Ground Based Air Defense System Acquisition Project (Horizon 2) of the Philippine Air Force

To improve the air defense cover of the country, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) embarked on the acquisition of several air defense assets, including air and land components that will form a system that are networked to each other.

Among those is the Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) Acquisition Project, which calls for the introduction of land-based medium range air defense missile systems to protect vital installations and create a secondary air defense cover after manned fighter aircraft.

The PAF has been eyeing such system for several decades now, although it was only from around 2012 that a serious consideration for the acquisition of such system was made.

The project was finally approved for actual implementation as part of the PAF's Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The SPYDER ADS components, with the PAF expected to go for the medium range SPYDER MR, which uses a longer and slightly different launcher to accommodate a longer missile. Photos taken from Rafael's website.

Project Summary:


Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 02 July 2019:

* End User: Philippine Air Force (960th Air and Missile Defense Group)

* Quantity: 3 batteries

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 phase of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php6,846,750,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with Israeli Government

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

* SARO Release: 
      - SARO-BMB-D-19-004325 dated 04 June 2019 worth Php1,027,012,500.00 (15% Downpayment), released 06 June 2019

* Winning Proponent: Rafael Advance Systems Ltd. (Israel)

* Product for Delivery:
     - 3 batteries of Rafael SPYDER Air Defense System
     - Associated radar systems, command and control systems, support vehicles, and ammunition (Python 5 and Derby missiles)

* Contract Price: Php6,846,750,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 18 June 2013

* Searching Hashtag: #PAFGBADSAcquisition

* Status: Notice of Award (NOA) released in favor of Rafael Advance Systems Ltd.

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U P D A T E S:
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18 June 2013:

MaxDefense released its first blog entry regarding the offer and selection of the Rafael SPYDER Air Defense System to the Philippine Air Force to fulfill a requirement for a Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS).

A thorough discussion was made on the SPYDER ADS and its variants.

The blog entry can be accessed on the link below:

"Israeli SPYDER Air Defense Missile System for the Philippines - A Good Choice" - first posted on 18 June 18 2013

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19 August 2015:

MaxDefense posted a copy of an article from the Philippine News Agency which discusses the plans of the Philippine Air Force and their goals by 2022. It also mentioned its goal to have at least 6 GBADS in service by then. The following was copied directly from the article for safekeeping purposes due to PNA usually deleting old articles from its archives.

=====xxxxx=====

PAF to upgrade ISR systems

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is planning to upgrade and enhance its existing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) systems to cover the entire archipelago.

This was the reaction PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado when asked if the country is still able to maintain aerial surveillance of the West Philippine Sea.

"We will continue to pursue that but for the meantime we are using our current platforms, we have plans to enhance our ISR systems, to cover the whole Philippine archipelago," he added.

Delgado did not give other details on this matter.

The PAF "Flight Plan 2028" earlier stated that three more radar stations will be activated by 2028.

This will augment three existing radar stations located in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; and Mount Salakot, Palawan.

Once activated, this will give the PAF the ability to monitor on a 24-hour basis, the country's aerial territory.

Proposed radar sites, which are expected to be on-line by 2028, are to be located at Panganiban, Camarines Norte; Balut Island, Guiuan, Samar and Anini-y, Antique.

At the moment, Gozar Air Station, which is located in Lubang town, Mindoro is now undergoing upgrades and modernization, to extend its operational life.

By 2028, as stated in "Flight Plans 2028," the PAF will be able to build up its capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize incursions from "Area Readiness 3 to Area Readiness 1."

"Area Readiness 3" refers to 51 to 74 percent of Philippine territory while "Area Readiness 1" means 100 percent of the country's territory which is estimated to be 40,000 square nautical miles.

The PAF will do it once its modern radar systems, long-range patrol aircraft (LRPAs), airborne early warning and control system (AEWCS), surface-attack aircraft (SAA) , light interim fighter trainers (LIFTs), multi-role fighters (MRFs) and missile defense systems (MDS) get online by 2028.

Detection capability will be provided by modern radar systems, and the LRPAs, identification of the threat will be done by the AEWCS, while interception capabilities will given by the SAA, LIFTs, and MRFs.

While neutralization will be done by the MDS should intruding aircraft intrude over land.

PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said that this is the breakthrough goal of the Air Force.

The decision to made public "Flight Plan is aimed at informing the public of efforts to modernize the PAF and make it more relevant.

"And by 2022, (the PAF) will (have) already build up its capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize incursions in the PADIZ and the West Philippine Sea from 'Area Readiness 4' to 'Area Readiness 3'," Flight Plan 2028 stressed.

PADIZ is short for the "Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone and Area Readiness" which was established in 1953.

It covers the entire Luzon region, parts of Visayas, and locations north of Palawan.

"Area Readiness 4" refers to 50 percent of known Philippine territory while "Area Readiness 3" means 51 to 74 percent of Philippine territories (including PADIZ and the West Philippine Sea).

And by 2022, the PAF hopes to have in service 24 SAA and LIFTs, four LRPAs, six ADSRS (air-defense system radar systems) platforms, six ground based air defense systems, two AEWCS units, 12 MRFs, one C2C center, four electronic countermeasure aircraft, one AA (airborne aircraft) refueler, and four medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. (PNA)

LGI/PFN/EDS

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22 October 2016:

MaxDefense received information from its sources that the Philippine Air Force will be rolling the first phase of their Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) project earlier than scheduled, with the Medium Range Air Defense (MRAD) component coming in first with an approximate ABC of around Php 7 billion for 2 batteries, while the Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) component will be coming in afterwards.

While preference is given on Rafael's SPYDER-MR ADS system, other competitors are pushing their products hard including Diehl Defense's IRIS-T SLM and LIGNex1's KM-SAM Cheolmae II, while a review for Russia's 9K37M1-2 Buk system could also be considered. India also offered their Akash missile system, while an exisiting offer for refurbished Hawk missile system is also in.place.


The new plan based on Pres. Duterte's policy changes under the development of a strategic deterent capability includes the acquisition of a "(singular) ground based air defense missile capability".

The IRIS-T SLM is among those being considered for the PAF's GBADS requirements. 

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28 November 2016:

Previously MaxDefense posted on the Philippine Air Force's Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) project, focusing on the Medium Range Air Defense (MRAD) component. But aside from that, the project also has a Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) component which will be acquired separately but simultaneously. 

Among those being considered are Thales' ForceShield system using the Thales Starstreak missile and RapidRanger mount, IMI's Red Sky 2 using either the latest version of Poland's Grom or Russia's Igla-S missile system, MBDA's system revolving around the Mistral missile, and a system from LIGNex1 derived from the Pegasus KSAM system.


The Philippine Army also has its own projects on SHORAD and GBADS but will proceed later than that of the PAF's.

The Thales ForceShield System, which uses the Thales STARSTREAK VSHORAD System and the RapidRanger mounting. 

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11 December 2016:

Exclusive @ MaxDefense: A high level delegation led by DND ASec. Jesus Avilla and representatives from the AFP, all 3 major armed services, and Government Arsenal including GA Dir. Jonathan Martir left the country yesterday for Israel to attend a PH-Israel Joint Committee Meeting, and conduct industry visits. 

This is the second delegation in weeks to visit the Israeli arms industry and meet with Israel's Ministry of Defense - SIBAT. 

Among those scheduled to be visited are the facilities of:
* IAI-Ramta (Super Dvora), 
* Elta Systems Radar (PAF Air Defense Radar),
* Rafael Advance Systems (PA & PAF GBADS),
* IWI (arms & munitions production facility),
* Israel Shipyards (Shaldag and Sa'ar S-72),
* IMI (artillery production),
* and Elbit Systems (M113 upgrade & Hermes 450 UAV). 

Further updates will be provided once photos are made available.


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10 April 2017:

MaxDefense released a new blog entry discussing what options the Philippines has to help defend the country from missile attacks in light of North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests and threats.

"Defending against Ballistic Missile Attacks - What Options Does the Philippines Have?" - first posted on 10 April 2017

The Patriot PAC-3 anti-ballistic missile system. Photo taken from Military-Today.com.

While not directly related to GBADS, the GBADS is actually a step for the Philippines to move up the air defense ladder, considering it is actually looking at having a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability in the future.

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14 October 2018:

The Department of National Defense reiterates recently the need to fast track the acquisition of Ground Based Air Defense Systems (GBADS) for the Philippine Air Force, as well as for other air defense requirements from the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP. This is based on the DND's recent action plans, which determines the urgent projects that needs prioritization of implementation.


The PAF has a GBADS acquisition project, the PA has requirements to acquire MANPADS, while the PN is introducing ship-based surface-to-air missilr systems in its new ship acquisitions like the upcoming new frigate and new Corvette acquisition.

An example of MANPADS that the Philippine Army is planning to acquire. Photo for reference only.

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25 December 2018

The Philippine Air Force's 960th GBAD Group is the new unit of the PAF that would handle Ground Based Air Defense Systems in the near future.

In their Christmas display, they also have a display that includes a real-sized model of Rafael Python and Derby missiles, which are used by the Rafael SPYDER ADS that is said to have been selected by the PAF's GBADS acquisition project TWG. A hint by outgoing CGPAF Lt.Gen. Kintanar was also made during the change of command ceremony a few days ago wherein he mentioned that GBADS would be acquired from Israel. So far only the Spyder system was offered by Israel for the project.

The PAF has a program to acquire 3 batteries of short-medium range GBADS with an ABC of Php6,846,750,000.00 under the Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP.


Photos from community member Efraim Morota.

Photos provided to MaxDefense by community member and aviation photographer Efraim Morota. 

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26 December 2018:

MaxDefense released its blog entry on the project, as the Philippine Air Force's Technical Working Group (TWG) and leadership has selected Rafael's SPYDER MR Air Defense System for its Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) acquisition project.

The SPYDER ADS was selected over other offers from other countries which include the IRIS-T SLM from Germany's Diehl Defense, the KM-SAM Cheolmae II from South Korea's LIGNex1, and the 9K37M1-2 Buk missile system from Russia.

Based on information we gathered from sources, final negotiations are ongoing between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD). This means they are just ironing our details on the deal.

Being a G2G deal, MaxDefense expects the ABC of the project to be the Contract Price, as this has always been the case for several G2G projects with Israel.

MaxDefense expects the deal to cover the acquisition of at least 3 batteries.

The blog entry can be accessed on the link provided below:
"Philippine Air Force Selects the Rafael SPYDER Air Defense System for its GBADS Requirements" - first posted on 26 December 26, 2018

The PAF might be getting at least 3 batteries. Photo taken from Rafael's website.

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12 June 2019:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the first Special Allocation Release Order (SARO) for the GBADS Acquisition Project last 06 June 2019.

The amount covers Php1,027,012,500.00, or exactly 15% of the overall cost of the project. Usually all projects that are G2G with the Israeli government requires an initial 15% downpayment, with the rest of the payment spread through Multi Year Allocation payments.

The release of SARO for the deposit only means that the project is now expected to undergo awarding anytime soon, considering that the project is now backed up by appropriate funding.

Screenshot from the SARO listing of DBM as of 12 June 2019. SARO list taken from DBM website.

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02 July 2019:

As part of the Philippine Air Force's 72nd Founding Anniversary celebrations, the Commanding General PAF Lt. Gen. Rozano Briguez confirmed that the Department of National Defense (DND) has already released the Notice of Award (NOA) for the Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) acquisition project. No further information was provided by the CGPAF.

Checking with sources, MaxDefense received confirmation that the NOA release was only made a few days ago, and was awarded in favor of Israel's Rafael Advance Systems Ltd. for the SPYDER Air Defense System.

MaxDefense is still trying to find out more details, but it is safe to assume that the value of the project is same as the ABC, which is Php6,846,750,000.00



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First edit and release: 08 June 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines