:

During the Singapore Airshow 2026, Embraer officials confirmed that the Philippines was the customer of a deal signed in late 2024 for A-29B Super Tucano aircraft.

This was because Embraer did not name the customer when it announced that it signed a contract with an unnamed country for 6 aircraft.

But our parent page MaxDefense Philippines reported as early as 31 December 2024 that these were for the Philippine Air Force, based on information from defense and industry sources.

It was also later on confirmed by publicly-available documents posted by the Department of National Defense as well as statement coming from officials of the DND and Philippine Air Force, and during hearings to lawmakers in 2025 during budget deliberations for the DND for FY2026.

This announcement by Embraer is probably in preparation for deliveries, which are expected to proceed within 2026.

A-29B Super Tucano aircraft being prepared for delivery to the PAF back in 2021. Photo credits to Embraer.

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First edit and release: 06 February 2026
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines