The Philippine Navy's Frigate Acquisition Project Update

Steel cutting for 2 frigates starts April 30

Image by Hyundai Heavy Industries

 The steel cutting for the two missile-armed frigates, which is under contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is expected to start on April 30.

"The next significant milestone will now be the ceremonial steel cutting, which will likely be held on April 30 at the HHI Complex in Ulsan, South Korea, to be attended by a delegation from DND/PN (Department of National Defense/Philippine Navy) to mark this important milestone," Navy spokesperson, Capt. Lued Lincuna, said Thursday.

Steel cutting signals the official start of a vessel’s construction.

Philippine Soldiers receive 3000 protective eyewear for combat

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero (right) through Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana (third from left), receives the protective eyewear from Mr. Sabin Aboitiz (second from left) who donated a total of 3,000 for soldiers in combat operations in a handover ceremony Monday, 15 January 2018 at the DND Social Hall. (Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan/PAOAFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Department of National Defense (DND) received the second batch of protective eyewear meant for soldiers engaged in combat operations on the ground.

Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero received the Delta Plus safety glasses from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. led by Mr. Sabin Aboitiz in a ceremonial handover ceremony held today, 15 January, 2018 at the DND Social Hall here.

Some 700 pieces were initially turned over to soldiers in Marawi City at the height of the battle against Deash - Maute terrorists to protect frontline troops from eye injury resulting from IED explosions, debris, and shrapnel.

A total of 3,000 safety eyewear were turned over to the Philippine Army for use of soldiers in combat operations.

“We in the Aboitiz Group appreciate very much the sacrifices made by our soldiers. We can never thank them enough for their service and sacrifice that they have done for the country,” Mr. Aboitiz said. "On behalf of our One Defense Team, I thank the Aboitiz Group for giving protective eyewear for our frontline troops...

It should be noted that this donation demonstrates the strong cooperation and collaboration that has always existed between the private sector and the government. Aside from being a tangible and visible indicator of our joint efforts, it demonstrates our concern and love for our valiant soldiers who continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and who continuously face threats at sea and on land,” Lorenzana said.

The DND notes that in modern combat operations, the risk of soldiers incurring damage to their eyes is very high, leading to either partial or total blindness or a lifetime of disability and suffering, not just for the soldiers but for the families as well. This was evident in places like Marawi and in other areas where soldiers operate.

The Aboitiz Group’s donation is not only timely but significant as well because it will augment our current efforts to boost the AFP’s capability to conduct focused, surgical, and sustained military
operations.

Source: DND Press Release 1/15/2018

Philippine Army has Php 247M for Howitzer ammo

The Philippine Army has earmarked P247 million toward the  purchase of 105mm artillery shells for combat and infantry operations.

In a bid invitation with the Philippine International Trading Corp., the Army said it had allocated P247,835,166.28   for the contract to supply 8,588 rounds of 105mm Howitzer cannon shells.

“That is a regular requirement of our troops in the field. We are advancing our procurement based on projected requirements,” Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

Each  round  should cost  P28,858.31 based on the approved contract budget.

Local and foreign manufacturers who would place their bids though foreign manufacturers must be represented by a Philippine-based company.

Bidders may purchase bid documents at  P50,000 at the PITC, NDC Building, 116 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati.

Deadline for submission of bids is May 12 at 10 a.m.

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Inquirer.net

Philippine Airforce opens bid for plane parts

The Department of National Defense (DND) is purchasing P40-million worth of spare parts and ground equipment for its three brand new C-295 Airbus medium lift aircraft.

The DND made the announcement as it opened the P40.2-million contract to bidders who had completed two contracts similar to the project in the last five years.

The contract involves the purchase of 47 line items of aircraft ground support equipment as additional integrated logistics support for the C-295 aircraft.
 
Project funds will be sourced from the military’s Modernization Act trust fund.

In 2015, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) received three C-295 aircraft delivered from Spain by Airbus Defense and Space.

The three aircraft cost P5.3 billion.

The first plane in arrived in March 2015, with the second coming in September and the third in December last year. The PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing operates and maintains the aircraft.

The C-295 Airbus is categorized as a medium lift aircraft, similar to the Fokker F-27 of the 220th Airlift Wing.

It can carry up to 20,000 pounds of cargo, or 71 passengers, 50 paratroopers and 24 stretchers with seven attendants.

A pre-bid conference will be held on April 29, at 10 a.m., at the DND bids and awards committee conference room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bidders have until May 11 to submit their bids, while the winning bidder would have to deliver the items within 60 days.

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Inquirer.net

Why DND put on hold P6.5B Israeli missiles

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday said there was nothing irregular in its decision to shelve the planned acquisition of the P6.5-billion missile system from Israel for the Philippine Army in view of the country’s internal security threats.

Arsenio Andolong, director of the DND’s public affairs service, said the Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS) under the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was just in the planning stage.

“The SBMS project is merely a proposal at this time, and as such, there is no ‘realignment’ but rather a reprioritization of the said project in favor of the urgent need of our PA (Philippine Army) troops for individual force protection equipment,” Andolong said.

‘Reprioritization’

He said the “reprioritization” was a collective decision by senior defense leaders, which was submitted to President Aquino after going through the required processes in the Defense System of Management.

The Inquirer reported on Tuesday that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri had scuttled the contract for the Israeli weapons system, which was primarily for territorial defense. The deal with Israel was negotiated in December 2014.

The new shopping list of military equipment included 832 marksmen rifles worth P149.76 million, two lots of chemical-biological-radiological-nuclear protective gear worth P103.402 million and 32 long-range sniper weapons systems worth P17.28 million.

The report also said the last-minute change was made allegedly to earn a windfall from commissions from private manufacturers unlike the contract with Israel, which is government-to-government and therefore with no commissions.

“We reiterate that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will never be a party to nor condone graft and corruption in the AFP Modernization Program as insinuated in the report,” Andolong said.

Undue haste

In the House of Representatives, three lawmakers criticized defense and military officials for their misplaced priorities and undue haste in canceling the purchase of antiaircraft missiles from Israel in favor of purchasing battlefield gear such as helmets, body armor and night vision goggles.

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said it was unusual for the military to prioritize internal threats when its main responsibility was to protect the country from foreign incursions, like China’s buildup in disputed waters.

“It’s also true that there are no broker commissions in government-to-government, such as the missile contract unlike the purchase of battlefield gear. But I’m not sure if this was a factor in the sudden change of plans,” Acop said in a phone interview.

Magdalo Rep. Ashley Acedillo questioned the swift U-turn in the military’s purchase of high-priced military hardware.

Acedillo said purchases under the AFP Modernization Program involved billions of pesos and it took years of planning sessions before any item would be placed on the shopping list.

He said the DND and AFP should explain why they dropped the missile purchase because their justification—increased threats from terrorists—was too flimsy to justify a drastic change in acquisition.

Something ‘fishy’

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said Congress should look into the decision-making process of Gazmin, Catapang and Iriberri who took only a few months to abandon the SBMS that was negotiated for two years between Israel and the Philippines.

“There’s definitely something fishy going on here, and Congress should investigate. Just recently, the Aquino administration declared with much fanfare that it considered external threats to the country more important than internal security concerns, such as the communist and Moro insurgencies. Hence, it made the acquisition of external defense capabilities a priority of the AFP Modernization Program,” Tinio said.

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Army spokesman, said the SBMS project was not scrapped.

“It was only moved to the second horizon (of the AFP Modernization Program). It was not scrapped,” explained Detoyato.

Soldiers’ best interest

Iriberi said the decision was for the best interest of the 85,000-strong command and its soldiers.

The decision to set aside the missile defense system, he said, involved national security concerns like the Army’s capability gaps.

“We cannot discuss matters pertaining to capability gaps of the Philippine Army as these are classified information involving national security,” Iriberri said in a text message to defense reporters.

“We want to assure our people that whatever actions the PA had undertaken on the matter are all for the best interest of your Army and for the welfare of our soldiers,” he added.

It was Iriberri who supposedly recommended the change which was conveyed by Catapang to Gazmin and approved in principle by Aquino.

Supported by generals

Top military officials, who asked not to be identified, said Iriberri’s move was supported by the generals, citing the pressing need for force protection equipment on the ground.

“Our troops are falling victims to land mine attacks, the use of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) is now prevalent. We need to protect our soldiers from these dastardly acts by enemies of the state,” said an Army battalion commander.

“The use of IEDs is now prevalent in the field. All armed threat groups—the NPA (New People’s Army), ASG (Abu Sayyaf group) and even the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) have access to this type of explosives,” he added.

Another officer said that even if the Army pushed through with the missile defense system, it was capable at this time to operate it. In addition, the missile system would not ease the tension with China in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.

No war with China

“We will not really go to war with China,” another official said.

He said China would never stop its aggressive reclamation in the South China Sea should the Philippines and neighboring countries acquire similar missile weapons system.

Iriberri brushed aside allegations of “kickbacks” from the new projects.

“On the allegation of ‘commission,’ those are pure lies,” Iriberri said. “As I said, whatever actions the PA had undertaken on the matter are all for the best interest of your Army and for the welfare of our soldiers.”

The report was perceived by other senior military officers as a demolition job against Iriberri who, according to sources, is being groomed to replace Catapang who will leave the service when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 10.

Iriberri is Gazmin’s former senior military aide.

Read More: Philippine Daily Inquirer

DND wants ‘partial’ termination of chopper deal with US firm

THE Department of National Defense wants its P1.2 billion chopper deal with an American firm be “partially terminated.”

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a letter addressed to Robert Rice of the Rice Aircraft Services and Eagle Copters dated March 25 that the company failed to deliver the units on time.

Only eight of 21 units of UH-1 choppers have been delivered and accepted by the Philippine Air Force.

“You have delivered the UH-1 units in tranches and as of the date of this Notice only eight out of the 21 helicopters including 21 sets of gun mounts has been accepted the TIAC,” the letter read.

“The contract price in the amount of P1.263 billion shall be partially terminated for exceeding the ten percent maximum liquidated damages,” it also said.

“The 10 percent maximum liquidated damages was reached on Jan. 31.  You failed to comply with the agreed schedule of requirement of the contract agreement which provides that the delivery should be within 180 calendar days upon opening of the letter of credit. The letter of credit was opened in March 27 2014 and the deadline for delivery for contract is on September 21 2014,” the letter also said.

The American firm was also asked to submit a verified position paper why the contract should not be terminated with seven days upon receipt.

“Failure  to show cause within the provided period, either by inaction or by default, shall cause the issuance of an order terminating the contract,” the letter read.

In his State of the Nation Address in 2012, President Benigno Aquino III mentioned that 21 choppers were being acquired to boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force. AC

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/120050/dnd-wants-partial-termination-of-chopper-deal-with-us-firm/#ixzz3Vt2Odeia 

Philippine Navy allots P25M for consultant

The Navy will spend P25-million for the services of a consultant for its multi-billion ship acquisition project.
 
Commodore Ronald Mercado of the Navy technical working group said the consultant would complement their expertise on the ships' design and capabilities.

"The consultant will provide us the technical expertise and the knowledge," Mercado told reporters in an interview Monday.

The Defense department has allowed the Navy to tap a consultant for the project, which seeks to improve the country's territorial defense capabilities.

The goverment is spending P18 billion to buy two Navy frigates as part of the military's upgrade efforts.

The bidding process for the project started late last year.

The consultant for the project will be chosen through negotiations. Mercado said they are looking for a consultant in the region with proven expertise and track record.

"We need to have it (consultant) within next month," he said.

The budget for the consultant will be charged from the Armed Forces Modernization Fund.
Earlier, THE STAR reported that four companies have been declared eligible to proceed to the next phase of the bidding for the P18-billion project.

The eligible bidders are Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc.

The four firms passed the first stage of the bidding, which involved the inspection of company eligibility documents.

Three other companies joined the bidding but the Defense department declared their documents to be deficient. The three disqualified firms are now asking the agency to reconsider its decision and to declare them as eligible bidders.

The three bidders that filed motions for reconsideration were Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, STX France SA and Thyssenkrupp Marine System.

The Navy will nevertheless review the offers of the four eligible fims while the Defense department deliberates on the appeal of the disqualified bidders.

Mercado said they would conduct workshops in Cavite next month to assess the technical features of the ships being offered. The Navy technical working group will allot five days to each bid submitted.

Mercado said they would allot another three weeks for assessments in the event that the Defense department reverses its decision on the three disqualified firms. 

The second phase of the bidding will involve the opening of financial documents to determine who among the bidders is offering the lowest price.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

DND to probe accidents of Spanish firm's planes

The Defense department on Monday vowed to look into the accidents involving the aircraft being offered by a Spanish firm to the Air Force.
 
The company, EADS/CASA - Airbus Military, was declared the only eligible bidder for the supply of three new medium lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3-billion. It offered to supply C-295 planes for P5.29-billion during the bidding for the project held this month.

The said aircraft model, however, figured in recent controversies that raised doubts on its quality. These include the 2008 crash which claimed the lives of 20 persons in Poland and the decision of the Czech military to return faulty C-295 planes to EADS/CASA.

Defense officials, however, said the plane’s quality will be scrutinized when they conduct the post-qualification phase.

“At present, we cannot offer any conclusion but we will continue to verify the accidents involving the C-295 during the post qualification phase,” Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said.

The post-qualification phase allows defense officials to determine whether the planes being offered by EADS/CASA are compliant with the standards they set.

Velez cited reports stating that the 2008 air mishap was caused by human error and not due to the plane’s quality.

EADS/CASA claimed that the Polish Air Force acquired five more C-295 planes four years after the crash but this would be verified by defense officials.

The post-qualification phase for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft has been slated for next month in Spain.

The Airbus website described the C-295 planes as “the most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.” The air assets is said to be capable of carrying up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt or 480 km/h.

Meanwhile, the Defense department rejected an appeal by an Indonesian firm for it to be declared as an eligible bidder for the project.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia joined the bidding for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft but was disqualified due to its failure to meet some requirements.

The company filed for a motion for reconsideration but this was rejected yesterday by the Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 (SBAC-1).

The SBAC-1 said PT Dirgantara’s plane was not compliant with the technical specifications provided by the bid documents.

The company’s aircraft can only carry 34 paratroopers, lower than the 40 set by the Defense department. The bid documents also required that the aircraft should have a payload of 11,000 lbs. at 950 nautical miles but PT Dirgantara’s plane can only carry 10,120 lbs.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Department of National Defense bidding for upgrade of Navy patrol ship fails

The bidding for the upgrade of the Navy’s patrol ship BRP Artemio Ricarte failed as the lone bidder for the project failed to meet some documentary requirements.
 
The STAR learned that Keppel Marine Philippines Inc., the only firm that submitted a bid, was declared ineligible during the bidding for the P216-million project held early this month.
The Defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) found a deficiency in one of the documents submitted by the company.

Under the rules, a company should satisfy all documentary requirements to be declared an eligible bidder.

The documents for the upgrade project have been returned to the Navy for a mandatory review. End-users of the projects conduct reviews after failed biddings to determine if some adjustments should be made.

The BAC will likely hold another round of bidding for the project, which aims to boost the Navy’s maritime security capabilities.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippine Air Force to acquire 3 modern flight simulators for P246-M

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is acquiring three modern flight simulators for P246.4 million to help pilots operate efficiently the soon-to-be-delivered T-50 fighter jets from South Korea.
 
The Department of National Defense (DND) said it is bidding out the project designed to enhance the operational capability of the PAF.

“This will allow pilots an almost full sensory experience that can aid improving flight instruction, enhancing proficiency, minimizing risks associated with emergency procedures training, reducing accidents, filling up downtimes, and saving on aircraft operational and maintenance costs,” Defense Undersecretary Efren Fernandez, chair of the Bids and Award Committee for the project, said.

“The DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines now invite bids from eligible bidders for the Full Motion Flight Simulator Acquisition Project. Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 600 calendar days from the opening of the Letter of Credit (LC),” Fernandez said.

Sources said the government is set to acquire more fighter jets from other countries.

Prior to the opening of the bid for the simulator project on Feb. 10, a pre-bid conference will be held on Jan. 27 at the DND BAC Conference Room at Camp Aguinaldo.

“The DND and the AFP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders,” Fernandez said.

The defense department is also bidding out a P149-million contract for the construction of Air Force facilities in Tawi-Tawi and Palawan as part of the military’s upgrade of its maritime defense and rescue capabilities in the West Philippine Sea and Sulu Sea.

The DND has also signed an P888-million contract with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems Land and C41 for the acquisition of 28 armored infantry vehicles to boost the fighting capability of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army (PA).

Part of the project is retrofitting 24 of the army’s M113 armored personnel carriers with turrets from decommissioned Scorpion light reconnaissance tanks, transforming the M113s into fire support vehicles from merely “battle taxis.” Mounted on Scorpion’s turrets are 76mm cannon and 7.62mm machinegun.

The upgraded M113 fire support vehicle will also be equipped with a new fire control system and thermal imaging system.

Four of the M113s will have the capability of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) armed with 25mm automatic cannons. Six will be equipped with additional .50 caliber heavy machineguns.

The M113s will also get upgrades on their armor protection and amphibious capability.

The Israeli firm will throw in, for free, four M113 armored recovery and repair vehicles.

The Army expects to roll out the 28 combat vehicles by January 2015, said Defense Undersecretary Patrick Velez. At present, the Army is heavily dependent on 105mm and 155mm howitzers in providing fire support for troops battling Abu Sayyaf terrorists or communist rebels. 

Article Source: ABSCBN News

Philippine Navy confirms 2 more frigates to be acquired

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.

"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.

Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.

This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.

A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.

Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.

Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.

"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.

Article Source: PTV News

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

Spanish firm sole eligible bidder for P5.3B Philippine Air Force aircraft

A Spanish firm has been declared the only eligible bidder for the supply of three new Air Force medium lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3-billion.

EADS/CASA - Airbus Military was the sole bidder that met the Defense department’s technical and financial requirements during Monday's bidding in Camp Aguinaldo.

It offered to supply the aircraft for about  P5,289 billion, lower than the P5.3-billion approved budget for the project.

The Spanish company plans to deliver C-295 planes, which were described by the Airbus website as “the most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.” Airbus said the air assets can carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt or 480 km/h.

The C-295 plane manufactured by EADS/CASA landed on the news in previous years due to issues involving its quality.

Reports published in 2012 said the Czech military had returned the C-295 planes to EADS/CASA after they were found to be faulty. The same model figured in a 2008 crash in Poland that left 20 people dead.

Philippine defense officials, however, are expected to inspect the planes during the bidding’s post-qualification phase. The phase will allow the Defense department to validate the claims made by the bidder in its documents and to assess the quality of aircraft to be supplied.

The post-qualification phase is expected to begin within the month or after the SBAC-1 addresses the issues raised by Italian firm Alenia Aermacchi, one of the firms that expressed interest on the project. 

“Since the post qualification will be in Spain, it will probably take not less than one week to do the post qualification,” Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said.

Alenia Aermacchi has questioned the source of funding for the project as well as the supposed links between EADS/CASA - Airbus Military and the other bidder PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

Defense officials vowed to respond to the complaints of Alenia Aermacchi once they are filed formally.

Two companies submitted offers for the project, which is one of the big-ticket items in the military’s upgrade program.

The other bidder, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, was declared ineligible because its offer did not satisfy some technical specifications.

The Air Force technical working group said PT Dirgantara’s planes could only carry 34 troopers while the requirement states that it should be at least 40. The Indonesian firm’s offer is also not compliant with some payload requirements.

Part of EADS/CASA’s bid is a P795.87 million worth of integrated logistics, which include training and spare parts.

If EADS/CASA - Airbus Military satisfies the post-qualification requirements, it will be declared the winning bidder.

Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said the first of the three planes may be delivered in the latter part of the year. The Air Force may receive the remaining two aircraft within eight months after the initial delivery.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Plans to supplant ISAFP under study

The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to create a new intelligence agency which will eventually replace the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

This was revealed by ISAFP head Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año who said that the proposal is still undergoing study as the planning guidance issued by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin aims to create a bigger intelligence organization.

He also dismissed talks that ISAFP will be abolished.

"It's just that the intelligence unit of the AFP will be part now of the whole defense department," he further said, noting that the new spy agency will be like that of the US Defense Intelligence Agency.

Año pointed out that nothing is final as of the moment as the plan is still undergoing review.


"Not within 2014, probably that will be (by) 2015... But of course, we are always trying to change the organization for the better, it's the dynamics of the organization," he said.

Article Source: PNA

Philippine military to triple size of anti-terrorist unit

The Philippine government is to triple the size of a special forces military unit that operates against Islamist militants responsible for deadly bombings and kidnappings of Westerners, officials said Tuesday.

The Light Reaction Battalion is to be built up to regiment size, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Noel Coballes said, an increase from about 500 soldiers to as many as 1,500.

"We have seen how effective they are, so we are strengthening the unit in terms of anti-terrorism. From a battalion we'll increase it to a regiment," he said.

The unit is fighting the Abu Sayyaf, a group of several hundred Islamist militants who are behind the country's deadliest attacks as well as kidnappings of Western targets.

Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the battalion had taken substantial casualties during a three-week battle against gunmen in the southern port of Zamboanga in September last year.

The gunmen are followers of former rebel leader Nur Misuari, who went into hiding as hundreds of his men infiltrated Zamboanga to oppose a proposed peace treaty between the Philippine government and a rival Muslim guerrilla faction.

The fighting left more than 240 people dead and displaced about 116,000 people as entire districts of the city of nearly a million people went up in flames.

"As you have seen, we lost a number of our men in the Zamboanga incident, which led to a shortage that needed to be addressed," Gazmin said.

Neither official gave a timetable, but Armed Forces spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala said the unit would be bulked up within the year.

"Based on what happened in Zamboanga, our military leadership saw a need to increase the strength of the Light Reaction Battalion to be able to address contingencies anywhere in the country," Zagala told AFP.

The United States has trained and equipped the battalion since 2002, to help its Asian ally fight the Islamist militants in the south of the mainly Catholic nation.

Article Source: InterAksyon

Php18.9-B FA-50 trainer jet project hangs; DND pitches counter offer to Koreans

The project to procure 12 units of Korean trainer jets worth a total P18.9 billion for the Philippine Air Force continues to hang over issues of downpayment and after-sales service turnaround, but the Department of National Defense, which recommended a counter-offer, remains confident the deal will push through.   

Apparently, sources said, President Benigno Aquino III himself seemed not keen on signing the contract owing to the hurdles that cropped up in DND negotiations with manufacturer Korean Aerospace Incorporation (KAI) for the sale of the 12 FA-50s.

Among the key issues, as identified earlier by Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, is the 52 percent “advance payment” sought by KAI before it starts production. Republic Act 9184 only allows 15-percent advance payment.

Manalo is head for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel of the DND.

The second major issues revolves around KAI’s reluctance to accept the Philippine government’s terms for it to deliver spare parts within 30 to 45 days upon receipt of notice.

“The turnaround time, our standard turnaround time is between 30 and 45 days upon receipt of the notice of the proponent, and that the warranty is still valid. They have to deliver the spare parts so we can immediately replace the defective spare parts. I think the warranty is two years or 600 hours, whichever comes first,” said Manalo. He explained that the dispute stems from KAI’s insistence on a 180-day turnaround, which DND deems too long. 

