Hyundai selects SMASH 30 mm naval gun system for Philippine Navy frigates [old news]

Hyundai selects Turkish 30 mm naval gun system for Philippine Navy frigates

The Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) new frigates will be equipped with the SMASH 30 mm remote controlled stabilized naval gun system from Turkish defence systems provider, Aselsan, an official from the company confirmed with Jane’s on 20 November.

A mock-up of Aselsan's SMASH 30 mm remote controlled naval gun system on display at LIMA 2017 in Langkawi. (IHS Markit/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Each frigate will be equipped with one SMASH 30 mm system as a secondary weapon, and the system will be fully integrated with the platform’s combat management system (CMS), said the official. Jane’s understands that the weapon will be situated in the platform’s stern section, facing its flight deck.


South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) won a contract in 2016 to supply the PN with two 2,600-tonne frigates that derive its design from the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) Incheon (FFX-I) class. Besides the 30 mm gun system, the warship is also expected to be equipped with an eight-cell vertical launching system (VLS) installed at the forward section, and a 76 mm naval gun.

According to specifications provided by Aselsan, the SMASH system is fitted with a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster-II cannon that can fire up to 200 rounds/minute, and can be operated either via an operator console or in automatic tracking mode.

The system can be equipped with an electro-optic sight package containing a thermal camera, a video camera, and laser range finder, and also operate in surveillance mode to improve the platform’s situational awareness. The turret can be fed via two separate ammunition stowage lines.

Article source: Janes.com

Duterte visits Pakistan navy ship docked in Manila - CNN Philippines

 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte toured a Pakistani naval ship Thursday and extended an open invitation to its crew to visit the country any time.

The Navy Ship SAIF, one of the four F-22P or Zulfiguar-class frigates of Pakistan, is on a three-day goodwill visit. It will stay in the country until December 17.

For more about the CNN Philippines article.

According to the Naval Technology website:

The F-22P or Zulfiquar (English: Sword) class frigate is a 2,500t multi-mission, conventionally powered frigate built for the Pakistan Navy. Design and construction of the F-22P started after a $750m deal was signed in 2005 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC).

It is equipped with a 76.2mm main gun, an 8 round FM-90 Surface-to-Air Missile, C-802/CSS N-8 Surface-to-Surface Missile in 2 containers each containing 4 missiles, 2 Type-730B 30mm Close-in Weapon System, and 2 Triple ET-52C Torpedo Tubes.

F-22P's 76.2mm main gun.

The F-22P has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and has a speed of 20kt.

C-802/CSS N-8 Surface-to-Surface Missile in 2 containers each containing 4 missiles

8 round FM-90 Surface-to-Air Missile

For more about the F-22P or Zulfiquar.

*Images owned by their respective owners.

2 frigates undergoing bidding to be the most capable in the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy said on Wednesday the two frigates, now undergoing bidding at the Department of National Defense, will be the most capable vessels in its inventory.

PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the two vessels, which have a contract of P18 billion, will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

Once the bidding process is completed within this year, the two frigates are expected to be delivered by 2017.

"The frigates (now undergoing bidding) will be the most capable vessels in the PN inventory once constructed and commissioned into service," Fabic said.

At the moment, the two most capable ships in the PN are the two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates acquired from the United States Coast Guard.

These vessels are armed with 76mm Oto Melara auto-cannon, a variety of light weapons and capable of handling, launching, and maintaining a helicopter, in this case the three brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, and capable of speeds up to 29 knots.

Some technical specifications of the DND's P18-billion frigate program have been revealed by MaxDefense: Philippines, a blogsite for Philippine defense-related matters.

This includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW).

Aside from this, these naval vessels should be able to do extended maritime patrol with an embarked helicopter and operating up to Sea State 6.

It must also have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, endurance of 30 days in tropical condition, and capable of running up to 25 knots of continuous speed.

Navigation equipment of the two ships, at a minimum, must consist of two navigation radars, GPS, depth sounding set, and vessel tracking system compatible to PN's existing system.


The frigates' weapon system, at a minimum, should consist of a 76-mm gun, stabilized secondary gun, four .50-caliber machine guns, surface-to-surface missile launchers, surface-to-air missile launching system, and anti-submarine torpedoes. 

Article Source: PNA

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

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

Philippine Military to acquire 2 more ships

The Philippines is planning to acquire two more ships to boost the maritime security capabilities of its military, one of the most poorly-equipped in the region.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista told the ABS-CBN News Channel Wednesday that the military needs to purchase about six naval vessels.
            
“Ideally we need about six (ships)… That’s part of the plan. In fact we are (conducting) bidding for two frigates so we will acquire them in a couple of years,” the military chief said.

“We realized that there is a real threat out there in terms of securing, defending our territory. We need to be very conscious about that," he added.

The Philippines has acquired two frigates from the United States (US) namely the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which arrived in the country in 2011 and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which became part of the Navy inventory last year. The two ships are part of Washington’s excess defense articles program and are now patrolling the country’s territorial waters. 

The bidding for two more ships worth P18 billion is underway. The STAR earlier reported that at least four companies have qualified to enter the next stage of the bidding.

These companies 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 second stage of the bidding will involve the opening of financial proposals and technical documents. This phase will determine if the bidders’ offers are within the approved budget of P18 billion and if their ships comply with the specifications provided in the bid documents.

Security officials will soon thresh out details of the acquisition of two other vessels. 

Bautista, however, said other maritime security equipment will be purchased through the $40-million military aid announced by US State Secretary John Kerry when he visited the Philippines last month.

He said among the items to be prioritized are radars, maritime patrol aircraft and patrol ships.

The US assistance aims to improve the Philippines’ maritime security and domain awareness amid recent aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The grant will be spent over three years and will be under the US Global Security Contingency Fund.

“We are upgrading our capabilities to address all our mandates, internal security, defending our territory, and also helping in disaster relief and rescue operations,” Bautista said.

A total of P41.2-billion worth of military upgrade projects have been completed and awarded during the first three years of the Aquino administration, according to the Defense department.

The amount represents 36 projects that were spread out to the Armed Forces General Headquarters, the Government Arsenal and the three major services namely the Army, the Air Force and the Navy.

A total of 16 Navy projects worth P5.3-billion have been completed including the acquisition of frigates BRP Alcaraz and BRP del Pilar and three naval helicopters worth P1.34-billion.

The Navy is expecting the delivery of P6.4-billion worth of equipment including the strategic sealift vessels, additional naval helicopters and amphibious vehicles.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippines seeks more US navy ships amid China threat

The Philippines wants to acquire two more navy ships from the United States to boost its maritime protection amid threats from China, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista said Wednesday.

The new acquisitions would come under the fresh US military assistance announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry when he visited the Philippines last month, Bautista said.

“Within the last year, we realised that there is a real threat out there in terms of securing, defending our territory,” Bautista told ANC television.

He said that ideally the country needed about six more frigates to guard its long coastline effectively.

“In fact, we are bidding now for two frigates, hopefully we will be able to acquire them in (a) couple of years,” Bautista said.

He said he has made “maritime domain awareness” and protection a key concern of his leadership.

The funds used to boost maritime defense, he said, would come from the $40 million military assistance pledged by Kerry in December.

The Philippines has already acquired two refurbished American frigates in the past two years, and they now lead patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

Article Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer