Upgrades for the Philippine Navy's Gregorio del Pilar-class Frigates on the way

The Philippine Navy is expected to proceed with the upgrades for their Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates soon, with the program already more than a year delayed. The program will be divided into several scopes, but major emphasis will be given on up-arming the ships and providing them with a reasonable surveillance and detection capability.

The two Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates of the Philippine Navy during naval exercises with the US Navy.
Photo taken from the US Navy via Wikipedia.

There are earlier indications from MaxDefense sources that the separation of the new frigate weapons acquisition from the original frigate acquisition project can closely be attributed to other weapons system requirements of the PN. This includes the upgrade for the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates and other weapons systems for upcoming PN naval assets.

Currently, the lead ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) is better armed compared to its sistership BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), which as of this writing is headed to Northern Australia to participate in the bi-annual KAKADU 2014 exercises. Compared to the PF-16, the PF-15 is armed with a single Mk.38 Mod. 0 chain gun, positioned where the Phalanx CIWS was previously located. It is also armed with two 20mm Oerlikon guns, which the PF-16 currently lacks.


Weapons Systems:
Latest information from the Philippine Navy suggests that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will undergo the 1st phase of the up-arming program, which is to install two (2) BAE Mk. 38 Mod. 2 MGS (Machine Gun Systems), one each on the port and starboard midship decks. The Mk.38 Mod. 2 MGS is a remote-controlled weapons system mounting the 25mm M242 auto cannon, with a 2.5km range to defend the ship against small, fast surface threats. Although this can be considered as a Close-in Weapons System (CIWS), it is not designed to shoot fast aircraft and incoming anti-ship missiles like the Phanalx. 

The BAE Mk.38 Mod.2 25mm MGS are to be installed on the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, and probably with other upcoming naval assets.
Photo taken from Wikipedia.

The gun systems are reportedly now with the PN, and were originally planned to be installed on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, but the decision to shift to the leadship was made by the PN leadership. Any plans to install the same weapons to the PF-16 means that the PN would made an order with the US government, possibly under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program similar to how the 2 earlier guns were acquired. No definite new orders were made yet, although MaxDefense expects the PN to acquire not just 2 MGS, since the upcoming new frigates and Strategic Sealift Vessles (SSV) requires similar systems as well. A bulk buy might be the course for the PN.

MaxDefense sources also confirmed that the PN is "strongly interested" in acquiring the Raytheon Phalanx CIWS for the Gregorio del Pilar-class an "a number of other ships". The Phalanx is the US Navy's premier short range hard kill system against anti-ship missiles and aircraft, and uses a 20mm 6-barrel M61 Vulcan gatling gun. It is the best CIWS system that can be fitted to the Gregorio del Pilar-class, as they were previously armed with this one each, but was removed as it was not part of the deal between the Philippine and US governments for the transfer of the ships to the PN. The Phalanx does not require lengthy deck penetration works, allowing for easy installation and avoid costly modifications.

The Raytheon Phalanx mutli-barrel CIWS is eyed by the PN for its major naval assets.
Photo taken from Wikipedia.

The PN's decision was due to considerations for ship survivability issues, as the greatest threats they expect to face would probably be from anti-ship missile attacks from surface, air, or sub-surface platforms, or torpedo attacks from submarines. Should they be acquired for the Gregorio del Pilar-class, the Phalanx would probably be installed on the ship's aft where the US Coast Guard previously installed a similar CIWS. The PN has even included the Phalanx in its training systems, including the new multi-mission tactical simulator, as an integral weapons system of the frigate.

The PN has long announced its desire to arm the frigates with anti-ship missiles (AShM) which would give them a long range striking capability against hostile surface assets. Surprisingly, the PN has not yet made a final decision on this part, even if they made their announcement of plans to acquire such systems as early as 2012. According to MaxDefense sources, the PN's top choise is the US-made Boeing RGM-84 Harpoon missile system, although they are also open to use alternative missile systems offered by other countries, with special mention of those from Israel. 

A Harpoon missile launched from the Australian frigate HMAS Warramunga. A similar system may find its way to the PN's Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates.
Photo taken from Seaforces.org. 

The Gregorio del Pilar-class is not a stranger to the Harpoon missile system as well, with the ships fitted by the USCG with the said system a few decades ago as part of their capability improvement in support of the US Navy during the late part of the Cold War. These were removed when the USCG's mission profile did not require the missiles, which are considered as offensive weapons. According to PN sources, their 2 frigates can easily be re-installed with the system, and will be mounted on the deck space between the 76mm main gun and the bridge area.

