MaxDefense PH's Year-ender for 2020 - A Summary of Project Updates on the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program

As part of our year ender for 2020, MaxDefense Philippines has summarized the modernization projects of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force that have made significant positive AND negative movements in 2020.

Another year has passed, yet the COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of our expectations for the year, including the accomplishments of the Revised AFP Modernization Program for 2020.

But despite this, we still push through forward, including the improvement of the overall defense capability of the country, and provide our military and its men and women with the equipment they need and the state can afford.

PN and PAF assets during the 85th Anniversary of the AFP.

We'll try to make this as simple as possible, as many of them have resource pages that our readers can access in case of need for more information, background and updates.

Take note that phrases in BOLD BLUE letters can be clicked for links to the resource pages supporting the project.

Philippine Army:

For projects covered under the Horizon 1 Phase of the RAFPMP, the following projects were among those that were updated in 2020:

1. Rocket Launcher Light Phase 2
Deliveries of RPG launchers and ammunition from Russia, the RPG-7V made by NPO Bazalt, were reported to have been made in 2019 and 2020, although exact figures on completion of delivery is still pending. Payment remains an issue due to the Philippine government avoiding getting sanctioned under CAATSA.

An ATGL-L RPG-7 from Arsenal JSco as displayed on ADAS 2019. Photo exclusively shared to MaxDefense Philippines.

2. Tactical Engagement Simulation System

While the V-TESS portion was already delivered by South Korea's SD Systems back in 2018, the I-TESS portion of the system was delivered by an American supplier only in 2020, with the system said to be completed this year.

3. Force Protection Equipment - Body Armor
Deliveries are said to still be ongoing as of 2020, with 37,744 units of body armor are to be supplied by South Korea's Dae-sung Tech Co. Ltd. We expect completion of the project by 2021.

4. Designated Marksman Rifle 7.62mm
While the SIG Sauer SIG716G2 designated marksman rifles were delivered in 2019, the rifles were only distributed to Army units in 2020, and are meant to replace the M14 DMRs used by the units receiving the new rifles.

A SIG716G2 DMR in the hands of a soldier from the 94th Infantry Battalion. Photo credits to 94th IB, PA.

5. Forward Support Equipment Phase 1:
The SARO for the acquisition of 2.5-ton and 5-ton forklifts were only renewed this year, and it remains to be seen if an award was made to any supplier.

6. Long Range Sniper Rifle Weapon System
The project has been awarded to American gunmaker Harris Gunworks through their local representative Armscor Global Defense back in 2018, but deliveries are said to still be pending. The rifles are .50 caliber anti-materiel model used for long range engagements.

7. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Equipment Lot 2:
Funding has been provided for the acquisition of CBRN equipment in November 2019, with the project expected to be tendered in 2020. So far, no known tenders have been made that is related to the project, although MaxDefense PH is still on the lookout for any new updates on this project.

For Horizon 2 and 2nd List of Horizon 2 projects, below are the status of projects that moved in 2020:

1. Light Tanks
The project was awarded to Elbit Systems Land & C4I in 2020, although it remains to be seen if a contract was signed within the year. Elbit will supply the Sabrah Light Tank System, which utilizes the GDELS ASCOD 2 tracked and Excalibur Army Pandur 2 wheeled armored vehicles.

The Sabrah light tank using the GDELS ASCOD 2 platform. Photo credits to Elbit Systems.

2. Wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers:
Another project that was awarded to Elbit Systems Land & C4I within 2020, but the contract appears to be also pending as of end of 2020. Elbit is supplying the Iveco Guarani 6x6 APC with Israeli-made subsystems.

The Guarani 6x6 APC of the Brazilian Army. Credits to original source of photo.

3. 155mm Howitzer, Self Propelled System
This project had its contract signed with Elbit Systems Land & C4I on January 2020 for the delivery of 2 batteries of Soltam ATMOS 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer System, with production already started and the system scheduled for delivery starting 2021.

4. Riverine Assault Boats Lot 1 - Light Boats
The Philippine Army received the first batches of the FRP-hulled Riverine Light Boats made by local company Stoneworks Specialists in 2020. More will be delivered in 2021.

A Riverine Light Boat from Stoneworks Specialists. Photo credits to PA.

5. 40mm Revolving Grenade Launchers
The project was awarded to Rippel Effect in 2019 for the supply of the XRGL40 multi-shot 40mm grenade launchers, although the contract was signed in 2020. Deliveries are expected to proceed within 2020, but apparently there are some issues regarding this project.

6. Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 1 - Armored Vehicle Launched-Bridge
Delays have been encountered in this project, which was awarded to Elbit Systems Land & C4I in early 2020. Elbit was said to have offered a variant of the Leonardo-IMI Joint Assault Bridge, and would be using a Leopard 2 platform. Delivery is expected in either 2021 or 2022.

7. Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 4 - Amrored Combat Engineering Vehicle
The project was awarded to Turkey's FNSS for their Kunduz Amphibious Armored Combat Engineer vehicle in 2020. While contract signing confirmation is still pending, we are expecting funding delays that will affect the positive movement of this project.

The Kunduz AACE from FNSS. Photo credits to Shephard Media.

8. Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mini Mine Detectors
Another project that has been delayed due to bidding failures. The project was re-tendered in 2020 although it remains to be seen if the tender was successful.

9. Tank Gunnery Simulator
The project was awarded to Singapore's Wolfberry Asia on December 2019, but it appears that no contract has been signed with the DND. This remains a pending project, as MaxDefense previously reported that there were indications the award to Wolfberry Asia was cancelled, and the tender decalred as a failure as of February 2020. 

10. All-Terrain Vehicles:
The Philippine Army received the delivery of 15 Can-Am Commander Max all-terrain vehicles on October 2020. So far this is one of the projects of the Philippine Army that was completed this year.

11. Army C4ISTAR Lots 1 to 7
7 lots of projects related to the Army's C4ISTAR system, including the acquisition of Unmanned Aerial Systems, ground jammers, thermal imagers, radio direction finder systems, combat net MANET radios, and unmanned ground vehicles were contracted to Israeli companies in 2020 under a Government-to-Government deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Production of equipment are all ongoing and for delivery between 2021 and 2022.


So far, only 2 projects can be considered completed within year 2020, and these are the Designated Marksman Rifle 7.62mm with the SIG Sauer SIG716G2 which are currently in service with several Philippine Army units; and the All-Terrain Vehicles project with the Can-Am Commander Max ATVs that were already delivered to the Philippine Army for use by special operations units, most likely the Light Reaction Regiment.

Other projects that have been continuing negotiations include:
* M113 APC Firepower Upgrade, which is said to be potentially awarded to Turkey's FNSS; 
* Combat Engineering Equipment Lots 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 which are almost ready for awarding pending funding allocation; 
* Land Based Missile System which is for final negotiations with India's Brahmos Aerospace, 
* the still pending Multi-Launch Rocket System donation of K136 Kooryong MLRS from South Korea which the Philippine Army is still trying to comply the conditions set by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.
* Forward Support Equipment Phase 2 Lot 1, which covers the acquisition of two dozens of 10-ton Medium Wrecker Trucks, which the DND confirmed during the Senate hearing on Defense budget for 2021 as planned for inclusion under the Php5 billion Unprogrammed Appropriations.
* Negotiations with the US government and some US boat manufacturers are ongoing for the acquisition of Riverine Assault Boats, Scout Boats and Support Boats, which would be acquired through US Foreign Military Sales (US FMS). The US government submitted a proposed sale approval to the US Congress in 2020.


Philippine Air Force:

For Horizon 1, the following projects have some significant movement within 2020:

1. Close Air Support Aircraft
One of the biggest projects completed in 2020, the delivery of 6 Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft was completed in late 2020. While the contract includes training of PAF personnel in the Philippines remains to be complied, the delivery is the most important part of the contract.

Three of the six A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft delivered to the PAF in 2020. Photo credits to PAF.

2. Radar Basing Support System

This project is in support of the radars acquired from Israel under the Air Surveillance Radar Phase 1 project. As of 2020, works related to the project are still ongoing, although it is expected to be completed by 2021. The radar stations are located in Gozar Air Station in Lubang Island, the Paredes Air Station in Ilocos Norte, and Mt. Salacot Station in Palawan.

3. Fighter/Surface Attack Aircraft/Lead-in Fighter Trainer Munitions Lots 1 to 3
So far, Lots 1 to 3 appear to still be ongoing, with Lot 1 to supply the AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder short range air-to-air missile and Lot 2 to supply the AGM-65G2 Maverick air-to-ground missiles are still pending complete delivery, while Lot 3 to supply countermeasures is still unresolved. Lot 4 involving the supply of 20mm ammunition were already completed at an earlier date.

4. Flight Simulator for Bell 412 and AW109
After a massive delay on the project due to the cancellation of contract with an American company a few years ago, the PAF and DND decided to give the project another go, with modifications on the project's requirements. But still, the tender was declared a failure as of October 2020, and no further plan was made for 2020.


For Horizon 2 projects:

1. Air Surveillance Radar Phase 2:
The project has been given to Japan's Mitsubishi Electric Corp. in August 2020  as part of a Government-to-Government deal with the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Delivery is expected to proceed only in late 2021 or 2022. MELCO is expected to deliver the J/FPS-3ME fixed and J/TPS-14ME mobile radars.

2. Attack Helicopter Phase 2:
After a long drama due to issues not directly related to the Philippines, the DND has signed a contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries through a Government-to-Government deal with the Turkish government in late 2020. The PAF is still pushing for the delivery of the first batch of helicopters by 2021, although this seems to be a difficult task for TAI considering the political issues and timeframe.

The T129B ATAK attack helicopter. Photo credits to original source.

3. Combat Utility Helicopter Phase 3:
The delivery of 6 new Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters on November 2020 is also another major milestone for the PAF, although this is just a partial delivery considering 10 more are expected for delivery in 2021.

Some of the S-70i Black Hawk CUH delivered to PAF in 2020. Photo credits to Inquirer.net.

4. Command and Control Jet Aircraft:

The PAF saw the delivery of a Gulfstream G280 business jet, which is said to be for use as a "Command and Control" aircraft despite its obvious use as a VIP jet due to lack of C2 subsystems. The aircraft was delivered on September 2020, which makes this another completed project for 2020.

5. Unmanned Aerial Systems Level 3:
The project involves the delivery of the Elbit Systems Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 UAVs to the PAF, which were completed as of mid-2020. This is another project which can be considered completed as of 2020.

6. C-130 Hercules with Avionics Upgrade and ILS
A project involving US Foreign Military Financing (US FMF) and US Foreign Military Sales (US FMS) programs, the PAF was suppose to receive 2 refurbished C-130 Hercules from the US, with one of them for delivery by December 2020. So far, no delivery has been reported as of the last day of 2020.

7. PAF Aviation Engineering Equipment
This project comprises 32 individual lots of construction-related equipment and services, with majority of the lots already awarded to respective contractors as of 2020. Several lots were already delivered in 2020 although there are still some that are still unresolved, and other lots are still for delivery by 2021.

8. Kia KM-250 6x6 Trucks
Another project completed in 2020, the PAF received 50 new Kia KM-250 trucks from South Korea and inducted into service on October 2020. These trucks will help improve logistics support of the PAF.

9. Basing Support System Phases 2 to 4 at Pag-Asa Island:
This project is dependent on the completion of the beaching ramp and pier at Pag-asa Island. With both projects completed by the civilian government agencies in 2020, the military-side of the project is expected to proceed only in 2021.

10. Heavy Lift Helicopters:
An award was said to have been provided to Russia for the supply of Mil Mi-171 Hip medium helicopters. But we received confirmation that CAATSA remains to be an issue, and could even be the reason for the PAF and DND to potentially cancel this in favor of additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.

The Mil Mi-171 Hip medium helicopter.

11. Brand New Additional Transport Aircraft:

In case you are all wondering, this is the OFFICIAL name of the project involving the acquisition of brand new C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft. So far, negotiations are ongoing with Lockheed Martin as of 2020, and budget for the initial payment is expected to be released only by 2021.


To summarize, the PAF completed 4 projects in 2020, namely the Close Air Support Aircraft, the Command and Control Jet Aircraft, the Unmanned Aerial Systems Level 3 and the Kia KM-250 6x6 Trucks Acquisition Projects. While significant due to the introduction of several new air assets, the number of projects completed remain dismal considering the number of projects ongoing.

Other projects that have been in the negotiation stages include:
* Multi-Role Fighter and Munition System, which has been going through a lot due to conflicts in decision between the PAF and DND, and other factors including price changes and political issues; 
* Medium Lift Aircraft which is under negotiations with Airbus-CASA for additional C-295 aircraft;
* Trainer Aircraft which is the pre-planning stages and negotiations ongoing with several aircraft manufacturers including KAI, TAI, Aero Vodochody, and others; 
* PAF C4ISTAR Lots 1 to 4 which are in different stages of delivery phase; 
* Kia KM-450 4x4 Trucks which are expected for delivery to the PAF soon;
* Additional Light Lift Aircraft project which is being negotiated with Indonesia's PT Dirgantara Indonesia for the potential sale of 6 NC-212i aircraft.
* While negotiations were already completed, the PAF is awaiting the delivery of the Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS), which includes 3 batteries of the Rafael SPYDER-ER short-mid range air defense missile system, which are scheduled for delivery in 2021. Funding for its Multi-Year allocations have been continuous for 2020, and is already approved for its last funding allocation in 2021.

An F-16 fighter of the USAF. Photo credits to Fightersweep.com.

Philippine Navy (including Philippine Marine Corps):

For Horizon 1, the following projects have some significant movement within 2020:

1. Frigates Lot 1 - Platform
The Philippine Navy received its first Jose Rizal-class frigate on May 2020, and was commissioned as BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) on June 2020. Delays were encountered on the delivery of the 2nd ship, which was suppose to be for delivery by 4th quarter of 2020, but was moved to 1st quarter of 2021.

The PN frigate BRP Jose Rizal with three of the recently delivered S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters of the PAF. Credits to original source of photo.

2. Frigates Lot 2 - Munitions:
The partial delivery of Mistral short range surface-to-air missiles were made in 2020, and these already equip the BRP Jose Rizal, although full delivery is expected to be completed only by October 2021. The contract for the supply of SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missiles was made in 2020, and delivery is expected only by 2022. We received confirmation as well that the 76mm ammunition were already delivered to the PN in 2020, and the same is true for the 30mm ammunition for the ship's guns.

3. Base Support and Logistics Phase 1 for Naval Base Rafael Ramos (Cebu):
Works appear to be ongoing on the construction of Phase 1 at Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Cebu, although we are not familiar with the percentage completion of the construction project works.

4. Fast Boats for NAVSOCOM:
The Philippine Navy received a partial delivery of 7 new RHIBs as part of the project in 2020, with 3 other units expected to be delivered by 2021. These boats are to be used by the Boat Unit of the Naval Special Operations Command.


For Horizon 2 Phase:

1. Landing Docks:
The project has been tendered in 2019, and although post-qualification inspections were made in 2020, the DND and PN has not made a decision yet to award the project to Indonesia's PT PAL (Persero), which offered a revised and improved version of the Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock. Two ships are for acquisition under this project.

2. Del Pilar-class (Frigate) Upgrade:
Despite Hanwha Systems bagging the project in 2019, nothing much has been made in 2020. Hanwha is scheduled to inspect all 3 ships of the class by early 2021, with inspection dates already marked and provided to MaxDefense. The upgrades only involves sensors and combat systems, but no weapon upgrades.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), a Del Pilar-class ship of the PN. Photo credits to PN.

