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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Re-tender of 155mm Towed Howitzer and Ammo Acquisition for PA and PMC

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) has subjected the 155mm Towed Howitzer with Ammunition acquisition program to a re-bid, after the initial attempt failed. The bid invitation is available at DND's BAC website. The projects Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) still stands at Php 438,620,000.00 for 12 units of 155mm towed howitzer, 240 rounds of 155mm high explosive ammunition, and integrated logistics support package. Pre-bid conference  was scheduled last March 11, 2014, while the bid submission is scheduled on March 25, 2014.

The DND released another Invitation to Bid for the 155mm Towed Howitzer with Ammunition acquisition project in February 2014. ABC still remains, as well as the number of units for acquisition.

Previous reports indicated that Israel-based company Elbit Systems Land and C4I was the front-runner of the first tender, but their bid was ultimately rejected after DND found its submitted documents incomplete and non-complying. Elbit Systems is the owner of Soltam Systems, a company specializing in manufacturing howitzer systems including the Philippine Army's M-71 howitzers. Another reported bidder was Stone of David, also known as Joavi Philippines, which was involved in several major tenders for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the last several years. Stone of David was said to offer a Serbian or Bosnian-made howitzer based on the Yugoslavian version of the Soviet M46 howitzer using 155mm caliber instead of the original 130mm, probably produced by the same company that made the Philippine Army's new 81mm M69B mortars (which Stone of David supplied as well).

Hyundai WIA's KH179 (above) may not be offered again due to cost considerations, although MaxDefense is still hopeful that Hyundai WIA will re-consider and submit a bid.

The Yugoslavian version of the Soviet M46 howitzer, using a 155mm caliber gun instead of Soviet 130mm, might have been offered by Stone of David. It may be sourced from either Serbia or Bosnia.
Photo of M46 howitzer taken from militaryphotos.net.

An earlier MaxDefense blog entry speculated that Korea's Hyundai WIA will take part on the initial tender, but that they did not submit a bid. Also missing is the favorite among the AFP, the BAE Land System's M777. This might be due to the budget allocated by the AFP, as both Hyundai WIA's KH179 and BAE's M777 may cost higher than what the AFP can afford. It is expected that both Elbit Systems and Stone of David may return to re-bid for the project, and MaxDefense still expects Hyundai WIA and BAE Land Systems to pass on this project.

A simplified version of Elbit Systems' Soltam ATHOS 155mm Towed Howitzer might be offered to the Philippine Army and Marine Corps' requirements.
Photo taken from Army-Guide website.

MaxDefense's Opinion:
Based on information gathered and observation of events, MaxDefense believes that Elbit Systems has the highest chance of bagging this project, possibly with an offer based on a simplified version of the automated Soltam Athos System. This is related to the growing relationship between the Israeli military and defense industry, and the AFP. MaxDefense sources have already indicated a very active lobbying of Israeli systems to executive branch of the government, the DND, and the AFP. This is evident with the recent awarding or being shotlisted for defense projects by Israeli companies without undergoing tender: 

• Elbit recently got awarded with a contract to provide 28 upgraded M113 armored vehicles for the PA; 
• IAI-Elta Systems Ltd. was shortlisted as among the leading choices to supply the 3 air defense and surveillance radar systems for the Philippine Air Force.
• Although tendered, IAI-Elta Systems was one of the winning bidders for the establishment of Coast Watch Systems for the Philippine Navy. 

There are indications that Israel may be offering refurbished 155mm towed howtizers, probably Soltam M-71s (above) similar to what the PA is using.
Photo taken from Wikipedia.

There is a strong indication that Israel is pushing to supply the AFP with several military systems and equipment consisting of new and surplus but still usable systems. This includes several types of missile systems, armored vehicles, gun systems for land and naval applications, patrol boats, artillery, radar and sensors systems, combat aircraft and helicopters. This possibility of purchasing used/refurbished artillery systems from Israel may affect the decision in awarding the contract for the new 155mm towed howitzers, as it gives Israeli products a strong edge due to commonality in supply chain, maintenance, and training.

MaxDefense awaits for more information regarding this project and will inform its readers of any updates, as the 155mm towed howitzer project was given less attention with the SAA/LIFT acquisition project based on the KAI FA-50 is gaining traction these past weeks. 

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Updates:
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March 28, 2014 - Elbit Systems Land & C4I wins the tender to supply 12 units of 155mm towed howitzer and ammunition for the Philippine Army and Marine Corps. Elbit System's bid was reportedly at Php 368,837,332.00 for the entire package, which is lowed than the project ABC of Php 438,620,000.00. Offer was reportedly the ATHOS system, probably in 39 caliber model.

Elbit System's ATHOS 155mm Towed Howitzer, said to be the next 155mm towed artillery system for the PA & PMC.
Photo taken from Elbit System's website.

More updates from MaxDefense when information starts to trickle down.

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The 4 Potential Bidders for the 3rd Bid to Supply 21 UH-1 Helicopters to the PAF

There are now 4 potential bidders that may take part in the 3rd re-bidding to supply the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with 21 used UH-1 Huey combat utility helicopters. These are the companies that bought the bid documents and are expected to submit a bid on August 30, 2013. Originally it was reported that 14 companies were interested in the project, but it is surprising that less than half made real intentions to join.

The PAF still sees the importance of having more UH-1H Hueys in its inventory, and it is expected that this type will be in service with the PAF for at least 10 more years from now.

MaxDefense made a brief summary as a preview of what these companies can do (click on the company names to access their official websites for further information):

1. RADOM Aviation Systems Ltd. (Israel);
2. Singapore Technologies (ST) Aerospace Ltd. (Singapore);
3. Stone of David Tactical Equipment (Philippines);
4. Vector Aerospace (Canada)

Here is a short summary of the said companies, below are MaxDefense' initial information about them:

Radom Aviation Systems Ltd. is an Israeli company, and according to their official website, the company "specializes in upgrade and modernization of military and civil helicopters and aircraft". It has been operating for more than 25 years, and is also said to be capable of supplying platforms that include the UH-1 series. It is worth noting that Radom submitted a bid for the 1st and 2nd earlier attempts for this project, although their 1st bid failed for not satisfying the requirements and lost on the 2nd bid to a US-based company. 

Israel-based Radom Aviation Systems Ltd. specializes in helicopter refurbishing and maintenance, including the UH-1 series.
Photo taken from Radom Aviation website.

ST Aerospace Ltd. is a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering. It is said to be one of the world's largest 3rd party aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, and has previous experience in supplying refurbished UH-1H Hueys to the Philippine Air Force in the last decade. It also bought bid documents in previous bid attempts but did not submit a bid for unknown reasons. In their previous supply contract, ST Aerospace used US-sourced UH-1H and refurbished them before delivery to the PAF, so it may do the same this time should it win the bid. ST Engineering was also identified before as interested in supplying the Philippine Navy with 2 new frigates.

Singapore-based ST Aerospace is one of the world's largest MRO service provider, and has experience in supplying refurbished UH-1 helicopters for the PAF.
Photo taken from ST Aerospace website.

Stone of David Tactical Equipment is a Filipino company that specializes in small arms and personal protection gear, but is said to have contacts with foreign defense manufacturers through its mother company, Joavi Philippines Corp., including Israel Shipyards, IMI and others. It has also bought bid documents in the previous bid attempts but did not submit a bid also for unknown reasons. This company has been actively joining bidding programs of the Philippine military for some time now, recently also purchasing the bid documents to supply 2 amphibious transport vessels for the Philippine Navy.

Philippine-based Stone of David Tactical Equipment, has partners in the Israeli defense industries through its mother company, Joavi Philippines Corp.
Photo taken from Joavi Philippines website.

Vector Aerospace is a Canadian company that operates in several countries, and is said to be another leading MRO provider. They claim to have more than 2 decades of support experience for various Bell helicopter models including the UH-1 series. They also offer customizable upgrades program for the UH-1, which is useful considering that the requirement is to include supplying upgraded UH-1 helicopters besides the standard model. It is possible that Radom will use US-sourced UH-1H aircraft should they be chosen by the DND.

Canada-based Vector Aerospace also specializes in refurbishing and upgrade of Bell helicopters including the UH-1 series.
Photo taken from Vector Aerospace' website.

Similar to previous bid attempts, MaxDefense believes that not all 4 prospective bidders may submit a bid, so we expect less than 4 bid submissions by August 30, 2013 deadline. MaxDefense will be closely monitoring any updates regarding the bidding of this project, as this project has already been delayed after several promises by the DND to have the helicopters usable by the last mid-term elections. 

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UPDATES:

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September 9, 2013: 

There were actually 4 more bidders for the Supply of UH-1 project: the 4 others beside those indicated in MaxDefense blog are:

5. Rice Aviation Services (USA) / Eagle Copter Ltd. (Canada) joint venture;

6. Serpenair Group Inc. (Philippines) / Bell Helicopters (USA);

7. Overseas Aircraft Support Inc. (USA);

8. Aerospace Engineering Group (USA)

Bid submission and opening date and only 1 bidder, a joint venture of US-based Rice Aviation Services, Inc. and Canada-based Eagle Copter Ltd. submitted a bid. This lone bid was found ineligible after failure to comply on documentation requirements. The DND then announced that they would enter into negotiated bidding with the interested parties.

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January 3, 2014:
As posted on MaxDefense @ Facebook page, a notice of award was given to the joint venture of US-based Rice Aircraft Services and Canada-based Eagle Copter. A contract will follow soon. They are required to deliver the 1st batch of helicopters within 6 months or by around June 2014. Rice Aircraft Services-Eagle Copter JV got the contract through a negotiated bid after the bidding for this project failed 3 times in the past. More from the news HERE.

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July 4, 2014:
The PAF received its first 4 UH-1 helicopters before the end of June 2014, and was able to present the aircraft during the 67th anniversary celebrations of the PAF. According to DND, 3 more aircraft are expected to arrive this July 2014, and that all 21 units will be delivered before the end of the year. 

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