Overview:
The Philippine Navy has been in the process of updating and upgrading the Jacinto-class patrol vessels (British Royal Navy's Peacock-class patrol vessels) that it acquired from the Royal Navy's Hong Kong Squadron in 1997. The process has been painstakingly slow due lack of budget, and the Philippine Navy was forced to conduct the different phases of upgrade at a very long period of time.
The last phase, called the Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel (JCPV) Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3 Acquisition Project, calls for the improvement on the combat capabilities of the entire class. This project was included in the Horizon 1 phase Priority Projects of the Revised AFP Modernization Program between 2013 and 2018. This was despite calls for this upgrade phase to be made earlier.
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| The Jacinto-class patrol vessel BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36). Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons. |
The project's main thrusts were the following:
* Replacement of the existing Bridgemaster E Surface Search radar with a later model
* Replacement of the existing Radamec 1500 Electro-Optical Fire Control Systems (EOFCS) with a later model
* Replacement of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), Electro Magnetic Log / Speed Log, Anemometer, Ring Laser Gyro
* Repair and restoration works of Oto Melara 76mm/62 caliber naval gun
* Refurbishing of 25mm MSI DS-25 naval gun system
* Integrated Logistics Support
The project was further divided into 2 lots due to the different sources of funding made available to the Philippine Navy.
Phase 3A covers the work for 2 ships, except for the refurbishing of the 25mm MSI DS-25 naval gun system as the project covers work for the 3 ships. Meanwhile Phase 3B covers the work for 1 ship, without the need to cover the refurbishing work on the 25mm MSI DS-25 naval gun system.
Phase 3A was awarded to Ultra Electronics from the United Kingdom after a public bidding, and will cover BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36).
Phase 3B was awarded to the Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation and SAAB AB from Sweden, with the work covering BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), after failed bidding attempts allowed the DND to take a Negotiated Procurement with the said company.
For reasons unknown to MaxDefense, changes were made on the ship to be worked on, with Phase 3B work coverage shifted from BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) to BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35).
Project Summary:
Jacinto-class Phase 3A & 3B Combat Systems Alignment Project
Note: Edited as of 05 July 2019.
* End User: Philippine Navy (Offshore Combat Force)
* Quantity: Phase 3A: 2 ships (BRP Apolinario Mabini, BRP Artemio Ricarte)
Phase 3B: 1 ship (BRP Emilio Jacinto)
* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Phase of RAFPMP
* Project ABC: Phase 3A: Php630,637,163.60
Phase 3B: Php224,000,000.00
* Acquisition Mode: Phase 3A: Public Bidding
Phase 3B: Negotiated Procurement (after failed bid attempts)
* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund
* SARO Release: Phase 3A: SARO-BMB-D-16-0017282 dated 24 May 2016 worth Php445,717,924.00, rest TBA
Phase 3B: TBA
* Winning Proponent: Phase 3A: Ultra Electronics Ltd.
Phase 3B: Propmech Corp. - Saab AB JV
* Product/s for Delivery: see "Items Delivered" below
* Contract Price: Phase 3A: GBP7,455,163.00 (around Php498,001,906.33)
Phase 3B: Php224,000,000.00
* First post by MaxDefense: 15 January 2015
* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNJCPVPhase3A #PNJCPVPhase3B
* Status: Divided into two lots/phases (Phases 3A and 3B). Both lots/phases declared completed as of June 2019.
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U P D A T E S:
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15 January 2015:
As posted on MaxDefense's community social media page:
The Department of National Defense (DND) released the Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel (JCPV) Phase 3A Acquisition Project, which can be accessed on the links below:
ITB for JCPV Phase 3A
ITB for JCPV Phase 3B
Based on the requirements indicated in the ITBs above, all three of the Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class patrol corvettes will have their radars and electro-optical fire-control systems replaced soon.
The contract will also include the restoration and sustainment of their Oto Melara 76mm Compact and MSI Seahawk 25mm guns, and supply & delivery of ammunition.
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| Top: the Oto Melara 76mm/62 caliber naval gun. Above: an MSI Defence 25mm DS-25 naval gun system. Both guns would undergo repair or restoration works as part of the JCPV Phase 3 acquisition project. Credits to original sources of the photos. |
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21 August 2015:
As posted on MaxDefense's community social media page:
None of the potential bidders for the Jacinto-class patrol vessel (JCPV) upgrade project phases 3A and 3B submitted a bid, with the project declared a failed bid.
During the pre-bid phase, several of the bidders already indicated that the budget allocated for the project was not enough, which involves replacing the barrels of the Oto Melara 76mm Compact gun, the 25mmm Bushmaster guns, and upgrade of the Electro-Optical and Fire Control System sensors.
With a failed bid, it would best for the Philippine Navy to reconsider increasing the budget and include other upgrades like installation of more firepower, and better combat suite, and possibly a ship-based drone system to increase its surveillance capability.
Business World posted a news report on the matter, which we will post in whole for safekeeping purposes should BW remove the article from its archives.
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Gov’t to continue upgrades of Navy ships despite bid failure
Posted on August 21, 2015
THE DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) is still planning to continue with the upgrades of three of its military vessels despite the failed bidding of the contract earlier this year.
During a meeting of the DND Bids and Awards Committee on Thursday, a technical working group from the Philippine Navy presented the intended upgrades for the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37).
Upgrades include the replacement of the barrels of the ships’ three 75-millimeter guns and two 25-millimeter guns. The ships’ radar, control and surveillance systems will also be modernized if the project pushes through.
Discussions on the project’s technical specification will continue before the committee will be able to rebid the contract again, DND Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Assistant Secretary Ernesto D. Boac told BusinessWorld.
Budget for the three vessels’ upgrade contract is currently set at around P854.6 million. The figure, which could still change depending on the discussions by the BAC and the Philippine Navy technical working group, will be sourced from the 2014 national budget and the funding for the military’s modernization program.
Last March, the bidding for the project was scrapped after the BAC declared a failure of bidding due to the non-submission of bids by the nine companies that bought bid documents for the project. -- Alden M. Monzon
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| The 3 JCPV ships, likely taken after hand-over to the Philippine Navy from the Royal Navy in 1997. Photo taken from Business World. |
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21 October 2015:
MaxDefense released a blog entry discussing the Jacinto-class patrol vessel Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3 project.
This includes discussions on the project's division into 2 different lots, who the potential proponents are based on the information provided by the DND through the project's Supplemental Bid Bulletins (SBB), and discussions on the scope of works under the project.
MaxDefense also tackled the issue of having different subsystems between the ships of the class due to the potential that two different proponents may win the Phase 3A and 3B of the project.
The blog entry, including all discussions in it can be accessed through the link provided below:
"Updates on the Sensors, Fire Control System, and Weapons Systems Upgrade of the Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class vessels" - first posted on 21 October 2019.
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| The Jacinto-class patrol vessels BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36, left) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35, right) are both covered under the Phase 3A of the JCPV Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3 project. Credits to original source of the photo. |
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14 March 2016:
MaxDefense reports on its new blog entry that the Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation and SAAB AB of Sweden was awarded the JCPV Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3B Project.
In our blog entry, we discussed what the Promech-Saab JV might provide as part of the project, which we believe is mostly revolving around Saab's product offerings.
The blog entry, including all discussions in it can be accessed through the link provided below:
"Propmech and SAAB wins Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel Upgrade Phase 3B Project" - first posted on 14 March 14 2016
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| Filipino marine company Propmech Corporation tied up with Sweden's Saab to deliver the JCPV Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3B Project. |
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| The Notice of Award given to Propmech-Saab JV by the DND, and received by the joint venture on 29 December 2015. Photo taken from DND's BAC website. |
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31 May 2016:
As posted in MaxDefense's community social media page:
MaxDefense received confirmation that the Notice of Award for the Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel (JCPV) Modernization Phase 3A will be given by the DND and Philippine Navy to Ultra Electronics very soon.
Ultra Electronics will probably supply their own EO/FCS system. So far, MaxDefense confirmed that among their subcontractors are Kelvin Hughes, who will supply the Sharpeye X-band navigation/surface search radar.
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| Should the JCPV Phase 3A be awarded to Ultra Electronics, MaxDefense believes that the company will use its own EO/IR fire control system, (top), while it was already confirmed to MaxDefense that Kelvin Hughes' SharpEye was the radar offered by Ultra Electronics to the PN for the project. Credits to original sources of the photos. |
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06 September 2016:
As posted in MaxDefense's community social media page:
Together with the signing of the Notice of Award for the Frigates, the Department of National Defense has also issued the Notice to Proceed (NTP) to Ultra Electronics Ltd. for the Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel (JCPV) Phase 3A Project last August 2016.
Part of their job contract is the supply of new EO Fire Control Systems, new radar, and restoration of guns for two of the three JCPVs. The 3rd JCPV is covered under the Phase 3B awarded to Propmech-Saab Joint Venture.
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16 February 2018:
As posted in MaxDefense's community social media page:
MaxDefense received info from its sources from the Navy that the Jacinto-class patrol vessel (JCPV) Phases 3A and 3B Weapons Improvement project, which are undertaken by Ultra Electronics Ltd. and Propmech Corporation-Saab JV, respectively, are both delayed due to Leonardo-Oto Melara, their Italian OEM subcontractor for the 76mm Gun Repair work, has not started to work on the gun repairs at all. Oto Melara was said to have been a preferred subcontractor of the Philippine Navy.
Phase 3A covers BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), while Phase 3B covers BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35).
Phase 3B should have been done before December 2017, while Phase 3A should be complete in by 2nd Quarter 2018. This means all 3 ships are out of service until now.
Another issue also involves the repair of their 25mm MSI Defence Seahawk secondary guns, which MaxDefense is still trying to find out exactly what happened.
This is another issue Leonardo is facing with its commitments to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Earlier MaxDefense mentioned that Leonardo's helicopter division is also having after-sales service support and parts supply issues for the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy AW109E Power helicopters.
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| BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) which is covered by the JCPV Phase 3B Combat Systems Alignment Project. Credits to original source of the photo. |
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13 April 2018:
The Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class patrol vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) has been busy this week as it is used to conduct the traditional welcoming of foreign warships entering Subic Bay.
This despite the Phase 3 of the JCPV Upgrade Works still ongoing. MaxDefense previously reported that both Phase 3A won by Ultra Electronics and Phase 3B won by Propmech-Saab JV, are not yet done due to Oto Melara not being able to replace the gun barrels and repair the JCPV's 76mm Oto Melara Compact naval gun due to Oto Melara not prioritizing the Philippines for its repair teams, while the PN again having problems on importing 25mm gun parts for the Seahawk RCWS due to problems involving the Philippine National Police that will give you the facepalm.
Elbit previously had the same problems bringing in the 25mm cannons and 12.7mm machine guns for the RCWS-equipped M113s of the Philippine Army.
BRP Emilio Jacinto is being worked under Phase 3B. MaxDefense was informed that Saab has already installed a new navigation radar and the new Saab EOS-500 electro-optical tracking system, replacing the old system from Radamec. Oto Melara is a client-specified subcontractor but unless they finish their job to replace the gun barrels, both Phase 3A and 3B won't be considered complete even if Ultra and Propmech-Saab has done their works.
Anyway good luck to the crew of BRP Emilio Jacinto.
You can access the report from PTV News on the link HERE.
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| The BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) prior to the JCPV Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3B project. While her upgrade work is not yet completed, the delays on nominated sub-contract Oto Melara has stalled the project. Credits to original source of the photo. |
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09 May 2019:
As posted in MaxDefense's community social media page:
Jane's reported that the upgeade program for the Philippine Navy's Jacinto-class patrol vessels are delayed after encountering trouble on different issues.
While Jane's probably elaborated the issue in their paywall section, MaxDefense has been reporting about these since late 2017, considering the delivery of the ships was supposed to have started in November 2017 up to around May 2018.
Among the delays encountered were on the repair of the 76mm Oto Melara gun by OEM contractor Oto Melara, and on the shipping of parts of the M242 Bushmaster 25mm gun including issues on duties and taxes, and the repair of the MSI Defence Seahawk gun mount.
These delays affected the integration of the new EO/IR and fire control system, and the C2 system into the weapon systems.
Even then, MaxDefense believes that decisions by past PN leaders to separate the project into 2 sub-projects was already a failure on its own, as the entire class of just 3 ships will have different subsystems installed, making logistics more complicated.
This is further complicated with the needed lengthy machinery works for BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) under the also delayed JCPV MEU /Repowering Works Phase 2 project, which means she will remain in dry-dock longer than her 2 sisterships, and most likely be ready for service only by 2020.
This is one of the reasons why MaxDefense has kept repeating its call for the Philippine Navy to consider acquiring stop gap used warships, since it is obvious that they do not have enough assets to patrol Philippine waters and EEZ with 3 Jacinto-class and 1 Del Pilar-class patrol vessels down, and a fleet of World War 2 ships that are being retired without replacements, and delays on the transfer of Pohang-class corvette due to PH government's delay in releasing funds.
When new ships arrive, these stop gap ships are still force multipliers that increases the size of the PN to allow it to conduct not just patrols, but be ready for any eventuality while also have spares to join foreign deployments, exercises, or goodwill visits.
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19 May 2019:
MaxDefense released a blog entry on the expected re-entry to active duty of two Jacinto-class patrol vessels, the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36).
As of the blog entry's writing, both ships conducted their Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Test (SAT), although only BRP Apolinario Mabini passed the test and is being prepared for official transfer to the Philippine Navy within the month.
Meanwhile there were some bugs reported on the combat systems of BRP Emilio Jacinto, and Propmech-Saab JV was given another month to correct the issues and re-do the tests. The ship is expected to be handed over to the Philippine Navy by June 2019.
The other ship of the class, BRP Artemio Ricarte, won't be available yet as it will undergo dock repairs under the JCPV Phase 2 project which MaxDefense will discuss in a separate resource page entry.
More on the blog entry by accessing the link found below:
"Upgraded Jacinto-class patrol vessels PS-35 and PS-36 to re-enter Philippine Navy service soon" - first posted 19 May 2019
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| Top photo shows BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) equipped with the Saab EOS-500 EO/IR fire control system, while bottom photo shows the Ultra Electronics Series 1700 EO/IR fire control system which is scheduled for installation on the BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37). Top photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a community member. Bottom photo taken from Ultra Electronic's product datasheet. |
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17 June 2019:
During the Philippine Navy's 121st founding anniversary celebrations, the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), which only confirms that they already accepted into service the said ship. It would be remembered that it encountered some bugs in its combat systems during its acceptance tests last May 2019, and a re-test for acceptance will be made by June 2019.
On the same event, BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) was also deployed, although we mentioned before that the ship passed the acceptance tests last month and will be accepted by the Philippine Navy before the end of May 2019.
Video of the event can be found below. This includes the order to deploy the 2 Jacinto-class ships which is at the later part of the event.
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With the ships completing the upgrades and re-entering service with the Philippine Navy except for PS-37 for proceeding to other rehabilitation works, MaxDefense believes we can now consider the Jacinto-class Patrol Vessel Combat Systems Alignment Phase 3A and 3B Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy as COMPLETED.
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First edit and release: 05 July 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines
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