Philippines Eyes Wheeled and Tracked AFVs

The Philippine Army told Shephard Media as far back as 2014 that it harboured ambitions to procure main battle tanks within the 2020-28 period. However, a more realistic and immediate plan is to acquire lighter AFVs.

Thus, the army’s Horizon 2 procurement plan proposal (covering 2018-22) features light tanks with a budget allocation of PHP9.484 billion ($185 million). A total of 44 units are needed to equip three tank companies of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) of the Philippine Army, which is based at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac.

However, following the bloody urban combat in Marawi last year, Shephard understands that the desire for tracked tanks has been eclipsed by a requirement for wheeled armoured vehicles. Two types are being eyed: a tank destroyer armed with a 105mm gun, and a vehicle armed with a 30mm gun in an unmanned turret. Ideally, both vehicles would share a common 8×8 platform.

The Philippine-based MaxDefense blogsite explained that options for a wheeled tank destroyer from Europe, South Korea and Turkey are currently being considered.The requirement for a wheeled vehicle was made explicit when Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed last August that the army was interested in armoured vehicles weighing less than 20t.

If funds do not permit a 30mm gun, the army might have to settle for a 6×6 hull carrying an RWS armed with a 12.7mm machine gun.

Whichever company is selected for the wheeled requirement would find itself in pole position to supply the extant requirement for light tanks as well. Specifications have not been finalised by the army’s technical working group yet, but the preference is for a diesel-powered, tracked vehicle weighing less than 35t and armed with a 105mm gun.

Companies are already making proposals to the army.

Therefore, of the 44 AFVs required and funded, the army will probably opt for a mix of wheeled and tracked vehicles. MaxDefense believes the procurement process ‘may start late this year or early next year’.

Three TC-90s being transferred to Philippines in late March

Japan is preparing to transfer another three TC-90s to Philippines in the third week of March, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong Monday disclosed.

Philippines cancels order for 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the cancellation of a $233.36 million deal to buy 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters from Canada.

Design Review Finalized for Philippine Coast Guard Patrol Vessels

A design review for two new multi-role response vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been finalized, ramping up its patrol vessels fit for maritime law enforcement and security.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently handed over to the Department of Transportation (DOTR) the final report of the design review of the new 94-meter patrol vessels under the JICA-Philippine cooperation Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II for the Coast Guard.

With the design review, the transportation department can now conclude the bid documents for the construction of the additional vessels, a component of the 16.455 billion yen Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from Japan.

“JICA has been supporting the PCG for the past decades and we’re looking forward to the completion of this assistance to ramp up design of the patrol vessels the PCG can use for maritime law enforcement and security,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

Under the project’s first phase, JICA has already provided six of the 10 middle-sized MRRVs and are now deployed in Philippine sea waters.

The recent one, BRP Malabrigo, succeeded in the rescue mission in Zamboanga when a passenger vessel encountered engine trouble this month.

The cooperation between JICA and the Philippines for maritime safety is meant to address rising maritime accidents due to the increase in passenger volume, aging vessels, and natural disasters, JICA said in a statement.

Under the project, training for PCG personnel on vessel operation and maintenance in Japan and in the Philippines will also be conducted.

Philippine troops in the ruins Malawi of the city

Hand to hand combat in urban environment of Malawi

Follow A New Force Hunting For Islamic Terrorists In The Philippines

Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps Getting 345 New Korean Military Trucks

The Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps will be getting new troop carriers after the Department of National Defense (DND) entered into government-to-government contract for the supply of Kia military trucks. The DND released to Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Notice to Proceed in October for the supply of 227 units of KM250 2 1/2 ton truck modified as troop carrier and 10 KM250 2 1/2 ton trucks modified as wrecker for a total contract price of PHP1.419821 billion. Above mentioned military trucks will be delivered to Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, with great portion going to army.Kia KM-450 1,25 ton truck (photo: Kia)

Another Notice to Proceed was released to KOTRA for the supply of 108 KM450 1 1/4 ton trucks modified as troop carrier for Philippine Marine Corps for a total contract price of PHP313. 956 million. This government-to-government deal, signed in October, is between DND, KOTRA - trade and investment promotion organization operated by the government of South Korea, and Kia Motors Corporation as supplier.

Russia Providing PH with AK-103s

The Russian government is expected to turn over 5000 units of Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-103 with a million ammunition on October 25.

Official announcement or confirmation is yet to be made but reliable sources say that Russia will be providing the AK-103 model of Kalashnikov rifle.

AK-103 uses the 7.62×39mm round. It can be fitted with night vision or telescopic sights, and a knife-bayonet or grenade launcher.

It was previously expected that Russia will provide the AK-101 which uses the 5.56×45mm NATO round.

Assault rifles in Philippine military service uses 5.56×45mm NATO round. Department of National Defense – Government Arsenal is also producing the NATO round.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced last week that Russia will be donating 5000 Kalashnikov rifles without providing specific model.

These Russian rifle and ammunition together with 20 military truck will be formally turned over on October 25.

