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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Multi-purpose Patrol Vessel, the Philippine Navy's Newest Horizon 2 Project

With the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program already moving to the second five-year phase, dubbed as the Horizon 2 Phase covering years 2018-2022, the planners of the AFP, including those in the Philippine Navy (PN), are now preparing their next projects for implementation under this phase. While their shopping list has been changing lately due to the changing policies of the country under the administration of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, MaxDefense believes that the AFP has made a priority list that will be immediately implemented, out of the numerous projects that were submitted.

While there are several naval projects indicated in the memorandum submitted by the AFP to the AFP Chief of Staff early last month, a project stood out for being something new and was not among those listed in previous shopping lists submitted by the PN since the initial Desired Force Mix presented in 2012.

That project is called "Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessels" of the Philippine Navy. We would refer to this class of ship as "MPPV" on the duration of the blog entry.

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Note and disclaimer: all these, especially the information on the ships themselves, are based only on informal initial information provided to MaxDefense by its different sources from the PN and DND, and other special sources. As of this writing, MaxDefense was informed that the Philippine Navy has yet to form a Defense Acquisition System Assessment Team (DASAT) and a Project Management Team (PMT) for this specific project, and no Request for Information (RFI) has been sent out to shipbuilders, system providers, and integrators as of yet. This blog entry will be overwritten later on as more formal and concrete information becomes available. 

The information on the background section, and on the "parallels within the ASEAN region" section are confirmed, and can be vouched by MaxDefense.
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Singapore's Independence-class littoral mission vessel are the best that MaxDefense can hope on what the PN should use as a template for its Multipurpose Patrol Vessels. It has all the features the PN could want, but the price could be an issue.
Photo from Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).


Background:

Previously MaxDefense mentioned that there were several versions of the Philippine Navy's shopping list that were released within the AFP, although it was said that only two versions were approved as official. The first was released in 2012, which was called the Desired Force Mix, while the second was the Philippine Navy Capability Upgrade Program released on April 2016. Between 2012 and 2016, there were also draft wish lists made, that were a little different from the two approved lists but were said to be overridden by the April 2016 version.


The 2012 Desired Force Mix of the Philippine Navy, which was meant to be acquired during the 3 Horizon phases of the AFP Modernization Program.
Photo taken from Timawa.net forum.


The 2012 Desired Force Mix included a requirement for 18 Offshore Patrol Vessels and 40 Patrol Gunboats in its wish list. These were optimized by the PN to be the bulk of the patrol fleet that are much useful during peacetime and law-enforcement operations while surface combatants like corvettes and frigates are meant more for low to high intensity naval conflicts. 

Later versions of the Philippine Navy's wish list did not include both the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Patrol Gunboat requirements, although changes were made on the quantity of other assets included in the DFM list, including the inclusion of new assets like LHA-type vessel, Landing Craft Air Cushioned, and other assets.


This wish list was released by the Philippine Navy is 2015, although the same content was already on documents provided to MaxDefense via its sources as early as 2014. This does not show any requirement for OPV or Patrol Gunboats, yet it included new items like an LHA-type SSV, and other assets.
Photo taken from the Philippine Navy's website.


The latest version of the wish list, released on April 2016, further made changes to the previously released lists. It still did not include Offshore Patrol Vessels and Patrol Gunboats in it, but a new type of ship called the Littoral Patrol Interdiction Craft (LPIC) was included, which was described by MaxDefense sources from the Philippine Navy to be a ship of similar size and capability as the Cyclone-class inshore patrol vessel currently operated by the PN (BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS-38)) acquired from the US during the term of Pres. Gloria Arroyo.


The latest pre-Duterte administration wish list of the Philippine Navy, shown here in part due to the photo's emphasis of assets for the Philippine Fleet and not for the entire Philippine Navy. The Littoral Combat Force portion shows the LPIC which appears to be similar to the Cyclone-class patrol vessel already operated by the PN.
Photo taken from Cods Salacup M's Facebook page.


Despite being a new wish list, the April 2016 list appears to have been overridden by another wish list, as shown by the Philippine Navy during ADAS 2016 held last September 2016. It appears that during this time, the Philippine Navy was already reformulating their wish list based on the policies set-upon by Pres. Duterte when he came into power a few months back. There is a sudden requirement for an Ocean Patrol Vessel, positioned very much on the centre of the info-graphic poster in the Philippine Navy's stand. 

But as of October 2016, the AFP submitted a tentative wish list to the CSAFP, which is more of a general wish list without too much specifics except for those listed, and it included this Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel project, together with other AFP projects that are of immediate requirement and intended for implementation as early as possible.


This is the last infographic displayed by the Philippine Navy during ADAS 2016. While almost half of the projects are already shown on previous infographics prior to this one, many are actually new are were not in previous wish lists. The Ocean Patrol Vessel is actually one that is in the middle, and could be a precursor to the need of the PN for patrol vessels that are less capable than corvettes, but are larger than the fast interdiction crafts that they intend to acquire.
Photo shared by Steel Bamboo, a MaxDefense community member.



The Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel's Intended Purpose:

It was among the projects presented by the AFP that is, officially, meant to support the government's policy to build a strong interdiction capability to counter the proliferation of narcotics from abroad, and ingress/egress of foreign vessels involved in transnational crime along the country's coastal waters. This is very much in line with Pres. Duterte's policies on war against drugs and terrorism.

Despite these, it is expected that the Philippine Navy will also use them for other purposes, including as a mobile Coast Watch platform that will be connected to the Coast Watch Philippines maritime surveillance system, patrol the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as a search and rescue or HADR platform in support of the national government, and be used as additional combat asset should the Philippine Navy finds the need to do so, especially in times of emergencies and war. Even if the current administration does not intend to push these ships for these missions, remember that the ships would probably be in service for the next 30 years, way way after Pres. Duterte's term.

Thus, in simple terms, the ship would be similar to a typical patrol vessel, and the classification would be further identified by its size. A larger ship would enable it to reach greater distances and deeper waters with higher sea states similar to an Offshore Patrol Vessel, nonetheless it can be a typical inshore patrol vessel.

Aside from these duties, the memorandum from the AFP specifically mentioned that these ships are meant to replace the remaining World War II-era warships in the Philippine Navy's inventory, specifically the sole destroyer escort (DE) BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11), the two Rizal-class minesweeper frigates (MSF), and the six remaining Miguel Malvar-class patrol craft escorts (PCE).

Based on this information alone, the future MPPVs are meant to replace ships that are capable of offshore operations, with limited modern combat capability, and has enough endurance as OPVs like these old ships. Despite their classifications, the PN uses these WW2-era ships in a similar fashion as an OPV.


Expected Quantity and Specifications:

Based on the information provided by MaxDefense sources, the Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel was meant to replace the seven Littoral Patrol Interdiction Craft (LPIC) originally proposed on the April 2016 Capability Upgrade Program wish list of the Philippine Navy. 

Also base on the October 2016 AFP memorandum, the PN plans to have somewhere between 6 to 9 ships of this type, and based on earlier count of WW2-era ships, it appears to be a 1:1 replacement.

The ships are expected to be on the same category of the Jacinto-class patrol vessels in service with the PN, but will definitely have better performance, capability, and will meet actual PN requirements rather than adjusting accordingly to the ship.


Dimensions and Features:

The same memorandum mentioned that these ships will have a length in excess of 50 meters, which appears to be on the same range as the Cyclone-class.

Despite the information on the memorandum, MaxDefense sources from the Philippine Navy confirmed that the ships are actually expected to be longer than 50 meters, and will probably range somewhere nearer to 70 to 80 meters in length. No beam (width) and displacement was provided, although a ship of around 70 to 80 meters in length nowadays would translate to at least 900 tons, depending on the features it possess (further discussed on the next paragraphs).

In terms of capability, the ships are to be designed with fast Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) operations in mind. The PN eyes the ships to be capable of carrying a minimum of 2 RHIBs, although preference will be for the ships to be able to carry and operate 4 RHIBs. This capability entails the need for large spaces, and if fast RHIB launching and recovery is a primary requirement, it is expected that the ships will have a stern-mounted ramps, while option to carry additional RHIB means that these would be carried on davits on the port and starboard sides of the superstructure. A ship with these requirements definitely go beyond 50, or even 60 meters in length.


The French Navy's L'Adroit-class OPV, based on the DCNS Gowind family, has a stern ramp for two 9-meter RHIBs, and could carry two more RHIBs on the superstructure sides.
Photo taken from Marine Nationale (French Navy)

Aside from RHIBs, the Philippine Navy eyes the MPPVs to have a helicopter deck capable of operating a helicopter of unspecified weight. It is highly possible that the requirement may only be for light helicopters like the Leonardo AW-109E Power already in service with the PN, and for ship-launched UAVs. 

But it is also possible that if the platform will be used in HADR operations and support of combat warships in the future, it is also possible that the helicopter deck will be specified for medium helicopters of  (10 to 12 tons in full operating weight), similar to the ones specified on the Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock, and the Philippine Navy's future frigate. 

The ship does not require a hangar, which is standard in most OPV designs. The adding of a helicopter deck further increases the chances that the PN MPPV will be at least 80 meters long, similar to the length of the French L'Adroit-class or the Singaporean Independence-class, although an elevated helicopter deck with a stern RHIB ramp below could reduce the length of the ship to around 60-70 meters only.


An elevated helicopter deck with a stern RHIB ramp below, similar to the one on Damen's OPV-1400 design (above) with RHIBs launched from davits on the sides, is also another good example on how to integrate the two requirements (helicopter and RHIB operations) without extending the ship's length too much. 


Performance:


The ships are expected to be diesel powered, probably powered by four diesel engines with controllable pitch propellers. The preference of the PN of using German-brand diesel engines, like those specified in the Tarlac-class and the PN's future frigate could also be a template for the MPPVs.

 Based on information provided to MaxDefense, the ships are also expected to have a maximum speed of somewhere between 20 to 23 knots, which is the standard speeds of an OPV, less than that of combat vessels like frigates or corvettes, but definitely faster than the World War 2 ships it will be replacing.

It is also expected that the ships will have a range of somewhere above 3,000 nautical miles, endurance of at least 2 weeks, and will be capable of operations of up to Sea State 5, while also survivable at least up to Sea State 7. 


Sensors:

No mention was made if the ships will be installed with a combat management system (CMS), but it is highly possible that it won't be installed to reduce costs, or a more compact system will be opted as compared to those to be installed on the PN's future frigate.

No mention was also made on what type of radar to be used. It is highly expected to have a navigation and secondary surface search X and S-band radar, as equipped in almost all PN major surface asset. It is highly possible that only a 2D surface and air search radar will be used to reduce cost, instead of a 3D system. It is also expected that the ships will be interconnected to the Coast Watch Philippines system, and will act as a mobile coast watch radar.


A 2D surface/air search & surveillance radar, like Thales' Variant series (above) would probably be used instead of a 3D system which is more expensive and illogical considering the capabilities and design intentions of the MPPVs.
Photo taken from Thales' Twitter account.

It is also expected that the main gun would either have its own fire control radar, or if the gun is less than 76mm in caliber, an Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) similar to those being installed on the Jacinto-class patrol vessels (JCPV) of the PN under the Phase 3A and 3B of its modernization program.

MaxDefense also believes an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) would also be installed on the MPPVs, basing on the availability of such systems with the JCPVs (yes, those small ships at least have ESM). For commonality with the PN's future frigate, a Thales system like the Vigile LW could also be used.



Weaponry:
MaxDefense was informed that the PN intends the MPPVs to be lightly armed, although they would have spaces provided should the PN decide to uparm them later on. Initial information gathered by MaxDefense points that the ships would only be armed with guns. Its primary gun would be a 30 to 40mm remotely-controlled stabilized gun, with secondary 12.7 to 25mm remotely-controlled stabilized guns and manually operated 12.7mm machine guns. The secondary gun caliber size would depend on what the main gun would be, the smaller the main gun, the smaller the secondary gun too. 

Take note that this layout seems to be not final yet, as another source mentioned that the PN is also looking at installing at least an Oto Melara 76mm gun as its primary weapon, which was the original gun of choice on previous OPV plans of the PN. It is expected that the PN would stick to existing calibres already in service (20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 76mm) and won't be considering a new caliber (57mm) due to logistics issues.


The recent decision of the PN to use a 30mm secondary gun for the PN's future frigate suggests that the PN is trying to move up from the previously used 25mm caliber, and may continue to do so for future warship requirements. Initial information gathered by MaxDefense suggests that the PN may use a 30mm or 40mm caliber for the MPPV's main gun requirement. Future uparming with short-range surface to surface missiles like the Rafael Spike-ER or Spike-NLOS is highly possible too.



If the PN decides to stick with the 40mm caliber as the ship's main gun, MaxDefense suggests the use of the newly developed RAPIDSeaGuardian gun from Thales, which, although uses a different ammunition (cased telescopic ammunition) that is different from standard 40mm ammunition used by the PN, can engage conventional naval and slow moving aerial threats, as well as assuming the role of a Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) capable of defending the ship from sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and fast moving attack aircraft. Only issue with this gun is the cost, which is expected to be far more expensive than a standard 30mm or 40mm RCWS mounted gun.


MaxDefense recommends the use of the Thales RAPIDSeaGuardian naval gun should the PN stick to the use of calibers less than 76mm. This gun can also be a CIWS to defend the ship from sea-skimming anti-ship missiles aside from traditional surface and slow-flying aerial threats.
Photo taken from Navy Recognition website.


