Philippine Army Awards Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge to Elbit-IMI JV, to Possibly Supply Joint Assault Bridge

Finally, after keeping silence on the developments of this project, MaxDefense can finally speak up as the Department of National Defense (DND) has made the developments public.

The DND has finally awarded the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 1: Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) Acquisition Project to Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I - Israel Military Industries Joint Venture, with a Contract Price worth US$27,727,188.00 officially converted to Php1,407,459,790.10.

An example of an Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge. The PA is acquiring 2 units, their first ever. Photo taken from Defense Post website.

The NOA was released on 26 December 2019, and was received on 27 December 2019. It is expected that Contract Signing would be made within January 2020, 

The NOA released by the DND in favor of Elbit-IMI JV. Photo taken from PhilGEPS.

Based on MaxDefense's sources, Elbit Systems - IMI Joint Venture (which is a weird venture considering IMI was already procured by Elbit Systems last year and is just now a division within Elbit Systems) will be providing an extended length version of the Leonardo DRS - IMI Systems Joint Assault Bridge.

The Joint Assault Bridge is a scissor-type bridging system with a Military Load Capacity (MLC) rating of MLC-85, which means it can withstand loads of up to 85 tons. This means it can support even the heaviest main battle tanks which weigh around 65-70 tons. Leonardo DRS is the prime contractor while Israel Military Industries (IMI) is one the main partners of the project and development of the bridging system.

In the US Army and US Marine Corps, the Joint Assault Bridge will use the General Dynamics M1 Abrams tank platform, and is seen as a less expensive alternative to the M104 Wolverine, and a replacement to the old M60 AVLB system that requires replacement.

MaxDefense sources confirmed that Elbit-IMI JV might supply an lengthened version of the Leonardo DRS - IMI Joint Assault Bridge being developed for the US Army and US Marine Corps. Photos from Leonardo DRS website. 

Since the Philippine Army specified a diesel-engined tracked tank platform, it will not use the General Dynamics M1 Abrams tank platform, and will instead use a European-made platform.

If MaxDefense sources are correct, the platform will be based on the latest Leopard 2 main battle tank chassis called the Panzerschnellbrucke 2 from Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). which is the only tank platform that meets the specified requirements of the Philippine Army.

Currently the Leopard 2 platform is used by the German Leguan bridging system, although sources confirmed that the Leopard 2 could also be modified to carry the JAB system.

The Leopard 2 tank platform is said to have been proposed by Elbit-IMI JV for the AVLB acquisition project. This would be supplied by Germany's KMW. Photo taken from KMW's website.

This means that the Leopard 2 could become more likely for the Philippine Army to consider in its future Main Battle Tank requirements, although this is more speculation due to the Philippine Army's planned MBT acquisition still in the process of being justified as part of the Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, and also the procurement process still unknown.

MaxDefense will discuss more about this possibility in future blog entries.

With Elbit being the winning proponent, it is also expected that the vehicles would be equipped with new communications equipment using Elbit-Tadiran's product line. MaxDefense believes this will include also the E-LynX mobile ad-hoc network communication system which is said to be introduced to some of the Philippine Army's newer armored vehicles supplied by Elbit System like the M113A2 Mortar Carriers, in addition to standard combat net radio systems like Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) used by NATO countries and the US, including its allies like the Philippines.

Elbit E-LynX (top) and SINCGARS (above) are expected to be included as the communications system of the AVLB. Photos credited to original sources.

With a delivery period of 550 days from Notice to Proceed (NTP), MaxDefense expects the delivery of this project to be completed only by late 2021. This is reasonable enough, and MaxDefense even believes that the Philippine Army should acquire additional units as 2 units may not be enough for its current and future requirements.

Project Summary:

Combat Engineering Equipment - Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 24 January 2020.