The issues notwithstanding, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is optimistic negotiations can still proceed. At Tuesday’s joint DND-Armed Forces New Year Call at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Gazmin said the department recommended a counteroffer to KAI, which they are asking Malacanang Palace to clear.

“Nag-submit na kami ng recommendation to the President for his approval…Ang recommendation nito [We submitted our recommendation to the President for his approval. The recommendation] is progressive billing,” he said.

Should the project push through, delivery of the first batch of the units is targeted in 2015. This means delivery will only be completed after President Aquino’s term ends. 

Military insiders earlier expressed doubts over the wisdom of the FA-50 negotiations, saying among others that the jet platform is not what the country needs for territorial defense. “Painfully, the much touted FA-50 Lead-In Fighter has revealed itself to be newly designed short-range trainer aircraft with recent certifications for only very basic weapons; in effect, just enough rhetoric to label it a Lead-In Fighter, as opposed to its true form, an Advanced Jet Trainer with limited weapons,” one source said.

Another source had another track: “As FA-50 negotiations continue and the request for a P10-billion down payment looms, the DND should look towards its counterparts in Brazil, where the Super Tucano is manufactured.  After a long number of years of extensive research, study, and consideration, Brazil has just announced its choice for its next Multi-Role Fighter aircraft,” he said. 

Compared to the Super Tucano, the source added, “the FA-50’s combat capability is disappointing. 

The propeller-driven Super Tucano can travel further, stay on patrol longer, and is a combat-proven aircraft with a myriad of advanced weapons, superior to the weapons of the FA-50.  Although not a Multi-Role Fighter, the Super Tucano’s combat abilities quite embarrass those of the FA-50.” 

Article Source: InterAksyon

DND may spend P4.5 B for fighter jet munitions

The Department of National Defense is planning to spend about P4.5 billion to arm the 12 lead-in fighter trainer jets it is seeking to acquire from South Korea.

Defense department data show that the munitions for the fighter jets are not included in the aircraft acquisition program under the revised Armed Forces modernization law.

The acquisition of munitions for the fighter jets will be divided into four phases – P4.33 billion for the first two and P139 million for the other two.

Details of the items to be installed in the jets were not immediately available. Previous reports, however, said the aircraft being eyed can be armed with precision guided bombs and air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.

The defense department said the munitions may be acquired either through negotiated or public bidding.

The mode of procurement depends on the availability of the items in the market. Military equipment being offered by several suppliers are normally acquired through public bidding, while specialized ones are usually acquired through negotiations.

The government aims to shell out P18.9 billion to acquire 12 FA-50 jets from South Korea to improve the country’s territorial defense capabilities.

Security officials are now negotiating with South Korean firm Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the project.

The government also aims to spend P135.99 million for the basing support systems for the fighter jets.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the delivery of the jets may start in June 2015.

The defense department had asked Malacañang to allow the release of a 52-percent down payment to KAI.

The law permits state agencies to pay 15- percent down payment to suppliers while the rest of the amount would be paid upon delivery of the goods.

KAI wants the Philippines to pay 52- percent down payment to cover the aircraft manufacturing costs. Such payment scheme would require the approval of President Aquino.

The acquisition of FA-50 jets is one of the big ticket items in the military’s multibillion-peso upgrade program.

Article Link

Philippine Army to get more bigger, powerful guns -- DND

In a bid to further improve the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Philippine Army, the Department of National Defense has announced that it is acquiring more potent weaponry for the service in the coming months.

One of these weapons is a shore-based missile system worth P6.5 billion that could include 12 launchers, trailers and tracking systems and missiles that could be fired to hit ground and naval targets.

Patrick Velez, DND vice chair for the bids and awards committee, said once acquired, the weaponry will be placed under the control and supervision of the Army.

The acquisition of the shore-based missiles will be carried out through “limited source bidding."