The PN's MPPV are said to be designed to accommodate up-arming plans, but would probably be limited to short range anti-ship and short range defensive anti-aircraft capability if the option is given a go.

The ships could be armed later on with Rafael's Spike-ER or Spike-NLOS, or Thales' LMM short range missiles. Spike-ER and Spike-NLOS are already being put into service with the PN with its MPAC Mk.3 and Leonardo AW-159 Wildcat helicopter, respectively, while upcoming fast interdiction crafts (as discussed briefly in a MaxDefense Facebook wall post in the past). Meanwhile Thales has been offering their LMM missile with the PN's Naval Air Group and Littoral Combat Force for use on the Leonardo AW-109 and littoral surface assets.

Air defense can be provided by Simbad-RC with MBDA's Mistral very short range air defense missiles similar to those to be installed on the PN's future frigates, to provide a limited air defense capability. 

Aside from these, there were no confirmation if the ships will be capable of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) with a sonar system and anti-submarine torpedoes, which appears to be a feature available with the future corvettes and frigates only.


The Simbad-RC armed with Mistral very short range air defense system (VSHORAD) could be a good addition to the ship if there are extra funds available to provide the ships with a limited air defense capability. Manually operated Simbads can also be better than nothing at all.
Photo taken from MBDA website.





Possible Choices:

MaxDefense sources pointed out that the Philippine Navy is currently looking at designs from Sweden's Saab Kockums with their FLEXPatrol family, Damen of The Netherlands with the different OPV designs (MaxDefense believes the OPV-1400 and OPV-1800), BAE Systems Maritime-Naval Ships with their River-class Batch 2, and KERSHIP of France (joint venture between French shipbuilders DCNS and Piriou) possibly with their OPV-75 design, although MaxDefense believes French offers could be expensive. 

So far, no mention was made to MaxDefense if the PN is looking at designs from Asian countries like Singapore or South Korea.

Looking at the possible choices above, it looks like all proponents are new to the Philippine Navy, as none of them were even present when the PN decided to tender its requirement for a future frigate. Damen and DCNS were said to have passed-off the frigate due to lack of confidence that it will push through, although a very slim margin of profit was also another reason due to the very small budget provided for the frigates. Hopefully this time they would be pushing their wares seriously to the PN.


BAE System Maritime's River-class Batch 2 OPV design is also being eyed by the PN, considering that it has features that the PN are looking for with their MPPV. This is also considering that the PN is eyeing the acquisition of the Royal Navy's River-class Batch 1 OPVs once they are retired from service.
The Royal New Zealand Navy's Protector-class OPV, built by Tenix in Australia, is another template that could be used to visualize what the PN's MPPV may look like. Dimensions, performance, sensors, weapons, RHIB carrying capability and helicopter deck are all there.
Photo taken from Pinterest.





Parallels within the ASEAN Region:

Several ASEAN navies are also embarking on similar littoral patrol vessel programs and it would be interesting to mention and compare them with the PN's Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel based on the information gathered.

Thailand:

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was the first to launch such type of vessel, considered as an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) which is used to patrol Thailand's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as its littorals in support of smaller surface assets of the RTN.

The RTN's Krabi-class, currently composed of a single active ship and another being constructed in Thailand, have opted to use a modified River-class OPV designed by British shipbuilder BAE Systems Maritime. The ship is 90 meters long, displaces around 2,000 tons, has a high range of 5,500 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 25 knots, and has a helideck for up to a medium-class helicopter. The ship is armed with guns only consisting of an Oto Melara 76mm main gun, two MSI Defence DS30 RCWS-mounted guns, and two manually-operated heavy machine guns. The ship's sensor include a Thales VARIANT lightweight 2D short-medium range surveillance radar which is sufficient enough given the ship's weapons capability.

Compared to the Philippine Navy requirement, this is actually the closest one, but the Thai OPV may be larger, and is more capable than what the PN is looking for.


The HTMS Krabi (OPV-551) while in Australia. A second ship is being constructed and will be installed with almost the same sensors systems in addition to a Thales TACTICOS combat management system.
Photo taken from Shipspotting.com. Credits to the owner.


Brunei:

The small Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) prides itself of having four capable offshore patrol vessels with offensive capabilities in its fleet, called the Darussalam-class, which were made by German shipbuilder Lurssen Wherft. The ships 80 metes long, displaces in excess of 1,600 tons, has a maximum range of 7,500 nautical miles, an endurance of 21 days, and have a maximum speed of 22 knots. It is equipped with a Terma Scanter 4100 2D surveillance radars, and are armed with a Bofors 57mm gun, two Oerlikon 20mm guns, a two twin MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missile system. 

These ships, being the most capable in the Brunei fleet, were standard OPVs armed with anti-ship missiles to provide the punch they need due to the absence of other ships that could provide such capability. Without the missiles, they are actually close to the PN requirement.





Malaysia:

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) recently signed for four Littoral Missions Ships (LMS) with China, which will be a new class of patrol vessels that are included in their "15 to 5" Transformation Programme which calls for the reduction of the RMN's fleet from 15 different ship classes, to only 5 by . Two of the ships will be built in China, while 2 will be built in Malaysia. 18 LMS are actually eyed by the RMN, thus it is highly possible that the RMN will be constructing more Chinese-designed LMS in local shipyards as funding becomes available. The LMS is slated to initially replace the Laksamana-class corvettes, and other smaller patrol boats in the near future. The CGI provided by the RMN shows that it looks similar to the Bangladeshi Durjoy-class patrol vessels sold by China recently.

The RMN's LMS has so far no been described much but it was said that the requirement is for it to be armed with guns only, but will be wired for missile systems if deemed necessary.


A CGI of the Malaysian LMS68 ship as provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Photo taken from MalaysaDefense blog page.


Singapore:

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has launched their Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), a class of 8 new ships that are meant to replace their Fearless-class patrol vessels. The LMVs were designed jointly by Saab Kockums and ST Marine, together with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), are is slotted below the Victory-class missile corvettes in terms of size and capability. 

Based on information provided by the RSN, the Independence-class will be 80 meters long, displace around 1,250 tons, has a maximum speed in excess of 27 knots, a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles, and endurance of around 14 days. It is armed with a 76mm Oto Melara gun, probably reused from the Fearless-class, an air defense capability with 12 MBDA VL-Mica anti-aircraft missiles launched from a VLS, It will also be armed with two Oto Melara Hitrole 12.7mm RCWS-mounted guns, a Rafael Typhoon 25mm RCWS-mounted gun, a helicopter landing pad for medium helicopters (probably SH-60 Seahawk category), a RHB fast launch and recovery system, and a Thales NS-106 3D surveillance radar similar to ones to be installed on the Philippine Navy's future frigate.

In a nutshell, the RSN's Independence-class is the maximum level in this category, with high-level weapons and sensors system despite just being a patrol vessel. The Philippine Navy requirement for MPPV is definitely slotted below this class, and would be less capable, but far cheaper than the Singaporean model. Based on the specs of the ship, "littoral" appears to just be a term but in fact the ship can be used to patrol on deep water far away from the Singapore mainland.


The Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Photo from RSN.



Timeline:

Being a Horizon 2 project, it is expected that the PN might only come up with a program to start this project by 2017 or even 2018, that is a big IF the PN does not change its shopping wish list again. It normally takes a year or two for a project to be conceptualized, and probably a year or two to tender. If DASAT and PMT are not yet made, then it means the concept is probably only in its early stages, so are the information we have above.

But if the Duterte administration allows the PN to forego the tender system as stipulated by RA 9184, then an award of the project can be made earlier than usual, probably as early as late 2018. If that happens, the first ship of the class could be in service within 2020, almost the same time as the new frigates ordered from HHI.

As far as MaxDefense sources confirmed, this project is said to be among the urgent once since the ships it would replace are nearing 80 years old (gasp!) by then, and they don't have the intention to put them to work any longer.

Until then, MaxDefense will be updating its readers of this project as more information becomes available. Hopefully as early as first half of 2017 we could be getting more confirmed information, considering that many of the PN staff involved in planning this project was in EuroNaval 2016 a few weeks ago, already talking to some of the eyed shipbuilders not just for this project, but also for the expected corvette project. And as far as I was told, many of them were also in Indonesia to attend the massive IndoDefense 2016 defense exhibition to do information gathering.


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18 December 2016:

Israel Shipyards appears to be leading the pact of possible suppliers for the Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel project, with a proposal submitted as early as August 2016. It involves an offer based on their Sa'ar S-72 corvette design, although simplified to meet basic PN requirements and to reduce costs and meet with the PN's projected Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC).

Based on the formal offer made by Israel Shipyards to the DND and Pres. Duterte himself, the following are the basic information of the ship:

Overall Length: 71.9 meters
Beam: 10.25 meters
Draught: 2.9 meters
Displacement: roughly 800 tons
Speed: above 28 knots maximum, 12-18 knots cruising
Range: 5,300 nautical miles @ 12 knots
Endurance: 21 days
Crew: 45 

Engine: 2 x diesel engines, with option to fit slow-speed electric drive for fue savings
RHIB: 2 to 4 units lowered by davit cranes



Weapons and sensors will be dependent on Philippine Navy's specifications, once finalized, although the ship can fit most common systems available in the market. Israel Ministry of Defense-SIBAT prefers the use Israel-made systems, probably from Rafael, IAI-Elta, and Elbit-Elisra.


A photo of Israel Shipyard's offer based on their Sa'ar S-72 design.
Photo taken from Israel Shipyard's proposals to the PN.


It also appears that other potential shipbuilder competitors of Israel Shipyards like Damen (Netherlands), BAE Systems Maritime (UK), Fassmer (Germany), Tenix Defence (Australia), and others, have not yet submitted a formal offer aside from standard information provided to the PN. Add to that the low unit price, high interest to cooperate with Israel on defense matters by Pres. Duterte, plus a long term payment scheme for the ships, means that this offer is hard to beat at the moment. 

More information will be provided as the project progresses.

56 comments:

  1. if time is really a critical factor the PN is looking at and Duterte's approach to acquisition, then BAE's River class could have an inside track due to 4 ships of the class to be decomissioned by the RN. The first 3 may have to be modified to accomodate helicopter decks....but a deal could be worked out to include newly build ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with Doc Tor. BAE's Tyne, Severn, Mersey and Clyde are relatively new ships so immediate availability is almost assured.

      Delete
    2. Its still a question of RN is ready to retire the River-class soon enough. At the moment the Portuguese ships are the fastest to bring into service as they are ready for transfer anytime.

      Delete
    3. Budget wise, why do we even consider buying second hand if the requirement is not as huge as what you guys have been posting.

      (see link:
      http://www.tnial.mil.id/tabid/79/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12968/Default.aspx

      Costing less than 25M USD a ship these would be in line with out budget, similarly as the SSV we might also get tech transfer option for it although we might not buy more of it but hey the next administration might.

      What we need are systems that we can afford to buy and maintain with the basic specs requirements that the Indonesian can readily provide for us.

      Delete
    4. Diwa Reyes because as stated above, time is also a critical factor...if you have even read above, a new build could take at least 2-3 years until it is commissioned, while a second-hand it's already there, refurbishment and modifications could be done in 1-2 years depending on the complexity of modfications but certainly a lot sooner than a new build.

      Delete
  2. I am not familiar with defense affairs. But do we have aquired blueprints of peacock class patrol ships. My question is why can't we use this design for production here with modifications for our navy's use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. because the design is flawed for use as patrol in the open ocean and adverse weather and prone to rolling....it was sufficient for it's original use- as a harbour patrol when the Brits were still in Hongkong

      Delete
  3. Hope im FIRST!!!

    Why not try to build this locally by looking partnership?

    - Sebastian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some of the shipbuilders who made offers for the MRRV included options to build succeeding batches in the Philippines. Normally they wanted at least 2 ships built in their shipyard, but succeeding ships can be built in the PH.

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Long story short: We neither have the experience nor materials to make our own ships.

      Delete
    2. We have the manpower like engineers,skilled builders, shipyard.all we lack is just the armament for the destroyers but there countries willing to help us like india,japan,korea,singapore and taiwan asian neighbors theres no excuses for us not to developed our own military weapons..

      Delete
    3. We can build it we have the skills lot of engineers and skilled workers at HHIC in SBMA.only problem is armament and weapon system i think we dont to worry about that because there are neighboring countries can help us like india,japan,singapore and taiwan.and one israeli company will help us the ELBIT system.

      Delete
  5. Sir Max,

    Since the MPPV would be part of Horizon 2, is the planned acquisition of the Fast Attack Craft (Shaldag Mk.v and Dvora Mk3 ships)still a go? How about the sequence of prioritization on what hardware are needed by PN.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fast attack crafts are littoral assets while MRRVs are offshore assets. They are not on the same category.

      Delete
  6. Regarding the RMN's Littoral Missions Ships (LMS), it will be divided into few classes such as Patrol,Mine Counter Measures and Hydrography. The first four ships that will be built is going to replace the Laksamana class corvette.

    ReplyDelete
  7. PNs decision to buy smaller, faster, smarter patrol boats is wise. However, it should be aplenty i.e. swarm the seas n oceans so they will confuse missile systems n with few crews, fewer casualties n armed with missile systems, inflict heavy damage against enemy assets

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barring anymore insulting from duterte the soon to be decompressioned bae river class is an excellent choice to fast track the littoral combat force. The remaining 5 if we get all the bae boats could be built at a later date and the experience and training from the previous 4 can be applied to the new ones. But please don't get stuff from China. We have more problems with them than it is already.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like the OPV designs that are basically, "Small ship, yet can pack a knockout punch if needed."

    If increased military spending is fine with the government, I would be glad if the PN went with the OPV based on the Visby-class corvette (upgunned to the OTO Melara 76mm with stealth cupola and fitted for, but not with an anti-ship missile system), since I remember from Shephard Media's ADAS 2016 videos that SAAB is interested in offering their hardware to our armed forces.

    But since value for money is still a concern, a Darussalam-class variant feels like the next best thing at the moment (including the upgunning and the option to install anti-ship missiles in the future).

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  11. You should replace RMN's LMS with Kedah Class OPV in your article since only about half of LMS will be patrol duty. And only half of LMS will be armed(not all will be equip 76mm). Although all LMS design will be roughly the same, the capabilities will not be the same. While all Kedah Class OPV main duty is to patrol and protect Malaysia's EEZ and sovereignty.

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  12. Since the MPPV is intended to be lightly armed, the OPV-1400 looks good with RAPIDSeaGuardian and and two mini-typhoon RWS at the sides.

    - Neo

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  13. I hope we would be able to replace our world war 2 era ships soon.God bless AFP!

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  14. I hope we would be able to replace our WWII era ships soon.God bless our military!

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  15. mr max any news on what kind of IFV or APC the governmenr will buy???

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  16. there is an expected Corvette Project?! Now things are really looking up for the Philippine Navy.


    Lando

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  17. I hope this wont be the last frigate aquissition of the philippine navt.Go PHILLIPPINE NAVY!

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  18. God bless our philippine navy

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  19. Why not South Korea's 550Ton 63 meters Gomduksori Guided Missile Fast Patrol Boats

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  20. Im confident that this administration will look forward to korean to build our opv in line with the current frigate that was won by korean shipbuilder.

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  21. can we include the russian boat since they are entering the picture
    link of the page at the bottom but paste the specs

    The Project 23420 ship displaces about 1300 tons for a length of 75 meters. Its endurance is 15 days at sea with a range of 2500 nautical miles and a crew of about 60 sailors.

    There are two types of propulsion systems available: diesel or diesel-electric propulsion with fixed pitch propellers or diesel-gas turbine propulsion with variable pitch propellers.

    Project 23420 systems:
    ARTILLERY
    1 x 76-mm AK-176MA gun (152 rounds) or
    1 x 30-mm AK-306 gun (500 rounds)
    AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM
    1 x 3M-47 Ghibka gun ring
    20 x Igla(S) MANPADS
    FIREARM
    2 x 12.7-mm machine-guns (2000 rounds)
    AWS
    1 x Paket-E/NK system (2 x launchers, 8 x torpedoes) or
    1 x RPK-8E system (1 x RBU-6000, 48 x 90R ASW missiles and RGB-60 depth bombs)
    ANTI DIVER WEAPONS
    2 x DP-64 grenade-launchers (240 rounds)
    AVIATION
    1 x Gorizont-AIR-S-100 unmanned aerial vehicle suite (2 x UAVs)
    ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
    1 x Sigma-E CMS
    1 x Pozitiv-ME1.2 detection and target assignment radar
    1 x Gorizont 25 integrated navigation radar
    2 x IFF 67R items
    1 x Blokirovka suite
    SONARS
    1 x MGK-335EM-03 sonar suite
    1 x Anapa-ME anti-diver sonar or
    1 x Lovat dipping sonar
    1 x Vinietka-EM sonar]
    COUNTERMEASURES
    1 x 120-mm PK-10 system (2 x launchers, 40 x rounds)
    NAVIGATION
    1 x Kama-NS-V navigation system
    COMMUNICATIONS
    1 x Buran-E communications suite
    Communication equipment complying with GMDSS requirements for A1+A2+A3 areas or
    foreign-produce equivalent according to a customer’s proposal

    http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2016/february-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3578-russias-almaz-unveils-new-project-23420-small-anti-submarine-warfare-ship.html

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  22. Buy South Korea's guided missile patrok boats Gomduksori 500 ton 63 meters

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  23. Sir Max, OT lang po.
    Regarding decommissioned pn ships, where there are previous efforts to reuse their surface search radar (AN/SPS-64)? Maybe they can be used as coastal base radars by the navy.

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  24. Looks like we will have the Sa'ar S72 for this. Sir Max do you have any news on the specs of the version being to us?

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  25. It is better to have the Sa-ar 72 Corvette design as it is with its radar and armaments specs. MPPVs or OPV missions can be achieved by the Sa'ar 72 anyway and much more than redesigned the shipto meet the MPPV requirements of the PN.

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  26. Why not retain the Sa'ar 72 corvette design as it is with its complete specs of radars and armaments? The MPPV or OPV missions can be achieved by said ship anyway and much more to meet the PN requirements.

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  27. The Phillipine navy should made their mind on modernization of its fleet and navy. Everyyear their always change the requirements of its navy. Should follow Malaysian Navy examples 15-5 programs. Doesn't need to be exactly but try to reduce the type of ship but increase the number of existing type of ship. Anyhow i hope everything went well for the Philippine Navy

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  28. Since there is already a proposal from Israel for a SA'AR 72 OPV Variant, hopefully DND approves it in a g2g agreemenr,so as to decommission some WW2 ships.

    OT: since the Mokpo is beyond repair, can DND just salvage its weapons (76mm gun, 40mm guns) for it to be installed on BRP Tarlac and on the upcoming BRP Davao del Sur.

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    Replies
    1. Mokpo was already rejected. If you accept it, among the conditions by the Korean govt is for the ship to be refurbished and repaired in Korea using Korean companies.

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  29. Sa Ar 72 template is a sure winner for the future modernize PN 2028 goal . The key for a maritime country like the Philippines is functionabilty and a cost effective naval force . The only way to achieve this is by conforming to a multifunctional design and a common standard that would evolve into several platforms of naval vessels . Like the future PN Incheon class derivative light frigate it has a potential to evolve into several functions as a major combat vessels because of its room for additional hardwares. As with the Sa Ar 72 not only as an OPV class it could also be designed into a fully armed ASW or ASuW corvette. One of the advantages of being made in Israel is the fact that it has the ability to provide the PN requirements for its OPV and ASW corvettes. These are ranging from electronic sensors, surveillance, weapons and its workable and friendly government. If ever the PN would choose made in Israel designs it can and will place the standard and capabilities of the PN at par or above with its bordering neighbors .

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  30. Sir Max, any news on pre-bid of PAF CASA project.

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  31. Sir Max, Is it true that the Philippine congress allocated 11 billion for Multi-role aircraft acquisition program this year??? this info came from "THE |PHDEFENSE" blogsite.

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  32. Hello max, I'm sorry I can't comment on facebook so I had to do it here. On the news it said that the FA-50PH has been used, so does this mean it know has missiles or munitions?

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    1. It uses munitions already available in the PAF inventory, like the Mk.82 bombs which is a mainstay for decades now.

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  33. Sir,how about the plans for the Philippine Army.

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  34. If they decided to proceed with the acquisition of the potuguese corvettes, then they should purchase 4 of them. Since there was a dangling requirement of four 4,000 ton asw corvettes included in the infamous italian package back then. And besides, the same required amount of aw109s needed, plus the medium lift choppers for the tarlac class, and the aw159s for the new frigates, will make the naval aviation group a significant force in the long run. Good replacements, good training platforms, good performance, good force multipliers, and good for the face of the philippine navy.

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  35. Ill go with sa'ar 72 from israel. It can easily be converted into a light frigate if need to. Weapons compatibility can easily be supplied from israel and tech familiarization can easily be adapted by our navy personnel since we are using israeli weapons already.

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  36. The problem with the Philippine government and its navy is it does not know the difference between its Coast Guard and its navy. They build warships for Coast Guard duties rather than naval duties. I understand that the navy can use its ships to patrol for enforcement of Philippine laws, but the navy ships should be configured for naval warfare while doing Coast Guard work. That means these ships should be armed like the Poland Class plus anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. If you say cost is the issue, then build them for Coast Guard with Coast Guard paint if it can't perform naval warfare.

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  37. Any possibility of acquiring the Protector-class inshore patrol vessel (IPVs) of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)? I read that they are planning to sell 4 of those

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  38. I think the RMN plan from 15 to 5 is a good move perhaps that is a good path for navies to grow

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  39. This new added vessel will surely enhance the force of our navy. Does the workforce comes from a manning agency or an inside recruitment within the navy force.

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  40. If they decided to proceed with the acquisition of the potuguese corvettes, then they should purchase 4 of them.

    thanks for sharing...

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Philippine Navy Modernization Projects

Philippine Air Force Modernization Projects