The former USCGS Hamilton (WHEC-715), now the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), with the two quadruple Harpoon missile launchers on its deck. This is preferably the best position should the PN acquire Harpoons for the ships.

Air Defense systems, using short range man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems, are being planned as well, although it was also learned by MaxDefense that a possible bulk-acquisition for such systems for other current PN warships is being planned. Possible recipients of such missile systems include the lone Cyclone-class inshore patrol vessel BRP Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), the entire Jacinto-class offshore patrol vessels, and the reported upcoming former ROKN Pohang-class corvette. Among those looked at by the PN are the French Mistral from MBDA, the Korean Chiron from LIG Nex1, the American FIM-92 Stinger from Raytheon, and the Russian 9K38 Igla-S (these are among the weapons systems offered by Russia recently). These missiles would be mounted on a manually-operated multiple-missile launch platforms.

Although the frigates were also previously armed with anti-submarine torpedoes, plans to acquire such weapons for the Gregorio del Pilar-class are still unconfirmed as of this writing. The PN already made an indication of interest for such, but this would probably be at the back-burner as far as up-arming programs are concerned. 



Surveillance and Detection Sensors:
The PN is actually also looking at improving the "eyes and ears" of the ships by installing surveillance radar systems that can detect threats from the surface and air. Currently the ships are installed with a commercial-spec'ed  navigational radar system, and are equipped with the Mk.92 Mod.1 fire control systems. Previously, the ships were equipped with the AN/SPS-40 air search radar, which were removed by the USCG before handing-over the ships to the PN. 

Previous information from sources indicated that the frigate may likely receive the same radar systems being planned for the upcoming new frigates. Since the PN has not yet decided on the new frigate's would-be shipbuilder, system integrator and systems suppliers, there is no final decision yet on what the PN may be getting for the Gregorio del Pilar-class. But the chances of getting at least a 3D search radar as indicated in previous MaxDefense blog entries are high.

The PN may opt for a 3D air-surface search radar system, although it may be dependent on the type they intend to install on the upcoming new light frigates. The PN may do a wise decision of making a bulk-acquisition to include additional units for the GdP-class frigates.
Photo taken from Thales Nederland website.

Installation of missile systems on the frigates may also include the installation of new fire control radar systems, which may either complement or replace the currently installed gun-only Mk. 92 Mod.1 system.

Although the PN has highlighted the importance of anti-submarine warfare in its future capability, they may not immediately provide the frigates with an inboard sonar system although there are plans to have them on the entire class. There are no word yet if the PN may opt to go for a hull-mounted system, a towed array sonar, or for both systems to be available on the ships. It is possible though, that the PN may only opt for 1 of the possible systems. It would also probably be dependent on the type on sonar system to be used on the upcoming new light frigates.

A towed-array sonar system like the CAPTAS system (above), may be considered by the PN for upgrading the ASW capabilities of the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates.
Photo taken from Thales website.

The Philippine Navy has already taken steps in pursuing these plans for the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, and it would not take long for them to finally award these systems to respective manufacturers. The PN and DND may opt to directly negotiate for the acquisitions, either through a Government-to-Government (G2G) or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal, or a direct commercial sale depending on the source of the systems. 

These upgrades would also render the ships out of action for some months from patrol duties in the West Philippine Sea and other disputed areas. So MaxDefense expects these upgrades to be carefully scheduled and will be done on a one-by-one basis. Should the PN actually get the reported donation of a Pohang-class corvette, it would be expected to take some of the burden of the frigates' missions, and its presence would enable the PN to allow at least one of the frigates to be out of service for a few months.

It would be interesting to note that the upcoming new light frigates being tendered by the Philippine Navy would have a possible strong influence on the choices of weapons and surveillance systems to be acquired for the current frigates. As an early advice for those surprised by the split of the weapons from the new light frigate acquisition program, that was nothing new and was just formality to enable the PN to acquire the system it prefers for the new frigates, while freeing up the burden from the shipbuilders. This would be further discussed on upcoming MaxDefense blog entries regarding updates on the PN Frigate Acquisition Program.

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UPDATES:
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August 23, 2014:
IHS Jane's recently reported and confirmed that the PN is already preparing the weapons and electronics upgrades for the Gregorio del Pilar-class. The report specified that the PN wanted the ships to have at least the systems it had during their service with the USCG, including having the Phalanx CIWS and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

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An In-Depth Look at the Philippine Navy Frigate Program of 2013 (1st of several parts)

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) released information on the purchase of new frigates after the negotiation for ex-Italian Navy Maestrale-class frigates fell through. Latest announcements place the budget for 2 brand-new ships at Php 18 billion, an increase from the almost Php 12 billion budget for 2 of the ex-Italian ships. (US$1 = Php41.19 as of 2/5/13)

ITS Maestrale (F570), lead ship of the Maestrale-class frigate
(from Wikimedia)

According to news reports, possible sources of the ships are Spain, South Korea, France, Israel, Italy, Australia, the US, Singapore, and Croatia, among others. 

Questions are raised on many Philippine defense blogs & forums: What are we getting? What's the PN requirement for the ships? Is the budget enough? Is the budget too much? 

The 2 new frigates will be the first time the Philippine Navy (PN) will be purchasing brand new major surface combatants in its history. So far all its major combat assets are ex-US Navy/Coast Guard or Royal Navy excess defense articles. This program is a big leap since it would be the first time the PN will get a ship according to their actual requirement, will be brand new and not worn-down refurbished assets, and will be the most expensive defense project for  the Philippine government. It will also upgrade the PN's asset in terms of technological features in all aspects: weapons, sensors, machinery, design, stealth, aviation capability, electrical, safety, comfort, and all others. A big boost indeed for the PN.

Let's look at the budget: Php18 billion is around US$437 million, or US$218.5 million per ship. We compare this cost with the region's other comparable shipbuilding programs:

1. Indonesia's PKR 10514 Sigma-class by Damen Schelde Shipbuilding of the Netherlands and PT PAL of Indonesia: US$220 million for 1 unit (signed June 2012);

Indonesia's PKR Program is based on Damen Schelde's Sigma 10514 design

2. South Korea's FFX-1 Incheon-class by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI): US$232 million for the 1st unit, although HHI contract for the hull only was W140 billion (US$106.5 million) (signed December 2008);

South Korea's Incheon-class coastal frigate will replace the older corvette and frigate classes

3. Thailand's new frigate program based on Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) DW-3000H: B13 billion (US$442 million) for 1 unit;

Thailand's new frigate will be based on Daewoo's DW-3000H design

4. Malaysia's SGPV LCS Gowind-class by DCNS of France and Boustead Heavy Industries of Malaysia: MYR1.5 billion (US$467 million) each (signed December 2011);

A scale model of Malaysia's upcoming SGPV-LCS based on DCNS' Gowind-class combat corvette

It may seem that our budget of US$218.5 million per ship is small even compared to its cheapest equivalent program, the Indonesian PKR 10514 Sigma-class. But is it the case? Let's take a look at what the Philippine Navy's requirements are:

1. Based on their original interest in the Maestrale class, the ship was armed with 4 x long range anti-ship cruise missiles, a 127mm gun, 2 secondary twin 40mm guns, 2 triple lightweight torpedo launchers, an 8-cell anti aircraft missile launcher for medium range AAM, a hull mounted sonar, a separate air seach and surface search radars with corresponding fire control radars, a helipad and hangar for two 5-ton helicopters or one 10-ton helicopter. It is originally designed to be an ASW platform.

2. Previous reported PN/DND announcements require for a ship with at least a 2,000-ton displacement, a length greater than 100 meters, and have anti-ship, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine capability. Very vague if you loom at it, too general.

3. We look at the current Philippine Navy weapons & sensors systems. So far at least 5 of its major warships are armed with the Oto Melara 76mm Compact naval gun. Two frigates are planned to be installed with the Mark 38 Mod.2 Typhoon mount, while three corvettes are currently installed with the MSI Defence DS25 Seahawk mounts. There are no ASM, AAM, and torpedo systems currently being operated. Radar systems are limited to short range navigation/surface surveillance types like AN/SPS-73 and Sperry Marine Bridgemaster series, or civilian-spec Furuno FAR series. No air search or 3d radars available. Sonar systems are also currently not available except for a short-range Wesmar side-scanning sonar on the ex-Cyclone inshore patrol vessel.