Velez defines limited source bidding as a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for a project.No other details were given for security reasons.

Another weapon system in the process of acquisition for the Army are 12 units of towed 155mm howitzers for P438,620,000. This includes 240 rounds of 155mm HE (high explosive) and integrated logistic support.

More of the article here

PNoy signs law boosting gov't arsenal with P75B

CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, March 8 (PIA) -- Top officials in Bataan have expressed high hopes on getting beefier national security and economic development after President Aquino signed a law that will provide P75 billion to upgrade the armed forces, benefiting the government arsenal located in the province. 

Republic Act No. 10349 or the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program seeks to develop the army into a multi-mission-oriented force capable of effectively addressing internal and external security threats. 

It has a budget of P75 billion for the first five years of implementation that includes the procurement of major weapon and non-weapon equipment and technology, and the construction of needed major infrastructures. 

Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia said the law was a “landmark legislation” that was consolidated from his original House Bill No. 76 which sought to modernize the Government Arsenal, the country’s maker of basic weaponry and ammunition, located in Limay town. 

“I filed this bill as early as the 14th Congress precisely to rehabilitate our 370-hectare Government Arsenal in Lamao, Limay, Bataan which, to date, remains under-utilized and unproductive,” said Garcia. 

He said that only four types of ammunition are produced in the defense estate: the 7.62mm M80, 5.56mm M193, Cal .45 M1911, and 9mm Parabellum. 

“There is a need to upgrade the capability of the Government Arsenal to produce not only small arms ammunition but also higher caliber ammunition such as 40 cal., and even mortars and other crew-served weapons ammunition,” Garcia said. 

Also, the development of the land is projected to create more jobs for residents of Bataan and become a catalyst for economic activity, he added. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) which also gets munitions from the arsenal were elated over the law which a top local official said will be integral in sustaining national security and public safety.

“If we will be self-sufficient with ammunition and equipment, the police and soldiers will no longer get from other manufacturers. Kudos to Abet for pushing this law,” said PNP-Bataan Director Ricardo Zapata Jr., referring to the lawmaker
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Jose Mari Garcia | Philippine Information Agency | March 8, 2013 |  Article Link

South Korean defense manufacturer signifies interest to provide DND's frigate requirements

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- A South Korean defense manufacturer is now talking with the Department of National Defense (DND) regarding its requirements for two brand new frigates.

A DND observer said that the company is offering the Philippines varieties of the "Incheon" class frigates.

"Some initial talks are now being held and hopefully, the company will get a chance to bid for our frigate requirements," he stressed.

He also pointed out that talks with the South Korean defense manufacturer came about when the DND decided to not go ahead with the planned purchase of the Italian "Maestrale" frigates due to questions of cost and hull aging.

The "Incheon" are coastal defense frigates of the Republic of Korea Navy with its lead ship launched on April 29, 2011.

The "Incheon" class frigates will replace the aging fleet of "Pohang" class corvettes and "Ulsan" class frigates, and take over multi-role operations such as coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport support.

Later batches are planned to be specialized on anti-air and anti-submarine warfare.

"Incheon" class frigates are armed with the 127mm/L62 Mk. 45 Mod 4 naval gun.

Point-defense armaments include a single 20 mm Phalanx CIWS and a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile Block 1 21-round launcher.

Anti-Submarine Warfare armaments consists of K745 LW Cheong Sahng-uh (Blue Shark) torpedoes.

Its anti-ship capability is provided by 16 SSM-700K Hae Sung (Sea Star) long-range anti-ship missile, each with performance similar to the US Harpoon while land-attack capability is provided by the recently-developed Hyunmoo IIIC (Guardian of the Northern Sky) cruise missile, which is similar to the US Tomahawk.

It has a length of 374 feet, speed of 30 knots, capable of carrying a naval helicopter and a complement of 140 officers and men.

"Incheon" frigates weigh around 3,000 tons and has cruising range of 5,000 miles. 

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Priam F. Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency | March 2, 2013 | Article Link