Is the Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) having its Mk.38 Mod.2 guns installed soon?

One of our MaxDefense reader recently confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), the Philippine Navy's flagship, is currently dry-docked in Subic Freeport. According to him (who wishes to remain anonymous), the ship has already been in dry dock for the past 2 to 3 months, and was docked for some time in Subic before entering dry dock. 

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), the Philippine Navy's flagship. The Navy is planning to have Mk.38 Mod.2 secondary 25mm autocannons fitted on the ship soon.

Below are photos he took recently, and although the dry dock is far from his point of view, it is very obvious that the ship inside the dry dock is indeed a Gregorio del Pilar-class / Hamilton-class ship. To the untrained eyes, the double mast can be clearly seen on the first photo.

Both photos taken recently were taken at Subic Freeport. Although very small, it shows the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) dry docked.
Photo taken and shared by one of MaxDefense readers.

Several months ago (last year), MaxDefense posted a news article from PTV-4 and Philippine News Agency (PNA) regarding the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and its new Mk.38 Mod.2 25mm remote weapons station. In that article, it confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar was scheduled for dry docking betweem February and June of 2015. This might be the scheduled dry docking indicated in the said news report. It is also impossible for its sistership, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, to be dry docked this time as it just recently had its turn late last year.

The interesting part is that the report confirmed that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar is also scheduled to have Mk.38 Mod.2 25mm RWS installed during its dry docking. Originally, reports surfacing about the Philippine Navy acquiring Mk.38 Mod.2 guns from BAE was only for 2 units. So far, 2 units were already installed on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz last year.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) already got its Mk.38 Mod.2 guns last year, and both guns were visible during its port visit to Cebu early this year.
Photo above taken from Timawa.net, photo below taken by an anonymous MaxDefense reader.

So did the Philippine Navy receive 2 more Mk.38 Mod.2 guns from the US? If yes, are the guns being installed on the PN's flagship now?

Only time will tell. It is expected that the PN will be bringing out the ship to the public again once it goes back to sea. And by then we can confirm 100% if such upgrade is indeed made on the ship.



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UPDATES:
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May 11, 2015:
The Philippine News Agency released an updated, as reported here by PTV News, confirming the undocking of BRP Gregorio del Pilar within this week. But it did not confirm the installation of any new system to the ship other than "preserve hull condition and servicing of machineries" which is typical to any drydocking activity.

MaxDefense will wait for any new information or photos after the drydocking which will confirm if there are anything new on the ship or not.

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Russia unveils its new T-14 Armata MBT and other Armored Vehicles before Victory Day 2015 Parade

Although this is not totally related to Philippine defense and security, in the future, it could be.

The Russian Army has finally unveilled the vehicles it intends to display during the upcoming Victory Day 2015 parade in Moscow this May 9, 2015. A short summary and photo gallery follows below of what to expect on that day, which is expected to be very important for many defense institutions and government military planners.

Note: All photos are taken from Army Recognition website.


1. T-14 Armata Main Battle Tank

This is the latest generation main battle tank coming from the Russians, a totally different vehicle from their previous generation T-90 series which is heavily derived from the T-72 series. According to several sources, the T-14 Armata is equipped with a unmanned turret installed with a new 125mm smoothbore gun with autoloader feature for 32 ready to use rounds. The photo still covers the turret of the tank, keeping many exposed systems and features until the actual parade.




2. BMP T-15 Armata Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle:

This is a new AIFV that uses the same platform as the T-14 Armata main battle tank. Although it is expected that the vehicle will be armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and 4 Kornet-EM anti tank guided missiles, the turret portion was also covered during the parade practice so it is still unconfirmed. It is also expected to have the same level of protection as the tank version, and can be operated by a 2-man crew and a passenger compartment at the rear for a heavy infantry squad.




3. BMP Kurganets-25 Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle

This new tracked armored vehicle is the main version of the Kurganets-25 series, and is considerably large even compared to the T-14 Armata tank. It is expected to be armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT co-axial machine gun, and 4 Kornet-EM anti tank guided missiles in the same manner as the BMP T-15. It is expected to carry 8 heavy infantry aside from the 3-man crew, and is fully amphibious with 2 waterjets at the rear of the hull. It is equipped with a passive armor protection system which increases the total width of the vehicle.




4. BTR Kurganets-25 Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier

This is a lightly armed version of the BMP Kurganets-25, using the same platfrom but armed only with a small turret with either a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 7.62mm machine gun. MaxDefense believes that this would have a higher passenger capacity that its IFV version.




5. BTR Bumerang Wheeled 8x8 Armored Vehicle

This new wheeled armored vehicle is slated to replace the Soviet-era BTR-80 and BTR-82 series in several variants, and is more reminicent of modern wheeled armored vehicle models from Western countries. It's top portion was also covered during the parade practice, but it is expected to carry the same turret as the BMP Kurganets-25 IFV, with a 30mm 2A42 auto cannon, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and 4 Kornet-EM anti-tank guided missiles. It is also expected to be a universal platform for different variants which may include fire support vehicles, anti-tank missile carrier, command post, armored ambulance, and mortar carrier variants.




6. Kamaz 63968 Typhoon-K Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

One of the two new MRAPs for the Russian Army under the Typhoon program, the Typhoon-K from truck manufacturer Kamaz is a modular 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carrier that can carry 16 troops including the crew. It has a V-hull design that Kamaz claims can withstand up to 8kg of TNT blasts from underneath the vehicle.




7. Ural 63095 Typhoon-U Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

Another new MRAP from Russia, also under the Typhoon program but is made by Ural. It is also a 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, which can be armed with a machine gun up to 14.5mm caliber mounted on a remote weapons station on the top of the crew compartment. It has a capacity of 14 troops including its 2-man crew. And like the Kamaz MRAP, it is also designed with a V-hull that the manufacturer claims can withstand an 8kg TNT or mine blast.




8. 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152mm Self Propelled Tracked Howitzer

This is a new generation self-propelled tracked howitzser from Russia that utilizes the old 2S19 Msta chassis with a new turret and a new 152mm 2A88 howitzer. The vehicle is also armed with a remote weapons station for a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on top of the turret. It can fire the generation 9K25 152mm Krasnopol laser-guided projectile.


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Aside from these new vehicles, the Russian Army will be featuring a number of upgraded and up-to-date vehicles and weapons systems being used. These include the following vehicles:


1. GAZ-2975 Tigr High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicle

Tigr armored vehicle with Kornet-D anti-tank guided missile laucnhers.

2. BTR-82A 8x8 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier

3. BMD-4M Airborne Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle

4. BTR-MDM Rakushka Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier

5. T-90A Main Battle Tank

6. K-300P Bastion-P Coastal Defense Missile System

Vietnam is currently an operator of this system, wherein they acquire two systems in 2011. The system fires the P-800 Oniks (SS-N-26 Yakhont Strobile) anti-ship cruise missiles, and has a maximum range of around 300km. 




7. TOR-M2U Mobile Air Defense Missile System

8. BUK-M2 Mobile Air Defense Missile System (SA-17 Grizzly)

9. Pantsir-S Short Range Air Defense System (SA-22 Greyhound)

10. S-400 Triumf Long Range Air Defense Missile System (SA-21 Growler)

This is the same air defense missile system that Russia approved to sell to China, which is in effect already something worth looking at in the Philippine setting.




11. Yars RS-24 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

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While these systems or vehicles are not directly affecting the Philippines, there are chances that they would in the future. China is a heavy importer of Russian arms, and they already are in the final stages of a deal to acquire the long range S-400 Triumf air defense system which can reach hundreds of miles from its launching position. An S-400 in the Spratly Islands would complicate the movement of aircraft from the Philippines, including inside Philippine airspace.

Vietnam is also a Russian military equipment importer, and already has the K-300P Bastion-P shore based missile system in its inventory. Although their main target are Chinese ships, it is not impossible for them to target Philippine ships as well, especially that they are also a claimant in some of the islands inside the Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea. They are also expected to acquire some of the Russian equipment listed above for their own needs. Example is Russia's main battle tanks, as they are currently operating a large fleet of obsolete tank that may need replacement very soon.

Both Indonesia and Malaysia are currently Russian equipment users, and it may not be impossible for them to acquire land and missile systems from Russia in the coming years to beef up or replace their existing systems.

Although not a Russian equipment user, the Philippine military should open up to the possibility of acquiring military equipment from Russia if they are capable of filling the requirements of the AFP. This may be a difficult pill to swallow for the country's defense planners considering its strong affiliation with Western or US military equipment and systems, but it must be open to such options.

We'll see more of these Russian equipment in the coming Victory Day parade on May 9, 2015.

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Finally, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz got its Mk.38 Mod.2 Guns

After a long wait, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) finally got its 25mm Mk. 38 Mod. 2 close-in weapons system installed. It was reported more than a year ago that the PN's foremost naval asset will be receiving these 25mm gun weapon stations after a US report that there were 2 orders for the systems for the Philippine Navy. This is the Philippine Navy's first Mk. 38 Mod. 2 system, and the first Hamilton-class ship to have such mount.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Cebu. For those with very good eyesight, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 gun platform on the port side can be seen on this angle. It is just behind the red-colored RHIB.
Photo taken from Cebu Daily News / Inquirer.net

Since the report regarding the acquisition of this gun system involves only for 2 units, it was even anticipated that the PN would either arm one gun system each to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, or only 1 of the ships will have both guns. Previous statements coming from Navy officials even pointed out that the older Gregorio del Pilar was the chosen ship to get both guns, without mention if the Ramon Alcaraz will also be getting as well.

The actual Mk.38 Mod.2 gun on BRP Ramon Alcaraz. This looks like on the starboard side.
Photo taken from Geminirecon @ Timawa Forum.

The port side of the ship also shows the presence of the Mk.38 Mod.2 weapons mount.
Thanks to one of our MaxDefense reader who wants to remain anonymous, who went inside the ship and took some photos.

Rear photo of the gun showing the ammunition loading system.
Photo shared by a MaxDefense reader.

But here we now have some evidence that the BRP Ramon Alcaraz was indeed fitted with the guns. Several online social media sources, including those from MaxDefense readers who shared their photos confirming that there are indeed 2 guns in the said ship, both fitted on the midship port and starboard deck sides. The ships was available for viewing to the public as it was docked in Cebu after providing naval and air security during Pope Francis' visit in Tacloban City last week.

An Mk. 38 Mod.2 weapons system installed on a US Navy vessel.
Photo taken from Wikimedia,

It is worth noting that aside from the Oto Melara 76mm Compact main gun, the PF-16 has no other weapons before the installation of the 25mm chain guns other than several 50-caliber machine guns. Meanwhile its sistership PF-15 has two 20mm gun at the superstructure midships and a manually-operated Mk.38 Mod.0 chain gun at the ship's tail end.



The BAE-Rafael Mark 38 Mod. 2 Close-in Weapons System:
For the uninitiated, the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 gun system is a remote manually controlled 25mm gun station commonly found on US Navy ships. Produced by BAE Systems and Rafael and of Israel, two units were ordered as part of a larger order made by the US Navy. This is the newer and remote-control capable version of the Mk. 38 Mod. 0 gun system which is used by the Philippine Navy on several of its Andrada-class patrol boats, the Cyclone-class BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez, and the secondary gun mounted on the aft of the PF-15. It uses a 25mm Bushmaster M242 chain gun and was designed to protect the ship at close range from small fast surface and slow aerial threats. US Coast Guard personnel were reportedly part of the installation team as the PN doesn't have the adequate experience to do the job on their own. For further information, MaxDefense recommends the manufacturer's website (link HERE).

A closer look of the PN's new Mk.38 Mod.2 gun mounted on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Thumbs up to the PN and to our friend who went there and share these photos to us.

Each of the gun mount has its own EO system that allows the gun to be used on day & night and all weather conditions. Controls of the gun is done on a console with its own video feed screen, and the gun is trainable by joysticks. 

An example of what the Mk.38 Mod.2 control console looks like.

Aside from the Mk. 38 Mod. 2, the other remote-operated close-in weapons system the Philippine Navy currently uses is the MSI 25mm Seahawk mounted on the Jacinto-class patrol corvettes, which also uses the same 25mm M242 Bushmaster gun.

With the entry of this system into the Philippine Navy, it is expected that the same system might be acquired to arm several types of upcoming ships, including the Strategic Sealift Vessel which has already started construction and requires at least 2 mounts per ship, and the new light frigates which are being tendered. 


Other Interesting Finds on the Ship:
Aside from the installed guns, there are other points of interest that MaxDefense wants to share here:

A photo of the display console of the ship's Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital surface search and navigation radar system was also made available again. Until more capable radar systems become available for the ship, this would remain as the main eyes of the ship. 

A PN crew member discuss the use of the surface radar display console to the visitors.
Photo shared by one of our MaxDefense readers who wants to remain anonymous.

Another interesting photo involves the shipboard AW-109 naval helicopter. It appears to be a normal now to see the helicopters paired together with the frigates. It may also be interesting to take note on how the aircraft is restrained on the flight deck when not in use. 

The AgustaWestland AW-109 Power naval helicopter on the ship's flight deck.
Photo shared by one of MaxDefense's readers.

Finally, although already confirmed before, the Philippine Navy has changed the Philippine Fleet's sub-unit's name where the frigates are assigned under their recently made restructuring program based on capability. Previously known as Patrol Force, it is now known as the Offshore Combat Force, in anticipation of the greater role the unit will undertake in the near future as more assets arrive. Its logo can been seen on the PF-16's superstructure near the Mk.38 Mod.2 guns. The other Philippine Fleet units that were also renamed as the Littoral Combat Force (formerly the Coastal Patrol Force), and the Sealift & Amphibious Force(formerly the Service Force).




With the BRP Ramon Alcaraz having its close-in gun systems, we now wait for its sistership BRP Gregorio del Pilar to have a similar weapons system, as well as for the 2 ships to get their highly-anticipated long-range surface and air search radar systems, and the defense/offensive missile systems as discussed in previous MaxDefense blog entries. With the year 2015 still in its infancy, expect more news on the upgrade of the 2 ships, especially with the impending awarding of the PN's new frigates coming very soon.

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