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified Army Engineering Brigade)

* Quantity: at least 2 units, with armored tracked platform

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php1,600,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA funded, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Land & C4I - Israel Military Industries JV (Israel)

* Product for Delivery: Sources describes as lengthened version of Leonardo DRS-IMI Joint Assault Bridge using Leopard 2 tank platform

    

* Contract Price: US$27,727,188.00, converted to Php1,407,459,790.10

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PACEEAVLBAcquisition

* Status: Elbit Systems declared sole bidder, passed PQI on December 2019 and awarded NOA on 26 December 2019. Contract Signing said to have been made before 24 January 2020 although MaxDefense is awaiting for more confirmation.

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First edit and release: 25 January 2020

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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Philippine Navy's BRP Rizal (PS-74) Retiring Soon

As the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad recently announced in his press statement, that the Philippine Navy is short of ships that will allow them to have the capability to patrol and defend our vast waters, MaxDefense Philippines received news that the Philippine Navy is preparing to retire another warship and a fast attack craft soon.

The warship is one of the Philippine Navy's major surface assets and among the longest serving ships in the fleet.

This ship is no other than the Rizal-class patrol vessel, the BRP Rizal (PS-74).

The BRP Rizal (PS-74), taken in 2018. Photo taken from the BRP Rizal's Facebook page.

The Journey from USS Murrelet (AM-372) to BRP Rizal (PS-74):

The BRP Rizal (PS-74) was formerly the US Navy Auk-class minesweeper USS Murrelet (AM-372) first commissioned with the US Navy in 24 August 1945. Although it was too late for the ship to see action in World War II, the USS Murrelet was assigned to sweep mines remnants from the war along Japanese and Korean waters in 1946.

The ship saw action during the Korean War in 1951 to 1952, conducting maritime patrols and minesweeping operations before returning to the US mainland in 1952. She was again reassigned in Korea in 1953. The ship received 5 Battle Stars for its service in the Korean War, before she was reclassified as a Fleet Minesweeper with hull number MSF-372 in 1955, and decommissioned from US Navy service in 1957. 

As the USS Murrelet (AM-372). Photo taken from Wikipedia.

The ship was transferred to the Philippine Navy as part of US Military Assistance Program, and was commissioned on 18 June 1965 as the fleet minesweeper RPS Rizal (E-69), names after the Rizal province rather than the national hero.

As RPS Rizal (PS-69) in the 1960s. Photo taken from Navsource.

That makes her a almost 55 years in service with the Philippine Navy, and over 75 years old in active service with any naval service!

She was reclassified the Philippine Navy in 1966 as a patrol ship with hull number changed to PS-69. In the Philippine Navy, due to its previous US Navy designated as MSF, the ship together with its sistership the BRP Quezon (PS-70) were unofficially called "Minesweeping Frigates".

After a long service with the Philippine Navy, the ship should have been replaced decades ago, with the original plan was for it to retire in 1994. But due to lack of sufficient naval assets, the ship was rehabilitated and brought back to service as the BRP Rizal (PS-74) in 1995.

BRP Rizal in 2016. Photo taken from Wikipedia.

And with the Philippine Navy's Sail Plan 2020 in place, it was decided that ship will be among those for retirement from service before the end of 2020. MaxDefense received information that the tentative schedule of decommissioning ceremonies will be on 29 January 2020, subject to change depending on situation.

Currently, the ship is among the mainstays of the Offshore Combat Force, Philippine Fleet.

BRP Rizal's current badge. Photo taken from BRP Rizal's Facebook page.

Replacements?

Following the concept of 1:1 replacement, it appears that the BRP Rizal (PS-74) does not have an actual replacement. 

But sources in the Philippine Navy believes that the upcoming frigate for delivery in the next few months, the first of the Jose Rizal-class frigate. the future BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) could be it.

The upcoming frigate, the future BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) is said to be BRP Rizal's successor although the Philippine Navy appears to not follow the concept of 1:1 replacement due to more retirements than commissioning of major surface assets between 2010 and 2020. Credits to original source of photo.

This is based on the premise that the 4 retired Malvar-class (ex-USN PCE) patrol vessels from 2010 to 2019 were replaced by the 3 Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the US Coast Guard, which are now known as the Del Pilar-class ocean patrol vessels. And the last destroyer escort of the Philippine Navy, the former BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11) was replaced by the Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).