Sharpeye Radar System for Philippine Navy

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have contracted Kelvin Hughes to supply I Band and E/F Band SharpEye™ radars.

The Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) was awarded to HHI in October 2016 to build two 2,600 ton frigates for hand over starting in 2020. Kelvin Hughes has announced it is to supply HHI two SharpEye™ navigation radars along with multifunction bridge radar displays for the Philippine Navy FAP.

This follows the announcement by Kelvin Hughes in September that HHI contracted the company to supply the Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS) for The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) Vessel.

The new naval vessels for the Philippine Navy are expected to have enhanced survivability, seakeeping and manoeuvring capability and be operable in up to Sea State 5 and also have stealth characteristics. The vessels (hull numbers P159 and P160) will be further complemented by the low Radar Cross Section (RCS) design of the upmast SharpEye™ radar sensor carbon fibre housing and antenna turning unit. What’s more the reduced probability of intercept by ESM equipment characteristic inherent from the SharpEye™’s 300W low power output further aligns to the requirements derived from the HHI HDF-3000 frigate design.


SharpEye Naval Radar

With its solid-state technology, SharpEye™ radar systems deliver an advanced pulse-compressed Doppler navigation and situational awareness capability that can provide early warning not only of the presence of larger vessels but also small targets and asymmetric threats with a low RCS such as RHIBs, small wooden boats, USVs and jet skis. Operating in I and E/F Band, the new radar will enable the ships to distinguish between genuine targets and environmental clutter even in the most adverse weather conditions.

PH Marine Corps Plans to Get 87 Tactical Combat Vehicles

The Philippine Navy is planning to procure 87 new Armored Tactical Combat Vehicles for the Philippine Marine Corps in 2018 as part of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Second Horizon.

Second Horizon of the ongoing military modernization will start next year and will end 2022. The First Horizon is now on its final year.

According to MaxDefense Philippines, the Navy is allocating PHP2.610 billion for the acquisition of 87 new Armored Tactical Combat Vehicles.

“No specifications has been provided yet, but based on the budget alone we can assume that its a wheeled armored vehicle smaller than the Simba, but definitely larger than an armored Humvee or KIA Light Tactical Vehicle,” MaxDefense said.

MaxDefense added that the procurement of said vehicles may have born out of experience from fighting in Marawi City which mainly required urban warfare operations.

However, MaxDefense noted that “AFP’s procurement plans are so liquid that it keeps on changing.”

Philippine Coast Guard Set to Receive 4 More Japan-Made Patrol Vessels

The Philippine Coast Guard is set to receive four more Japan-made Parola-class Multi-role Response Vessels (MRRV).This is after BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), the sixth patrol vessel in class, arrived at the Headquarters Coast Guard Ready Force Pier 13 in Manila on October 11.

The Philippine government has a contract with Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) under PCG’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase I, funded by JICA ODA loan, for the construction and delivery of 10 44-meter MRRVs.
These vessels are named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote their significance as one of the navigational aids in the maritime industry.

Deliveries started in August 2016 followed by deliveries approximately every quarter until completion of 10 units in 2018, as stipulated in contract.

Philippines’ fight against ISIS has left 1,000s with no place to go

Battle for Marawi: Philippines’ fight against ISIS has left 1,000s with no place to go https://t.co/1UxSpylN8z pic.twitter.com/jl7Hl8ze7g

— RT_Documentary (@RT_Doc) August 30, 2017

Philippine Air Force Personnel Train in US Air Base in Japan

A group of aircraft maintenance students from the Philippine Air Force and the USAF work together to remove the turbine from a C-130H Hercules training engine during an aircraft maintenance course on August 23, 2017, at Yokota AB. The course is the first bilateral Philippine U.S. Air Force aircraft maintenance class to be taught at Yokota by the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 15. (photos : USAF)

Learning Together – Philippine & U.S. Air Forces

Different uniforms, different languages, it made no difference as members of the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Air Force learned how to tear down and build up a C-130H Hercules engine during a training course conducted by the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 15.

Recently, the first class consisting of students from the Philippine and U.S. Air Force C-130H maintainers was conducted at the 374th Propulsion Flight hanger at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The advanced training for C-130H Hercules maintainers in the Endo-Asia Pacific Region is done by a few members of the 373 TRS Det. 15. The instructors who teach the classes have different specialties in areas such as propulsion mechanics, avionics and electronics.

“This is the first time we have taught this class with students from the Philippine Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angelica Ponce, 373 TRS Det. 15 aerospace propulsion instructor. “Aside from the different uniforms in the seats the class is no different.”

The course is an intermediate maintenance course where students learn how to take apart main engine components and put them back together.

“This is very important because we can get some new ideas with regards to the matters of the build of up of the engine,” said Philippine Air Force Technical Sgt. Eulogio Arong, 220th Airlift Wing maintenance specialist. “It’s quite different from our country so it is good to learn how other military’s complete their mission, and we can strengthen our relationship.”

