Philippine Navy Plans to Acquire New Corvettes under Horizon 2 Modernization Phase

As the Horizon 1 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program setting in the next 2 months, the entire AFP including all its service branches are now preparing for their program line-up for acquisition under the Horizon 2 phase, which covers the years 2018 to 2022.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is determined to move ahead with its own Horizon 2 procurement plans, despite the setback it is facing due to the difficulties in finalizing the critical design of two brand new frigates it will acquire from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea due to issues that deserve its own discussion. 

Moving ahead (for now), MaxDefense has been continuously monitoring the proposals submitted by the different service branches these past several months, which is now broken down to yearly requests based on a program for the entire Horizon. Several projects look promising depending on the National Government's willingness to provide the funding.

One of these projects coming from the Philippine Navy that is being requested for funding under CY 2018 is for the acquisition of a Corvette.

NOTE: This project is still in the proposal stage, and would require approval from the National Government for the budget to be allocated, although the chances that this would become a reality is pretty high, even after some budget reduction, based on MaxDefense's own assessment.

TKMS has released new iterations of the MEKO A100 Corvette design, shown with either the "Energy Saving Hull Design" or the conventional hull design.
Photo taken from NavyRecognition.com.

Corvette Acquisition Project:

Currently this proposed project has no name yet, which MaxDefense conveniently named as the "Proposed Corvette Acquisition Project" for discussion purposes, which is based on how the DND and PN named the Frigate project before.

While there are not much details about the project, the budget proposed for this acquisition may say a lot of things due to the experiences the PN and groups like ours in the FAP.

For CY 2018, the request is for funding for 1 Corvette with an initial proposed ABC of Php 9,000,000,000.00 as of August 2017, but increased to Php14,000,000,000.00 by September 2017 Is the figure familiar?

It should be, because at Php 9 billion a piece, it is exactly the same amount allocated by the DND and PN for each of the FAP frigates to be built by HHI! For those who are not familiar, the FAP was divided into 2 parts: Lot 1 with a budget of Php16 billion is for the acquisition of 2 frigate platforms, while Lot 2 with a budget of Php2 billion is for the acquisiton of ammunition (missiles, torpedoes, gun ammunition, and countermeasure rounds).

But now at Php14 billion each ($274 million at US$1 = Php51), it is now costlier than the FAP frigates!

Based on this information alone, MaxDefense can gauge what we could expect of the corvette, just by basing it on the history of the FAP project.

GRSE is said to be among those expected to provide an offer, possibly with an improved version of the original offer it made during the FAP's procurement stages. GRSE previously mentioned that it was offering a design based on the Indian Navy's Kamorta-class large anti-submarine corvettes, which are large ships compared to those offered by European shipbuilders.
Credits to owner of photo.

Possible Contenders:

While budget is still being proposed and still for requesting, the PN already started getting Request for Information, Proposals, and Quotations (RFI, RFP, RFQ respectively) from different shipbuilders, but probably this would not include HHI, which according to our sources, the PN doesn't want to deal with for now.

Among those MaxDefense expects to provide their proposals to the PN are those who competed for the FAP and lost. This may include Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineering (GRSE) of India, who is confident to provide a frigate/corvette warship at a price lower than the proposed ABC. Other shipbuilders may include former FAP contenders ThyssenKrupp Marine Shipbuilding (TKMS) of Germany and Navantia of Spain, as well as newcomers like Damen of the Netherlands and The Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France. Other Korean shipbuilders may also give interest including Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and STX.

  

MaxDefense expects Dutch shipbuilder Damen to join the game and offer their SIGMA series of corvette design.
Photo taken from Damen's website.

Comparing to the Frigate Acquisition Project:

Depending on how we interpret the budget being requested for the Corvette, MaxDefense believes that the PN would specify their Corvette at a higher league than the FAP Frigates, and may have a higher level of sensor and firepower requirement as originally envisioned for the FAP. Even if the platform is smaller than the frigates to be built by HHI, the PN may have no issues with them as long as it meets certain requirements.

Take note that during the early stages of the FAP procurement phase, both Navantia and TKMS offered a platform that is smaller than the design proposed by HHI. And although the PN's preference was for a larger platform considering they were in the market for a frigate wherein a larger platform is better to allow future capabilities to be added later on, the PN was open to the proposals of TKMS and Navantia.

TKMS previously disclosed to MaxDefense that their offer was based on their MEKO A100 corvette design, which is less than 100 meters long and displaces around 2,400 tons at full load. Meanwhile, Navantia's proposal for FAP was made known in a public post they made a few years ago, with a platform based on their Avante 2200 Combatant corvette. It has similarities in dimension to TKMS' offer, with less than 100 meters long and displaces at around 2,500 tons at full load. In comparison, HHI's offer which is based on their HDF-3000 light frigate design, is a little over 105 meters long and may displace at around 3,000 tons at full load.

Budget issue was a problem with the FAP which made shipbuilders cut down their design just to meet the costs, while discouraging other shipbuilders especially European and American ones from joining. But even with a low budget with the FAP, it should be remembered that GRSE, the lowest bidder during the FAP's Lot 1 (Platform) 2nd stage bidding, was able to bid for a light frigate with dimensions larger than that of Hyundai's FAP proposal, and with respectable sensors and weapons suite for around Php7.6 billion each (without ammunition). MaxDefense sources privy to the FAP confirmed that until recently, GRSE confirmed that they can still deliver a FAP contender for less than HHI's contract price, and with a better weapons and sensor suite than what HHI has been pushing the PN and DND to accept.

Recap on GRSE's FAP Proposal as Baseline:

To give a baseline on what Php 9 billion can buy, let's use GRSE's submitted proposal for the FAP as basis.

For those who have not read this before, please feel free to check our previous blog entry discussing the FAP's weapons system proposal from HHI and GRSE:

"The Philippine Navy's Future Frigate from Hyundai: Discussing the Ship's Design and Some of its Expected Subsystems" - dated September 3, 2016

At a little over Php 7.6 billion a ship (without ammunition), GRSE's FAP proposed include a full sensors and communication suite from Thales, 4 tubes of MM40 Exocet anti-ship and two twin Simbad RC-Mistral VSHORAD missile launchers from MBDA, two triple torpedo launchers from SEA, a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid primary and a 30mm Oto Melara Hitfist secondary guns, and a platform based on the Kamorta-class large anti-submarine corvette, which is large enough and worthy to be called a light frigate.

Even HHI, despite their attempts to short-change the PN, is still capable of providing a light frigate for Php 7.95 billion (without ammunition) using sensors and weapons system that have lesser performance than those they originally offered, or to those offered by GRSE.

Originally posted in MaxDefense in October 2016 in collaboration with Pitz Defense Analysis (who assisted in the labelling), here is the ORIGINAL proposal submitted by Hyundai Heavy Industries for the PN's frigate. Note that many of the items there are to be replaced with a less performing subsystems. But this provides an insight on what the PN may specify for their Corvette Project.
Original photo from Hyundai, labels from MaxDefense and Pitz Defense Analysis.

It would be remembered that both Navantia and STX attempted to submit a bid for the FAP's 2nd stage bidding, but failing only due to technicalities. But knowing that the ABC for the FAP Lot 1 was only Php 16 billion for 2 ships, it means that they are willing to meet the budget for their proposals.

MaxDefense believes that the PN may have also realized that Php2 billion allocated for ammunition of 2 light frigates may not be enough.

But with a Php14 billion budget, this becomes a game changer as shipbuilders won't need to hold back as much like what happened in the FAP, while also opening the chance fornother shipbuilders to join.

MaxDefense believes that with the budget, a ship similar in size as the HHI proposal for FAP can be attained, while giving enough budget to not downgrade the sensors system like what happened on the FAP. It also allows the installation of items considered as "Fitted for but now with" (FFBNW) items in the FAP like Towed Array Sonar System (TASS), Vertical Launch System (VLS), and Close-in Weapon System (CIWS).

MaxDefense also believes that ammunition will be included in the Php14 billion budget.

Another possibility on the use of the extra budget is for the shipbuilder to also provide a Technology Transfer and allow the ship to be built in the Philippines. The tech transfer is not free so a portion of the budget might be allocated for such arrangement.

This could allow the PN to build the 1st corvette, and any succeeding unit locally, benefitting the Philippine shipbuilding industry and allowing it to prepare for future warship requirements like the proposed Frigates under Horizon 2 phase.

Slap on Hyundai's Face:

MaxDefense believes that this Corvette Acquisition Project is now being used by the Philippine Navy as a "Plan B" for their Frigates, should they not be able to get them according to what they wanted it to be.

It would be remembered that originally, the PN was raising the possibility to have a 3rd frigate that could be awarded to Hyundai to probably sweeten the deal. But HHI's post-contract actions could have made the PN decide to cancel that option, and instead create a new project that could turn out better than the FAP.

Also, while there is only 1 Corvette being requested for CY 2018, MaxDefense was able to get hold of the latest Horizon 2 plan of the Philippine Navy. And it appears that they are planning to have 2 Corvettes for acquisition within the Horizon 2 phase, and this 1st unit was probably pushed forward to catch-up with the FAP's delivery schedule. The PN may opt to have a contract for 1 ship with options for 1 more.

And aside from the Corvette, the PN is planning to have another 2 frigates for funding within Horizon 2, and learning from their mistakes on the FAP, the proposed budget for each frigate is now Php 18 billion, or double that of the FAP. Look at what you will miss, HHI, is these projects are approved for funding!

The only worry many officers in the PN have is if certain personalities in the Department of National Defense (DND), specifically those who protected HHI instead of defending what is best for the PN, may once again use their power and influence to dictate to the PN what they should acquire. And this is the reason why MaxDefense believes that, learning from the past, the PN may now instead pre-select subsystems to be used instead of relying on shipbuilders to propose the subsystems themselves.

Its either the PN would procure the subsystems itself, or they will specify to the shipbuilders the exact subsystems that they wanted their ships to have. This gives the shipbuilders clearer parameters, and all they need to do is create a platform based on those subsystems. It also levels the playing field while also keeping certain people in the DND to be hands off the project. 

The lessons it learned from the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) may allow the PN to make their future acquisitions more responsive to their needs, hopefully without the meddling and interference by some groups within the DND who placed their personal interests first before assisting the PN get the best equipment the government can buy.

How about the Procurement of Multi Purpose Patrol Vessel?

With the Corvette being prepped by the PN for acquisition, what happens then to the Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel (MPPV), which MaxDefense previously reported as among those being eyed from procurement soon.

According to sources, the PN is temporarily shelving this program, and may opt to raise it again for CY 2019 or 2020, as they are trying to give importance to heavier firepower by upgrading existing assets first. 

As mentioned in our FB page a few days ago, the PN is also trying to secure funding for the weapon system upgrade of all 3 Del Pilar-class frigates with a proposed budget of Php 15 billion, and the upgrade of the Pohang-class corvette that is expected to join the fleet early next year with a proposed budget of Php 6.2 billion.

Let's see what happens if the PN will be successful in securing budget for these multi-billion peso projects, considering that the current administration prefers internal security matters. It would be best for the PN to defend their requests by relating these projects into internal security operations, just for the sake of getting the funds they need.

The PN is shelving the MPPV project for now, while focusing on the Corvette, and other PN projects that are more relevant to the times. Money will also be needed to upgrade the upcoming Pohang-class corvette which is expect to enter service by early 2018.
Credits to owner of photo.

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Updates on Philippine Navy's Frigate Acquisition: 4 6 Bidders Qualified for the 2nd Bid Stage

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Blogger's note: This blog entry was originally posted on December 12, 2013.
An updated blog entry will be released later on. - MaxDefense
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The 1st stage of the bidding process for the acquisition of frigates for the Philippine Navy commenced on December 4, 2013. Out of the 14 entities that bought the bid documents, only 7 submitted their bids, and as follows (see links as well):

1. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (South Korea);

2. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (India)

3. Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea);

4. Navantia - SEPI (Spain);

5. STX France SA (France);

6. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (South Korea);

7. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany);

DSME's FFX Batch 2 frigate.
Photo taken from Ambassador @ Military Photos forum.

Unfortunately, only 4 of the 7 submitted bids were deemed qualified by the DND's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), with the 3 companies said to have been unqualified were India's Garden Reach S&E, STX France, and Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Deficiencies were found on the submitted bids of the said entities, but the DND allowed them to file a motion for reconsideration. The deadline for the said MFR was not publicly known, but it would definitely be soon due to the urgency of the project. MaxDefense hopes that these 3 companies could hurdle the said deficiencies as it's believed that their offers can improve the competitiveness of the acquisition project.
(Update: of the 3 disqualified bidders, 2 were reconsidered by the DND-BAC. These are Garden Reach S&E of India, and STX France.)

In addition, there were also 7 other entities that bought the bid documents from the DND but did not submit a bid. The following entities are:

1. Damen Shipyards Group (Netherlands);

2. DCNS (France)

3. Fincantieri S.p.A. (Italy);

4. Magazon Dock - Pipavav Ltd. (India);

5. Piriou Naval Services (France);

6. Rouvia Yachts / Rouvia Defense Inc. (Philippines)

7. Stone of David (Philippines).

Too bad that most European shipbuilders like Damen Schelde did not submit a bid, so we will not see the SIGMA family, like the offer to Indonesia (above) as among the candidates.

With the latest updates on the competitors, MaxDefense could further improve its earlier analysis and assessment on the possible designs that will be offered for the said project. It appears that MaxDefense was able to hit some of the companies, but also missed on several. Among those absent on the list of companies that bought the bid documents as compared to the earlier MaxDefense analysis are the following: Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding and Lockheed Martin from the United States, and Austal from Australia. Another expected bidder that was not in the earlier MaxDefense listing is Singapore's ST Marine Ltd., and Korea's Hanjin Heavy Industries, which has a shipyard in Subic Bay. It is also surprising to see previously "unknowns" like France's Piriou Naval Services and Rouvia Defense from the Philippines, as these 2 companies are not know to have built frigates or similar-sized warships before. Rouvia Defense is actually a sister company or subsidiary of Rouvia Yachts based in Bataan, which specializes in luxury yachts and boats for foreign markets. 

In the absence of ST Marine of Singapore, we won't be seeing their New Generation Frigate (right) being offered to the Philippine Navy. 

Recap of What the PN is actually looking for:
Previously MaxDefense discussed what the Philippine Navy is actually looking for, and was actually repeated several times in several blogs related to frigates and this particular project. A brief summary of those commentaries are the following:

- Previous DND announcements have pointed that the ship may have a displacement of at least 2,000 tons, a length greater than 100 meters (as discussed HERE),
- The PN may opt to use similar equipment to what it already has, like the 76mm Oto Melara gun, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 or DS30 Seahawk stabilized closed in gun mounts, and others weapons, sensors and electronic systems (as discussed HERE);
- The PN, with its Desired Force Mix whitepaper, has a requirement for 6 Anti-Aircraft Warfare (AAW) frigates, and 12 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvettes.
- Although the specifications is similar to a previous Request For Information (RFI) submitted by the US Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command for a possible PN OPV requirement, it appears that this project is a more capable design than the said OPV. Thus this is not just a "glorified OPV" so to say (as discussed HERE);

and finally:

- With the specifications and budget allocated for this specific acquisition project, it appears that this is closer to the ASW corvette than the AAW frigate (as discussed HERE); 



Updated Analysis on the Bidders and Products:
A revised possible offers from the qualified bidders is now possible, and MaxDefense believes that these are the following products:


1. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (DSME)
DSME is the world's 2nd largest shipbuilder and was also one of the participants in the Ulsan-class frigate project of the ROKN in the 1980s. They are also known for their recent frigate contracts with the Royal Thai Navy and Republic of Korea Navy with its DW-3000H and FFX-2 designs, respectively. 

For the Philippine Navy, it is unexpected for DSME to offer these designs exactly as they are due to costs and technical requirements. MaxDefense believes that they will be offering at least 1 of 2 possible designs: a derivative of their DW-2500 frigate design which was originally offered to a neighboring navy before, or a reduced capability variant of the new and larger FFX Batch 2 frigate.

DSME officials disucssing with the Philippine Navy top brass early this year to discuss matters pertaining to the PN's modernization and asset acquisition plans, which probably included the frigate project.
Photo taken from the Philippine Navy's official Facebook page.

a. DW-2500H derivative - this is a design DSME reportedly offered to Thailand some years ago, and has a full load displacement of around 2,500 tons. It is actually an upsized derivative of the Bangladeshi Navy's Bangabandhu-class frigate which was based on the smaller DW-2000H design. The DW-2500H has a CODAD propulsion and can reach speeds of up to 28 knots and can carry a medium-sized naval helicopter. Based on the photo below, it appears that the ship's length is a little more than 100 meters, and is armed with a 76mm main gun, 2 8-cell VLS in the B-position, 2 x quad AShM launchers and 2 x triple torpedo tube launchers at midships, and 2 x medium caliber secondary guns, probably 40mm guns from Hyundai WIA acting as a CIWS system.  MaxDefense believes that this is the closest ship that DSME has to offer to the PN, but may not have enough growth margin for future development.

The DW-2500 was offered to Thailand before choosing the newer and larger KDX-II derivative design. It is the closest design that DSME may offer according to the PN requirements and budget.
Photo taken from thaifighterclub.org.

* Possible changes for the PN may include the absence of the 2 x 8-cell VLS in favor of a simpler, cheaper multiple VSHORAD missle system launcher, reduction of the number of SSM launchers, and the replacement of the 40mm CIWS system with a smaller PN-specific model although the chances of it being retained is also high. 

b. FFX Batch 2 derivative - if the PN is luckier, DSME may also offer the new FFX-2 design with reduced capability, only retaining the hull but only meeting the minimum requirements with regards to the sensors, weapons, and EW systems. Unlike the older DW-2500H light frigate design, the new FFX-2 design is physically larger, heavier, has a sleeker stealthy design, and has a larger future growth margin. MaxDefense believes that this can still be possibly offered by DSME since the PN has put emphasis on the future requirements which may need a large growth margin allowance for additional weapons and sensory systems as the PN tries to catch-up in the future. The PN may be pointing to a larger hull, ready to accept future upgrades with suffering from space shortage and weight considerations. 

* Possible items for replacement include the LIG Nex1 3D surveillance radar with a 2D variant, the 127mm main gun to a 76mm as specified either the 76mm Super Rapid from Oto Melara or a similar design from Hyundai WIA; the use of a automated 4-shot missile launcher for VSHORAD missile  system similar to LIG Nex1's Chiron MMS instead of the KVLS system; removal of the ROKN-specified Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS and replaced by a system similar to the Mk. 38 Mod. 2; and reduction of anti-ship missile launchers to only 4 tubes. 

A FFX Batch II hull but with reduced weapons and sensors capability can also be offered by DSME, as it is physically larger than the DW-2000 frigate design, and will be able to take in the initial requirements and still have weight and space allowances for future upgrades.
Photo taken from Ambassador @ Military Photos.net forum.

Special mention:
DW-2000H derivative - this is actually a late 1990s design that was constantly updated by DSME for future projects. It is actually another derivative of the late 1970s Ulsan-class frigate design of the ROKN. Although it eerily has almost everything the PN is looking for, MaxDefense sources say that it doesn't have the capability to carry a 10-ton naval helicopter and cannot meet the range and endurance requirements as specified by the PN.  

The BNS Bangabandhu (F-25), the most modern frigate of the Bangladesh Navy, is actually based on the DW-2000 light frigate design. It lacks some of the requirements of the PN so it may not be offered

2. Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (HHI)
The world's largest shipbuilder, and is very familiar to MaxDefense readers due to its early involvement in the PN Frigate acquisition project when they reportedly offered the HDF-3000 design (more commonly known as the FFX-1 Incheon-class) at the same time as when the Italians are on talks with the DND for the Maestrale-class frigates. MaxDefense sources earlier pointed out that this was actually the major template of the PN's budget and technical specifications for its frigate program: the PN found out that it can actually buy a new frigate with such limited budget. But just in case, HHI may also offer a cheaper alternative, depending on what they believe fit the requirement and budget.

a. HDF-3000 derivative - this is actually the model name of HHI's FFX-1 offering that ultimately became the Incheon-class frigate. It actually fits exactly on what the PN is looking for, but a reduced capability derivative may be offered instead to be within budget. The only problem with this design is in its growth margin allowances and space availability: it may be unable to accept a VLS system due to its tight space, unless if the PN opt to go for a RAM system in the future. HHI may also make modifications on its helicopter carrying capacity which requires it to take in a 10-ton model.

* Possible systems for replacement are the 127mm gun to a 76mm rapid fire main gun, the RAM system to a 4-shot VSHORAD system, the ROKN-specified Mk. 15 Phalanx with a PN-specified stabilized weapon mount, reduction of number of SSM tubes and missiles, and the downgrade of the radar system instead of using the LIG Nex1 3D surveillance radar system. 

The HDF-3000 design was used by the ROKN for its FFX-1 Incheon-class frigate. According to sources, this was actually the template for the PN's own frigate technical specifications.
Photo taken from Navyrecognition.com c/o Jager.

b. HDF-2000 derivative - unknown to many, HHI is still currently offering a smaller frigate design known as the HDF-2000, which is smaller, probably cheaper, and is a derivative of the ROKN's Ulsan-class frigate (which was actually built by several shipbuilders, including HHI and DSME). Physically it looks closer to the old Ulsan-class than DSME's DW-2000H design, down from the high position of the bridge, the position of the midship funnel, and the replacement of the aft with a hangar and helideck instead of more weapons stations. Speculatively it may have the same dimensions features and performance as the old Ulsan-class, such as the use of the CODOG propulsion and speeds of up to 33 knots, while also being more automated to reduce crew. Due to its similarity to DSME's DW-2000H design, it is not confirmed by MaxDefense if the ship is capable of carrying the required helicopter tonnage as well as the space requirements.

The HDF-2000 looks strikingly similar to the old ROKN Ulsan-class frigate (shown above), with an updated and smoother design, and replacement of the aft weapons stations with a hangar and helicopter deck. It is physically smaller than the HDF-3000 and may be a cheaper alternative if HHI finds the HDF-3000 disadvantageous for them.

3. Navantia - Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (Navantia-SEPI)
Spain's largest and foremost naval shipbuilders is the only non-Korean bidder to break into the qualified list. Navantia is famous with their export of frigates, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships to Australia, Thailand and Norway. There have been earlier reports that they have offered the Avante 1800 to the Philippine Navy for its other naval requirements (probably as corvettes or offshore patrol vessels), but missed on Navantia's offer of an Avente 2200 derivative for its light frigate requirements. 

a. Avante 2200 derivative - this is the closest model from the Navantia's Avante line of patrol and combatant vessels that may suit the PN's requirements. Compared to the smaller Aante 1800 (discussed HERE previously), it has a larger dimension and heavier tonnage, has more spaces, and can meet the range and endurance requirements of the PN. A derivative of the Avante 2200 was also sold to the Venezuelan Navy a few years back.

Navantia's Avante 2200 is the most probable design they can offer to the PN. The photo above shows the Venezuelan derivative, and the PN version may include heavier weapons and sensors systems.
Photo taken from Navantia website.

It is possible that Navantia would make use of European weapons and sensors system, which may probably include missile systems from MBDA (probably Exocet Blk. 2 and Mistral VSHORAD missile systems), MU90 lightweight torpedoes, 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun, and mostly radar and sensors from either Thales or Selex. 



4. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (STX)
STX is the 4th largest shipbuilding company in the world, as is actually the mother company of STX France. They may share the same designs and it is possible that they will actually offer a similar design, with STX offering more Korean systems in its offer. Previously unexpected by MaxDefense to join due to their limited participation in defense projects, but may gain from the vast experiences of defense shipbuilding of STX France being the builder of several warships for the French Navy.

MaxDefense is actually blur on what STX may offer since they have not been in the frigate business for some time, although it be possible for them to offer a design derived from HHI's HDF-3000 being the announced builders for the 4th and 5th units of the FFX Batch 1 Incheon-class frigates for the ROKN. 

a. HHI HDF-3000 derivative - being one of the appointed builders of the FFX Batch 1 Incheon-class frigate for the ROKN, it is highly possible that STX may be allowed to use the base design of the ship from HHI, with some design modifications coming from STX. It may also have the same systems as the HDF-3000 offer from HHI although it is possible that they will try to undertake HHI in some way or another.

A Hyundai HDF-3000 derived frigate from STX? Unimaginable, but possible. STX is the builder of the 4th and 5th units of the FFX Batch 1 Incheon-class frigates, whose design was from HHI. It may be possible for STX to use the design with some modifications.

If this pushes through, expect a very similar fit-out of weapons and sensors system as HHI's offer, mostly Korean-made systems.

b. KCG 3,000-ton Patrol Vessel derivative - STX was awarded a contract to build two 3,000-ton offshore patrol vessel for the Korean Coast Guard, which is actually a design shared with one of its competitor HHI. This design, with further design changes to meet naval requirements, may be used by the shipbuilder for its frigate offer to the Philippine Navy. 

HHI built this specific unit, but STX was also awarded to build 2 units of the same 3,000-ton patrol vessel design. A navalized derivative based on this design may be offered by STX.
Photo taken from Korea Coast Guard website.

Although the chances of the 3 other bidders are slim, it would be best to also discuss here what they may be offering the Philippine Navy if the Motion for Reconsideration they will file/filed is approved:



5. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
Although the name sounds more farm than sea, GSRE is actually one of India's more experienced naval shipbuilders and has experience in building frigate-sized vessels for the Indian Navy. 

a. Kamorta-class large corvette derivative - this is currently the newest design from GSRE that is within the specified requirements of the PN. Actually considered as an ASW corvette for the Indian Navy, the base design can actually be modified to suit the PN needs. The original Kamorta-class uses a mixture of Indian, Russian and Israeli systems, although it is possible for GSRE to modify their design and remove Russian and even Indian systems from their offer*. At around 109 meters long and a displacement of 2,500 tons, this corvette is actually on the same size category as its frigate competitors from Korea and Europe. A recent grounding during sea trials may also not be helpful to GSRE as it was found that there were mechanical problems encountered that caused the accident.

A scale model of the Kamorta-class ASW corvette. GSRE reportedly offered a derivative of this design, which may probably not include Russian and several Indian-made systems.
Photo taken from thaifighterclub forums.

* Russian weapons systems like the AK-630M CIWS, RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, and Klub AShM systems can be replaced by similar systems from Israel like the Typhoon stabilized gun and Gabriel 5 - Advanced Naval Attack Missile. The Barak air defense missile system from Israel may be retained. Radars, sonar, EW, CMS, and other electronic systems from India may also be replaced by either Israeli systems from IAI-Elta or European systems from Thales.


6. STX France SA
The European sub-company of Korea's STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, based in France is one of Europe's foremost shipbuilders. Like its Korean mother company, STX France has its share of building frigate-sized naval vessels although it is possible that they would be offering a similar design as their Korean counterparts. 


7. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH
The German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp is well known for its MEKO series of vessels that has been updated for almost 30 years to suit different requirements of navies around the world. The MEKO series is one of the most successful naval products and new products have been unveiled to make them competitive in an ever-changing world market.

a. Blohm+Voss MEKO A100 corvette series - a smaller derivative of the more expensive MEKO A200 frigate series, this might be the best offer ThyssenKrupp may offer. It may definitely be made to fit the PN's budget, at the same time meet its requirements. It is only around 98 meters long, range and endurance that meet the PN requirement, and has a displacement of around 2,400 tons although these can all be adjusted if necessary. It has the capability to handle 1 or even 2 10-ton helicopters, and can be fitted with the weapon and sensors systems specified by the PN. The Royal Malaysian Navy actually uses the MEKO A100 design as its Kedah-class patrol vessels which are actually neutered corvettes.

A rendering of the Blohm+Voss MEKO A100 corvette with full equipment.
Photo taken from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems website.

It is possible that like most of its customers, ThyssenKrupp may offer the ship together with systems from MBDA and Thales, although the shipbuilder may also use other systems depending on the requirement.



Associated Ship Systems:
Other than the ships themselves, the weapons and sensors systems can also be analyzed based on the shipbuilders. Most notable is the presence of all Korean companies that bought the bid documents which will probably be using Korean or French-made systems based on their previous products.

LIG Nex1
This new Korean company is actually in the forefront of the Korean electronic and missile system technology, and has a complete range of products to offer. Their products would likely be included in most of the Korean frigate offers which may include but not limited on the following products: 
- SLQ-300(V) Sonata EW Suite;
- Next Generation Milsatcom Systems;
- Ulsan-I class 3D Surveillance Radar; 
- Ulsan-I class Hull Mounted Sonar;
- Chiron VSHORAD and Chiron MLS missile system;
- SSM-700K C-Star (Haesun) anti-ship missile system;
- Blue Shark lightweight torpedo system;
- Torpedo Accoustic Countermeasures

LIG Nex1's Chiron VSHORAD missile system in multiple launcher platform may be offered by the Koreans for the anti-aircraft missile requirement. This might be the minimum offer.
Photo taken from LIG Nex1's website. 

Samsung Thales - its close association with defense systems manufacturer Thales has helped them come up with their own systems that are currently in used in most new Korean naval vessels, and might be included in the ship offers to the Philippines, including:
- Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management System (NS-ICMS);
- Short Range Tracking Radar systems.

Samsung Thales' Naval Shield CMS may be offered with the HHI and DSME offers, although other manufacturers like Thales may have the chance to snatch the deal if it can.
Photo taken from Samsung Thales website.

Hyundai WIA - a part of the Hyundai conglomerate, this Korean machinery and tool manufacturer makes naval gun products under license from Oto Melara and Thales Nederland. The following naval guns may be offered as an alternative to the original European models:
- 76mm naval gun;
- 40mm naval gun;
- Goalkeeper CIWS. 

Besides these Korean companies, MaxDefense believes that European defense products may also be bundled as well, especially for the Navantia offer.

Thales Group may offer their TACTICOS Combat Management System and Smart-S Mk.2 3D surveillance radar system, Mirador and Sting EO Mk. 2 tracking radar system, Vigile advanced naval ESM system, the CAPTAS series (probably CAPTAS-2) of variable towed low frequency sonar. The Kingklip medium frequency hull mounted sonar may not be fit for offer as the PN is looking for a low-frequency sonar.

The Thales CAPTAS series of low frequency towed array sonars may be offered as part of the sonar system requirements of the PN.
Photo taken from Thales Group website.

MBDA Systems may also provide missile systems for the frigates, which may include the MM40 Exocet Blk. 2 or 3 AShM system, the Mistral VSHORAD missile system and associated multiple launching system, and the VL-MICA air defense system if the PN can still afford.

The Exocet series of AShM systems may be among those included in one of the offers to the PN.
Photo taken from MBDA website.

Italian naval gun system manufacturer Oto Melara may probably be approached to supply the 76mm Super Rapid gun in case the PN rejects a possible offer of the Hyundai WIA version. 

Oto Melara's 76mm Super Rapid gun may be the gun of choice by the PN but may find competition from its Korean version from Hyundai WIA.

There is also a strong chance that Israeli systems, like those offered by Israel Aircraft Industries, IAI-Elta and Elbit Systems, may also be used as an option. There were previous reports that Israeli companies may tie-up with Korean shipbuilders for an offer to the PN under this project, and this may be the case should the PN opt to use non-Korean systems. These may include the ELM-series of naval radar systems, ELK-series communications and signal systems, Gabriel 5 and Barak missile series, and the Typhoon stabilized gun system which is where the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 system is based. 

Israel's Barak-1 short range air defense missile system also fits the bill of the PN's requirement, and even exceeds the requirement.

American and British defense manufacturers may also be offered but may have difficulty in getting a contract due to cost issues. Boeing's Harpoon Block II AShM system might be a strong contender due to its strong choice for the other PN frigate that will be installed with AShM systems - the Gregorio del Pilar-class. Raytheon's Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system may also be retained with the HDF-3000 frigate design. If gas turbine engines will be considered for the designs, General Electric's LM2500 and Rolls-Royce's MT30 marine turbines will likely be the only choices.




For sure, there will be comments on this blog's commentary portion that will ask MaxDefense's opinion on which design would win. To be honest, MaxDefense doesn't know yet. The fight is close enough as all parties are putting in their best foot forward. This would only get better if some unconfirmed information MaxDefense got recently that the purchase of ammunition would be separated from the project is true and free up some more for the frigate itself. Not only that, there are already confirmed information that the DND and PN are already discussing the possibility of allocating funds for a follow-up 3rd frigate, together with additional capabilities to the entire ship class.

With all these possibilities coming up, we are looking at an exciting frigate program. MaxDefense will be posting more updates on this very important acquisition project as it shows major movements in the coming weeks.

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UPDATES:
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May 16, 2014: 
DND confirmed early this month that 2 more bidders were qualified to submit their proposals for the PN frigate acquisition project. These are Garden Reach S&E of India and STX France SA. They were given only until this month to provide the details of their proposal to the PN and its hired consultants.

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August 10, 2014:
The DND formally allowed the release of information regarding changes on the bidding to the media. Philstar was the first to report that the DND decided to divide the Php 18 billion Frigate Acquisition project into 2 parts: the Frigate acquisition at Php 15.5 billion, and the weapons systems for Php 2.5 billion. 

These changes free the bidders of the burden to negotiate the procurement of the weapons systems, which should have been the responsibility of the end user's government. Foreign governments especially those of the American and Western powers, need congressional / parliament approval on the transfer of weapons systems, especially offensive and advanced weapons systems like anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles as it may affect the balance of power in the region. The source's government may also look on other issues, like human rights standing and violations, payment schemes, trade issues, lobbying powers, relations with neighboring countries and its effects, and others. 

There is a possibility that the bidders themselves asked for the changes since they cannot acquire the weapons systems on behalf of the Philippine government.

This would be further discussed in a separate MaxDefense blog entry due to its strong effects on the current bidding.

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