MaxDefense has no objection on the idea of the ship being retired, as we believe that the Philippine Navy should have the ship rested back in 1994 and instead tried its best to get a newer replacement.

But with the Philippines in a poorer security situation compared to 1994, the Philippine Navy should have instead used the ship a little longer until more newer assets are available. This is to allow the Philippine Navy to have sufficient assets to conduct patrols and maritime security operations.

While there are already plans to acquire additional Pohang-class corvettes from South Korea, the DND and the Philippine Navy has not moved quick to secure them yet despite South Korea having at least 2 recently retired ships available for the taking.

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MaxDefense will be monitoring the planned retirement of BRP Rizal, and post on our social media page if the event takes place. Until then, we do hope that the Philippine Navy will try its best to pursue ways to keep its operational capabilities in check despite the reduced number of ships in its fleet.

With the upcoming retirement, it is not too far off that its sistership, BRP Quezon (PS-70) will be up for retirement very soon, most likely within the year. MaxDefense will monitor these developments as well.

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First edit and release: 20 January 2020
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PH Army to Acquire ATMOS SPH, Eyes MBDA Mistral & LIGNex1 Chiron SHORAD as it Activates 2 New Units

The Philippine Army has recently activated two additional small units assigned under the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) as it continues to expand its capabilities as modernization of the Philippine Army continues.

The units are the 2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery and the 2nd Field Artillery (155mm Self Propelled) Battery, which were activated on 15 January 2020 during ceremonies held at Army Artillery Regiment's headquarters at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

With the new units means that new assets are expected to arrive as part of the AFP Modernization Program.

An example of a SHORAD system being looked at by the Philippine Army for their initial air defense artillery units. Photo from MBDA website.

2nd Field Artillery (155mm Self Propelled) Battery:

The activation of the 2nd Field Artillery (155mm Self Propelled) Battery is a continuation of the Army Artillery Regiment's goal to raise 2 batteries (equivalent to an Army Company) to train and operate the upcoming 155mm Self Propelled Howitzers being acquires by the Philippine Army.

The PA displayed this during the activation ceremony of the 2nd Field Artillery (155mm Self Propelled) Battery. Photo exclusively shared to MaxDefense by a community member.

According to the Philippine Army:

“…The Field Artillery Battery will help in troop maneuver to destroy, neutralize, and suppress the enemies through its fire support to maneuver units…”

This unit, together with the 1st Field Artillery (155mm Self Propelled Battery) activated in 2019 will be returning the lost capabilities of the Philippine Army in operating self propelled howitzer systems, which they previously had in their inventory since the 1940s with the M7 Priest 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer that were operated until the 1960s.

The PA operated the M7 Priest 105mm SPH since the 1940s. It is seen on top photo with PA troops in the 1950s, and above photo shows one of the examples displayed in the Philippine Military Academy grounds in Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City. Credits to original sources of the photos.

MaxDefense previously reported that the Philippine Army's 155mm Howitzer, Self Propelled System Acquisition Project has  been ongoing for quite sometime now. This project aims to acquire 2 batteries worth of 155mm Wheeled Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH) systems under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with Israel's Ministry of Defense (MOD).

A battery consists of around 6 mobile firing units and associated equipment.

The Israeli MOD offered Elbit's ATMOS 155mm/52 caliber Self Propelled Howitzer including associated support systems and vehicles.

The Elbit ATMOS 155mm SPH System. It remains to be seen what vehicle platform Elbit will be delivering to the PA. Photo taken from Elbit's website.

The Department of National Defense (DND) is in the final stages of negotiations and a Notice of Award (NOA) is expected to be released in favor of Elbit Systems Land & C4I. In addition, the funding through SARO system was released by the Department of Budget Management (DBM) late last year.

More information can be found on this specific modernization project in our resource page through our extension Philippine Defense Resource:

"155mm Howitzer, Self Propelled System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army" - first posted on  22 June 2019

2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery:

The activation of the 2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery is in line with the Philippine Army's plan to build-up cadres and operational units to operate incoming air defense assets.

According to the Philippine Army:

“(An) Air Defense Battery is designed to provide air defense for Army units, areas, and installations against unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely-piloted vehicles as well as fixed and rotary aircraft…”

Another one infotarp displayed by the Philippine Army during the event. The system on the photo is the MBDA Mistral using the ATLAS mounting. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a community member.

It would be remembered that as early as 2016, MaxDefense has posted reports on the Philippine Army training on Air Defense Artillery with the US Army in Fort Sill in Oklahoma, in preparation for these new capabilities.

The Philippine Army used to have air defense units using anti-aircraft guns received from the US government after World War II, including M45 Quadmounts using 12.7mm machine guns. 

Previously the PA had air defense assets like the M45 Quadmount as seen here used in the Korean War by PEFTOK contingent.

This time, the Philippine Army will be initially using missile systems starting with Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) missile systems  before progressing to longer-ranged air defense systems.

Unknown to many, while the Philippine Army unofficially do not have air defense units or assets prior to the 1st and 2nd Air Defense Artillery Batteries, the Philippine Army is safekeeping the air defense assets of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) which has MANPADS in its inventory including the MBDA Mistral and FIM-92 Stinger in limited numbers.

The Philippine Army has an ongoing project to acquire such systems under the Philippine Army Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) Acquisition Project, which is part of the Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP. The project involves the acquisition of 2 batteries worth of MANPADS with a budget of around Php2,275,200,000.00 (around US$44.6 million).

MaxDefense sources confirmed that the Philippine Army is looking at two models, the French MBDA Mistral,  and South Korean LIGNex1 Chiron short range air defense missile systems. Both missile systems are similar in capabilities as the Chiron was said to have been developed from the Mistral but using South Korean technology and content, and both having an effective range of around 6 to 7 kilometers. MaxDefense will discuss about both systems in a future blog or resource page entry.

The MBDA Mistral in ATLAS mounting (top) and LIGNex1 Chiron (above). Photo taken from MBDA website for Mistral, and Indian Defence Review for Chiron.

It still remains to be seen which one will be selected as the Philippine Army’s Technical Working Group (TWG) for the project is still conducting their evaluation as of this writing, although MaxDefense was told that competition is tight between MBDA and LIGNex1.

Standing-up both batteries for the Air Defense Artillery is already an indication that the project is coming up soon, with MaxDefense expecting a decision and contract signed by 2020. 

Based on the Philippine Army's programming, they expect the delivery of the weapon systems by 2024, while also activating the 1st Army Air Defense Artillery Battalion also by 2024.

It still remains to be seen if longer ranged air defense systems will be acquired as part of the Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP, which also means activating additional air defense units.

Activation of the 2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery during ceremonies last 15 January 2020. Photo ftom Philippine Army.

Project Summary:

155mm Howitzer, Self Propelled System Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 20 December 2019.

* End User: Philippine Army (Army Artillery Regiment)

* Quantity: 2 batteries

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php2,388,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) Procurement between the DND and Israel Ministry of Defense-SIBAT

* Source of Funding: From other sources, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-19-0025732 dated 18 December 2019.

* Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Land & C4I

* Product for Delivery:
    - 12 units of Elbit Systems ATMOS 2000 155mm/52cal Self Propelled Howitzer
    - Truck Platforms, most likely using Mercedes Benz or MAN 6x6 All Terrain Trucks

* Contract Price: Php2,265,785,767.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 25 June 2013

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PA155mmSPHAcquisition

* Status: Procurement phase ongoing. Post Qualification Inspection with Elbit Systems done on December 2018, reinsepction done as of November 2019. Awaiting release of Notice of Award (NOA), SARO for 15% initial deposit released by DBM on December 2019.


Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 15 January 2020.

* End User: Philippine Army (Army Artillery Regiment)

* Quantity: 2 batteries

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php2,275,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: TBA

* Source of Funding: From other sources, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery:
    - 2 batteries worth of MANPADS system

* Contract Price: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAMANPADSAcquisition

* Status: Procurement phase ongoing. 

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First edit and release: 17 January 2020
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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