The Oto Melara 76mm Compact Naval Gun, being used on Gregorio del Pilar-class & Jacinto-class ships

4. A typical frigate nowadays will have at least a 3D radar for air & surface search, one or two navigational radar which can be redundant surface surveillance radars, associated fire control radar systems, an ESM & ECM system with decoy launchers, a hull-mounted or towed array sonar (or both) for anti-submarine missions, a medium caliber naval gun, secondary guns for close in ranges, an ASM system (at least 8 numbers), a AAM system (either short range for point defense or medium range for area defense), possibly a CIWS system (for shooting down incoming ASM or aircraft), and lightweight torpedoes for ASW.

The Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar
(photo from Thales Nederland website)

With these parameters, it would be safe to assume that the PN is not bounded by supply & maintenance commonality issues for now, and would only be bounded by pricing, political preference, and delivery issues. Basically the requirement is close, if not similar to most frigate programs in the region, although the technology involved might differ depending on the supplier and system integrator.

Let's analyze a possible Philippine frigate:

1. Size: 2,000-ton displacement with a length a little over 100 meters is considered a light frigate, or a heavy corvette. It appears to be smaller than the PN's Gregorio del Pilar-class. A smaller ship means compact weapons systems, a smaller power generation capacity, less crew, less space for complicated machinery, a smaller fuel tank, among others. HHI's Incheon-class, Damen Schelde's PKR Sigma 10514, and DCNS' Gowind Combat Corvette, as well as most offers all fit or surpass the dimensions indicated.

2. Machinery: currently the PN is starting to get comfortable with the CODOG (combination of diesel or gas) configuration, so it is expected that the new frigates may have the same CODOG configuration. To lessen costs, an electric drive system can replace the gas turbine, making the ship a CODOE (combination of diesel or electric) configuration, similar to Indonesia's preference. A range of around 4,000-5,000nmi at cruising speed is standard nowadays for ships of this size.

An example of a CODOG configuration. This exact diagram is used on India's Shivalik-class frigates

3. Sensors: the likelihood of using a 3D multi-beam search radar is high. Most Asian frigate/corvette programs have chosen the Thales Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar, although the EADS TRS-3D or Selex RAN-30X are other possible option. Also, this would be related to the expected upgrade program for the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, and whichever comes first, both ship classes may use the same radar. Use of phased-array radar like Thales' I-Mast 400/500 and Heracles, Elta EL/M-2558, CEA Technologies' CEAFAR or other similar types may not be an option due to the limited budget. Fire control radar (FCR) is required, although the quantity may vary depending on the ASM type. Possibly 2 units plus an electro-optical tracking system might be possible. 

4. Sonar: a hull mounted sonar is also expected since towed array sonar may cost more, although if only to choose one, the PN may opt for a towed array sonar and go away without the hull mounted one. Of course having both is better, but may depend on budgetary issues. Most frigate designs on offer to the PN (will be discussed separately) have both the hull mounted and towed array sonars although the final fit-out may depend on the PN's budget.

Product detail for Thales' CAPTAS Towed-array Sonar

5. Weapons: 

    5a.Guns: the PN is already using the Oto Melara 76mm Compact gun, and due to commonality the PN may opt to get the same gun, or the newer Super Rapid version with a higher rate of fire and longer range. The PN may add the Strales system with DART ammunition if funding permits, similar to those installed on the Colombian Navy's Almirante Padilla-class. The ammunition itself may not fall within the frigate's budget but in another funding program. At least 2 secondary close-in guns is possibly required, with the 25mm Mk.38 Mod.2 being the most possible due to its choice for the Gregorio del Pilar class. These can be operated manually or via a remote console in the bridge. At least two 50-caliber machine guns are also expected to be installed, which is a PN staple gun mount.

The Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid with STRALES system

    

     5b. Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM): like the radar system this will depend on what the PN will choose to arm the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates. The Harpoon is the most likely choice, although if costs are to be considered the cheaper MBDA MM40 Exocet Blk. III might be another possible choice. Other possible choices are the South Korean SSM-700K Haesung or the expensive but modern Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile.

The South Korean made SSM-700K Hae Sung anti-ship missile

  

     5c. Anti-Aircraft Missiles (AAM): this the most complicated weapon system in this program. Our sources indicated that the PN requirement is to have at least a 10km range, and not a MANPAD system. The best option so far is for Raytheon's medium range Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), which are launcher via VLS launchers. Take note the the Maestrale-class are armed with an older but almost similarly-ranged AAM in the form of Selenia's Aspide (a derivative of the old Sea Sparrow missile). Other options may include the MBDA's VL-Mica, Eurosam's Aster 15, Thales' Crotale, with South Africa's Umkhonto also reportedly being taken consideration. Since these missiles vary on their guidance systems, they are also dependent on the radar and fire control system to be chosen.

