Israel's GAIA Awarded to Supply AMIR 4X4 MRAP for the PNP-Special Action Force

MaxDefense received a confirmation from sources from the Philippine National Police, that the PNP Special Action Force has awarded the Supply and Delivery of One (1) Lot of Multi-Purpose Armored Personnel Carrier and Accessories acquisition project to Stone of David Corp. – GAIA Automotive Industries Ltd.  This was after the said JV company passed the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) for the project.

The GAIA AMIR 4x4 armored vehicle, as seen during post-production road tests. The PNP-SAF ordered 16 units to fulfill its requirements.
Credits to original source of the photo.

Project Background:

The Multi-Purpose Armored Personnel Carrier and Accessories acquisition project of the PNP-SAF was intended to provide the said unit with a fleet of new wheeled 4x4 Armored Personnel Carriers to beef up its mechanized capabilities. The project has an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php618,213,470.00, and was to be acquired through Public Bidding.

The lot includes the following items:

16 wheeled 4x4 Armored Personnel Carriers that are Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and can be armed or fitted with weapon stations and accessories, with the following:
* 2 APCs will be equipped with a mobile assault ramp;
* 7 APCs will be fitted with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) armed with a 40mm grenade launcher and a .50 caliber heavy machine gun;
* 7 APCs will be fitted with a RCWS armed with a .50 caliber heavy machine gun.

Accessories are as follows:
* Spare Barrels for the .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns,
* 103,000 rounds of .50 caliber linked ammunition,
* 7,000 rounds of 40mm linked grenade ammunition,
* 6 towing bars.


Participating Proponents

Three (3) proponents submitted their bids to the PNP-SAF BAC last 27 November 2018:

Kolonwel Trading – Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co. Ltd. Thailand Joint Venture, which submitted their proposal based on the Chaiseri Defence First Win 4x4 armoured vehicle;

The Chaiseri First Win 4x4 armored vehicle from Thailand.
Credits to source of photo.

Stone of David Corp. – GAIA Automotive Industries Ltd. Israel, which submitted a proposal based on the GAIA Amir 4x4 armoured vehicle;

LSV – TAR Ideal Join Venture, which was disqualified early on, thus their proposal was not verified.


In our previous Facebook post last 27 November 2018, MaxDefense mentioned that SODCorp – GAIA Automotive JV was declared to be the lowest bidder, while Kolonwel Trading – Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co. Ltd. JV was declared the 2nd lowest bidder.


The GAIA Amir 4x4 for the PNP-SAF:

The GAIA Amir 4x4, which is the armored vehicle to be supplied by SODCorp. – GAIA Automotive JV, is the flagship armored vehicle product of Israel’s GAIA Automotive Industries Ltd. The vehicle is said to be extremely agile and manoeuvrable for its size, and was built as an MRAP-capable armored vehicle for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and for the export market. It has a STANAG 4569 Level II armored protection, and Mine Protection Level 1a and 2b.

Further improvements can be made, including increase armored protection to STANAG 4569 Level IV and protection from explosives equivalent to up to 10kgs of TNT, although this would affect the vehicle’s weight, movement performance, and payload.

The Amir is based on a body-on-ladder frame chassis, and is powered by a 4.5L Cummins diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to run at a top speed of 122kph and a maximum payload of up to 3 tons. It can be armed with a variety of weapons including RCWS, manually-operated 1-man turrets, anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile launchers, 81mm or 120mm mortar systems.

An Amir command variant with an RCWS and extendable comms antenna
Photo taken from GAIA's website.

No mention was made on the source of the RCWS for 14 of the 16 APCs, but MaxDefense believes that it could be sourced from Israel or Europe. Out of the 14 RCWS, 7 will have a combined weapon mounting for a 40mm grenade launcher and a .50-caliber machine gun. It is expected that all RCWS will be capable of night operations, which is among the lessons learned by the AFP and PNP during the Marawi campaign against Maute Group terrorists last 2017.

Originally, the plan was to install the RCWS on the PNP-SAF’s existing fleet of V-150 Commando 4x4 armoured vehicles, but it was later on revised to be installed on the new armoured vehicles instead.

Meanwhile, the mobile assault ramp would allow the PNP-SAF to conduct assault on low-level structures, including counter-terrorism actions on airliners and buildings. Presently, MaxDefense believes that only the AFP Special Operations Command (AFP SOCOM), specifically the Light Reaction Regiment (LRR) has a similar capability.


Potential Markets for GAIA’s Armoured Vehicles:

Several months ago, Israel’s GAIA Automotive Industries Ltd. Signed an agreement with Filipino company Stone of David Corp. to establish an armoured vehicle factory in the Philippines to cater for local and regional export requirements. Apparently, most of the APCs ordered by the PNP-SAF are said to be built in the almost-completed factory of GAIA Automotive Industries Philippines.

Aside from the PNP-SAF, GAIA Philippines is also looking at the potential of selling their armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as to different PNP units in the country that may require the need for light armored vehicles.

Based on MaxDefense’s gathered information, GAIA is also looking at potentially supplying the smaller Thunder 4x4 light armored tactical vehicle to the Philippine Army and the Philippine Marine Corps, both of which are looking at acquiring armored tactical vehicles as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The Philippine Army has the Light Tactical Vehicle acquisition project, with a proposed acquisition of up to 200 vehicles under a proposed budget of Php4,000,000,000.00, or an average budget of Php20 million per vehicle, and armed with a canopy-mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun. GAIA is said to be proposing to offer either the AMIR 4x4 or the smaller Thunder 4x4. GAIA is expected to be competing with KIA Motors of South Korea, with their KLTV, which is currently being tested by the PA after KIA provided a few units as donation for evaluation purposes.

The KIA KLTV (right) is currently being evaluated by the Philippine Army for their Light Tactical Vehicle requirements. GAIA Automotive is expected to compete in this project as well.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Marine Corps has the Tactical Combat Vehicle acquisition project, which involves the acquisition of up to 60 vehicles with a proposed budget of Php1,800,000,000.00, or an average of Php30 million per vehicle. Apparently the PMC wanted the vehicle to be equipped with an RCWS, and both the AMIR and Thunder 4x4 armored vehicles are also being considered.

Aside from these, the Philippines factory could also be used to manufacture any export requirements secured by Gaia Automotive Industries in the region in support of their operations in Israel.

The Amir up close as taken by a MaxDefense source who was in Israel during Pres. Duterte's recent visit.

Summary:

Multi-Purpose Armored Personnel Carrier and Accessories acquisition project

End User: Philippine National Police (Special Action Force)
Modernization Phase: PNP Patrol Plan 2030
ABC: Php618,213,470.00
SARO Release: to be updated
Status as of this writing: Notice of Award provided to Lowest Bidder, Contract signing pending
Winning Proponent: Stone of David Corp. – GAIA Automotive Industries Ltd. JV
Contract Price: Php596,344,000.00

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Philippine Army Armored Vehicle Weapon Mounts and Introduction of RWS

In our last blog entry, MaxDefense discussed the impending delivery of 142 M113A2 for the Philippine Army, divided into different variants according to what the PA specified. These includes 4 units with 25mm auto cannons mounted on remote weapons stations (RWS), 6 units with a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on remote weapons station, and 14 units with upgraded 76mm turrets, and the rest probably with only a pintle mount for a 12.7mm machine gun. In this blog, MaxDefense discusses the armored vehicle weapon mounts currently used by the Philippine Army, the importance of the remote weapons station (RWS) mount, and the Scorpion CRVT's 76mm gun turret.

A Philippine Army M113A1 APC, still marked as an asset of the Light Armor Division (LAD).

Current Philippine Army APC & IFV Weapon Mounts :
The Philippine Army uses different weapons mount on its armored vehicles. Wheeled armored vehicle models like the Cadillac Gage V-150 have one-man turrets mounting 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns. Simba armored vehicles have a one-man turret mounting a 12.7mm machine gun, and a few Simba on IFV role have a one-man turret mounting a 25mm M242 Bushmaster auto cannon. Some of these armored vehicles are also armed with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher on top of the turret, which exposes the operator when firing.

A Philippine Army V-150 Commando armored vehicle with a 1-man turret for 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns.  Most wheeled armored vehicles with the Philippine Army and the entire Armed Forces have this configuration.

Some Simba armored vehicles of the Philippine Army are equipped with a pintle-mounted 40mm automatic grenade launcher installed above the turret opening. This exposes the gunner's upper body from external threats.
Photo taken from Mindanews website.

Some Simbas are armed with a 1-man turret mounting a 25mm M242 Bushmaster auto cannon.
Photo taken from the former Light Armor Division website.

Tracked armored vehicles, specifically the M113A1 and ACV-300, are armed with pintle-mounted 12.7mm Browning M2 machine guns, with many M113A1 without any cupola armor protection which exposes the gunner. All ACV-300 and several of the M113A1 have cupola shields with frontal gun shields for added protection, but is still not enough to protect the gunner from sniper fire or threat from all sides. A few modified M113s mounted the turrets from disabled V-150 armored vehicles, and a handful were already converted to take the L23A1 76mm gun turret from non-working Scorpion CRVTs. 

Finally, the FMC AIFV (sometimes called the YPR-765) delivered in the late 1970s are equipped with a 1-man turret mounting a 25mm Oerlikon KBA auto cannon and co-axial machine guns, although there are some AIFV without the turrets, and are armed and protected in a similar way as the ACV-300.

The Philippine Army's AIFV (aka YPR-765) with turret mounting a 25mm Oerlikon KBA auto cannon. Take note of the improvised wooden plank armor on the vehicle's sides.

The incoming M113A2's remote weapons station would be the first time such system will be available to the Philippine Army, and the introduction of such technology is considered a leap-forward in its capability.



Remote Weapons System (RWS):
The Philippine Army decided to use the RWS system because of the advantages it offer to the gunner as compared to other weapon mount types like turrets and shielded pintle mounts. Previous experiences in armored vehicle operations and advancement in technology helped the PA decide on the choice.

The Elbit Systems RWS-H which can carry a 25mm auto cannon.
Photo taken from Elbit Systems RWS-H product data sheet.

The RWS will be controlled by gunner sitting inside the armored vehicle's compartment section, and will be using advanced sights capable of night operation, thermal imaging system to track targets and scan its peripherals, and laser range finders. This protects the gun operator from exposure to enemy fire and dangerous combat environments like explosion shrapnel and adverse weather conditions. Due to its advanced sighting capability, the gunner also has capability to see at night, and detect heat signatures of enemy targets including those hidden in jungles or urban areas. All these are far improvements from other weapon mounts, even those with improved armor protection which exposes the gun operator from sniper fire. The RWS are computer controlled and enhances its target acquisition capability and be able to fire while moving. This also improves the vehicle's mobility as it allows the driver to see the vehicle's path at night.

The RWS operator will be well protected inside the armored vehicle instead of being exposed in the open through the cupola. Not only does the system improve safety for the operator, but also increase the weapons capability through technological improvements.
Photo taken from Mechanized Infantry Division website.

Another advantage over the pintle-mounted and turret weapon mounts is space usage inside the vehicle. Manned mounts require a platform underneath the cupola which the turret operator will be positioned, which takes significant space inside the vehicle. Taking this out will increase the usable space for storage of equipment and ammunition, or seating space improvements.

With the introduction of remote weapons systems, then why did the Philippine Army still use the turrets of non-working Scorpion CRVT? 



Use of Scorpion CRVT turret for 76mm L23A1 gun:

One of the few remaining Scorpion CRVT with the Philippine Army.
Photo taken from Timawa.net c/o PAFunixGeek.

One reason on using the old Scorpion CRVT's 76mm gun and turret is because of practicality. There were previous plans to refurbish the ageing Scorpion fleet, which includes mechanical and electrical works and replacing the old and fuel-hungry Jaguar J60 4.2L petrol engine with a comparable diesel engine. The program was declared a failure after accusation of corruption and budget embezzlement came out, forcing the army to cancel the project. With the assets put to waste, the PA high command reviewed the program and decided to just scrap the non-working vehicles, with the usable parts removed as spares for working vehicles, and the turrets removed and installed on the M113 armored personnel carriers. As for the remaining Scorpion fleet, they will be retained for as long as the PA can maintain them, while a replacement is being studied for future acquisition. This reason is based on practicality on behalf of the army.

Aside from practicality, the 76mm gun is too large for an RWS to mount and carry, and can only be mounted using a manned turret. Most RWS systems offered in the market can carry only up to 30mm auto cannons. The Zamboanga City Siege was an unfortunate event that gave the AFP experience in urban warfare, and they saw the importance of low-pressure guns similar to the L23A1 76mm gun as a fire support weapon. 

As discussed in previous MaxDefense blogs, the shifting of Scorpion turrets to M113 bodies is not new to the PA, and was done before locally. Conversions were made on a few M113s in the late 90s, with one of the unit destroyed by the MILF during the All-Out War of President Estrada in 2000.

The PA made an in-house conversion of mating the Scorpion turret with the M113. This time, Elbit Systems will perform the modification including the modernization of the turret and the armored vehicle.
Photo taken from Timawa.net.

Elbit Systems was awarded to do the modernization of the turrets, which includes the repair of the 76mm gun and installation of new night-capable sights, thermal imaging system and laser range finders similar to the RWS for the other M113A2. Elbit Systems will also integrate the modernized turret to modern computer systems and installation to the M113A2 body.



Future Upgrades on Other PA Armored Assets:
With the introduction of remote weapon stations, it is expected that this would be in some way a trial batch and may become the basis of future weapon mount replacement for other armored vehicles in the Philippine Army arsenal, especially the M113 series. The Philippine Army has been using the M113 since the late 1960s, and modernization of the entire line is needed to keep it relevant with the times. MaxDefense sources confirmed plans of modernizing the entire M113 line, which may include mechanical & electrical works, and upgrading of the armor and weapons system as soon as more funding is provided by the national government. 

A Philippine Army M113 serving as part of the PHILCAGV force in Vietnam.  Most PA M113 weapons mount are shielded open cupola mounts similar to the configuration above.
Photo taken from Jerzy Krzeminski's photo collection.

In an army whose funding is not as large as its foreign counterparts, such projects are important to make sure that the Philippine Army continues to improve on its capabilities and take in new technology on a cheap but effective route. MaxDefense will provide more updates regarding this specific project, as well as other related projects, as more information becomes available.

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