According to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jacob Carmen, 373 TRS Det. 15 flight chief, a large part of the responsibility the U.S. Pacific Air Forces is to build and maintain a working relationship with the nations in the Pacific Region. This training strengthens bilateral relationships and interoperability between the two forces and sets a foundation for future engagements.

“The best part of this experience is seeing the students work together as a team,” said Ponce. “They work well together, and its great seeing them bond.”

For the students in the course it’s a unique experience.

“I’ve never worked side-by-side with anyone from a different country that’s also in the military. I think it’s awesome to have them here learning and it’s a good relationship builder between our two countries militaries.” said U.S. Airman 1st Class Foster Griffith, 374th Maintenance Squadron, aerospace propulsion apprentice and student. “I think it’s a really cool opportunity and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

The Philippine Air Force students, have learned how to work on the C-130H engine and the various practices used by U.S. Air Force maintainers to ensure minimal error and highest efficiency standards.

“We will be taking what we learn here, the skills, the equipment, the practices and the organization of the shop and giving our supervision recommendations on how we can better our shop back home,” Philippine Air Force Airman 1st Class Alvin General, 220th Airlift Wing maintenance specialist.

According to Carmen through the professionalism and respect between the students to accomplish their common goal, they will be able to build a foundation of cooperation and friendship.

U.S. to officially hand over TARS to Philippine Navy on Aug. 22

The Philippine Navy confirmed that a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) donated by the U.S. government will be officially handed over to the service on Aug. 22.

Bidding for Acquisition of 2 Patrol Aircraft for Department of National Defense (DND)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Fails, Again

The bidding for Department of National Defense (DND)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 2 Long-range Patrol (LRP) aircraft acquisition project under the First Horizon of Revised AFP Modernization failed during today’s Submission and Opening of Bid.

According to MaxDefense Philippines, PAL Aerospace of Canada, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) Indonesian Aerospace, and Elbit Systems of Israel were the only firms that submitted their bids – all of them were disqualified for different reasons.

It said that Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, Embraer, Saab, Boeing, Raytheon, Elta, and Field Aviation were present but did not join the bidding.

MaxDefense also noted that the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC), P5.976 billion, is a key factor.

“The weak PH Peso vs US Dollar/Euro convertion rate, plus escalations due to inflation and time-cost issues are also main issues, with the budget formulated several years ago, which is also a perido when the exchange rate was US$1 = Php45,” MaxDefense said.

This is the second time this acquisition project failed. The first was in August 2014 where 7 bidders including Saab Asia Pacific, L3 Mission Integratio, IAI Elta Systems, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian Aerospace), and Airbus were all declared ineligible.

PH Completes Inspection of Raytheon for FA-50’s Air-to-Air Missiles

The Philippine has completed post qualification inspections for Raytheon Missile Systems Co. last week in United States for Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT) Aircraft Munitions Acquisition Project Lot 1.

According to MaxDefense Philippines, Raytheon is in the running to supply AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft.

“If the results are positive, it won’t be long before a Notice of Award will be provided,” MaxDefense said.

MaxDefense added that air-to-air missiles being acquired are also for “future aircraft capable of carrying and firing the missiles.”

However, MaxDefense noted the decrease in Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) for the F/SA/LIFT Aircraft Munitions Acquisition Project Lot 1.


It noted that ABC was decreased to PHP 1.016 billion for unspecified number of AIM-9L/I-1 missiles including associated accessories and support, from PHP 2.636 billion for 312 missiles.

“Budget decrease was also made as the PAF opted to increase the budget to acquire AGM-65G Maverick missiles (Lot 2) instead, diverting almost half the original ABC for F/SAA/LIFT Munitioms Lot 1 to Lot 2,” MaxDefense said.

AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile (AGM) designed for close air support.

F/SA/LIFT Aircraft Munitions Acquisition Project is divided into several Lots. Lots 3 and 4 are for Countermeasures and 20mm Ammunition, respectively.

Philippine Army and Philippine Marines Now has Dozen 155mm Towed Howitzers from Israel

A dozen of Israeli Elbit-Soltam M-71 155mm/39CAL Towed howitzers are now with the Philippine Army and Philippine Marines, each service having 6, according to MaxDefense Philippines who has sources from the military and defense community.

“Based on information we received, the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps are now in possession of all their ordered M-71 155mm/39 towed howtizers delivered by Soltam through Elbit C4 and Land Systems, as part of the AFP Modernization Program under the old RA 7898 of 1995, not under any of the newer Horizon phase,” MaxDefense Philippines said today in its social networking page.

The Department of National Defense (DND)-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) initiated the project to acquire twelve 155mm Towed Howitzer with 240 rounds of high explosive ammunition including an integrated logistics support package early 2015 with approved budget of PhP438.6 million.

Elbit won the bidding by submitting a bid of PHP410.84 million.

DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong revealed early last month that three of the 12 Israeli towed howitzers have arrived in April and the other nine were in transit.

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A C-130 from the Philippine Air Force was dispatched to Arizona, United States last month to bring back a cargo of bombs and rockets needed for the airstrikes in Marawi City.

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