Comparison of naval-launched anti-aircraft missiles. The Mica-VL & ESSM are most probable for PN's frigate

          5d. Torpedoes: a lightweight system is very possible, with the possible choices of the American Mark 46, the Eurotorp MU90 Impact, and the Korean K745 LW Blue Shark. There are no indication if a heavyweight type is being considered by the PN.

     

     5e. Close-in Weapons System (CIWS): this is the last priority of the PN, according to our sources due to the cost issues. But being offered are the RAM system (which may double as a short range AAM), the American 20mm Phalanx and the Oerlikon Millennium 35mm. Other models are said to be offered but more information is needed at this point (we'll try to discuss later on).

The Mk. 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS

So far there are some publicly released reports indicating some of the bidders have already forwarded their proposals. First one reported was Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea, which reportedly offered the new Incheon-class frigate. Another South Korean heavyweight, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) was exposed through the Facebook account of the Philippine Navy, wherein the Korean defense attache met with Philippine Navy officials together with DSME representatives. Recently Zambotimes also indicated that Spain's Navantia was offering their frigates and transport ships to the DND & PN. Further discussion about this will be made in a separate post.

Considering the items above, our future frigate looks similar to most light frigate projects in the region. The allocated budget by the Philippine government may not be enough if the PN will maximize its options, although this can be settled by reducing the installed systems upon delivery and just allocating space for future refits. More like "fitted for but not with", which is common nowadays to cash-strapped navies. Even the older Gregorio del Pilar class frigates are capable of firing Harpoon missiles, but are not fitted with due to American austerity measures in the 1990s. 

Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration is how the Philippine government will pay for these ships. It appears that the original budget for the Maestrale-class frigates worth Php 12 billion (around US$ 292 million) will be re-used, and will be added by around US$ 150 million originally allocated for the purchase of 2 refurbished ships (MaxDefense believes it could have either been the Italian Minerva-class or Artigliere-class), which might be coming from the Malampaya Special Account under General Fund 151 (or "Fund 151"). This same Fund 151 was the source of budget to buy the former USCGC Hamilton (now BRP Gregorio del Pilar)

Options can be made to maximize the budget by lowering costs of the project to fit additional or higher performance systems. Options include:

1. Local production of the hull, with the complicated systems imported and installed locally. Some of the bidders actually have local counterparts that may make use of the lower production costs at the same time give our counterparts experience in such work. Negative side might be a longer timeframe  due to less experience by local counterparts. Example is Austal of Australia, they may opt to build the ships in their new Cebu shipyard.

2. Offsetting the costs by counter-trade. This has been done before, with the PAF's Aermacchi S-211 being the most publicized example (I believe you've heard of the ladies underwear stories). Our government will be able to save as well as help local producers and exporters in this manner. 

3. Offsetting by counter-investment. Entities involved may opt to invest in the Philippines, either manufacturing or servicing units, thus returning the costs back to the country in the form of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which the current Aquino administration wanted to increase.

MaxDefense' projected Philippine Navy light frigate may look like this:

- CODOG propulsion using one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine & 2 diesel engines

- crew of 120-140 plus air component crew, endurance of at least 20 days

- operating range of 5,000nmi at cruising speed

- maximum speed of 29 knots using gas turbine

- Thales Smart-S Mk.2 3D radar with IFF

- 2 x navigational/surface surveillance radars

- 2 x fire control radars

- 1 x electro-optical tracking system

- ESM & ECM systems

- fitted with but not with towed-array sonar

- hull mounted sonar

- 1 x Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid Gun, fitted but not with Strales system

- 2 x Mk. 38 Mod. 2 25mm chain gun system

- 2 x M2HB 50-cal machine guns

- 2 x quad Boeing Harpoon Blk. II SSM

- 1 x 8-cell Sylver A35 VLS for VL-Mica IR SAM

- no CIWS 

- 2 x triple Mk.32 torpedo launchers for Mk.46 Mod.5 torpedoes

- 1 x Super Lynx 300 ASW helicopter (for separate discussion)
- 2 x RHIB

Further discussions regarding the possible offers and other options on the next posts.

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