3. Marine Engineering Upgrades for BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37):

Another long delayed project that has been passed to the Horizon 2 phase after failing to start during the Horizon 1 phase. So far, drydocking works has been awarded to Herma Shipyard on January 2020, although it remains to be seen if the actual repowering works are included in their contract.

4. MPAC (Batch 4) Combat Systems and Capability Upgrade:
This project, which comprises 2 lots for the supply of weapon systems by Rafael Advance Systems and installation works by Propmech Corporation, has been delayed for a year, considering the original schedule of delivery and installation of these weapon systems and upgrades were suppose to have been done by 2020. The delivery of weapon systems were moved to 2021.

5. Squad Rocket Launcher Light:
A requirement for 702 units of RPG-7s from Bulgaria's Arsenal JSCo has been finalized in 2020, although delivery is only expected to be made by 2021. These RPGs will be used by the Philippine Marines, as they start improving squad firepower and replacing older recoilless rifles.

6. Force Protection Equipment (Helmets and Body Armor):
Israel's Marom Dolphin Tactical Equipment bagged the project, and was awarded the project on August 2020. So far, no indication was found on a contract signed with DND, which means this is still potentially another pending project. The project involves the supply of 8,860 sets of body armor vests and helmets for the Philippine Marine Corps.

7. Mortars Lot 2 - 81mm Mortars:
Another project that seems to be pending, we expected a contract to be signed with EXPAL Systems by early 2020, but this remains to be confirmed. The project was awarded to EXPAL in late 2019, which aims to supply 

8. Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missiles:
The project is also considered a delayed one, with the funding for the project only released on December 2020. This means an award for the project, which is expected to be for Israeli Shipyards Ltd, is only expected to happen in 2021. The PN hopes to receive the first Shaldag Mk. V fast attack craft by 2022.

A CGI of the Shaldag Mk. V FAC which the PN is currently negotiating. Photo credits to Israel Shipyards.

To summarize, the PN has not completed any RAFPMP project in 2020, despite several projects reaching major milestones and partial delivery and completion. This is dismal considering the number of projects ongoing, even if many projects take years to complete.

But to give credit, the PN received 8 new ScanEagle 2 UAVs from the US government, which is a major milestone for the service as it received its first fixed wing tactical UAV. Despite not being part of the PN's own modernization program, this is still an important accomplishment in 2020.

A ScanEagle 2 UAV of the PN. Photo credits to PN.

Other projects that have been in the negotiation stages include:

* Corvette project which is said to be undergoing final negotiations with South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries for a potential Jose Rizal-class Flight II;
* Offshore Patrol Vessel project, which is still under negotiations with other shipbuilders from South Korea and Thailand despite an earlier selection of Australia's Austal, specifically its local shipyard in Cebu, to be the shipbuilder and supplier for the project.
* Submarine project which is under intense negotiations with France's Naval Group and South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering;
* Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System, which is also being negotiated with India's Brahmos Aerospace, although other offers from other countries are still being pushed;
* Shore Based Air Defense Missile System, which is still in advanced pre-procurement and negotiation stage with several suppliers from South Korea, India, Norway, and others.
* Frigate Project Lot 3, which involves the supply of torpedoes, chaffs, and acoustic decoy for the Jose Rizal-class frigates. The chaffs and acoustic decoys are currently in the procurement phase through public bidding, which is expected to be opened on January 2021, while the torpedoes are to be acquired through direct negotiation with South Korea's LIGNex1 for their Blue Shark torpedoes.

The OPV design for the PN from Austal. Photo credits to Austal.

Our Hopes for 2021:

With the list above, we can say that 2021 appears to be a busy year for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its modernization programs. Even as early as January 2021, we can already see some new deliveries and project finalizations to happen.

We at MaxDefense Philippines and Philippine Defense Resource are hopeful that the government under the administration of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte will do its best to make sure the AFP's modernization goes on smoothly, cleanly, and without interference from questionable personalities from the administration.

We hope that they come to their senses and put the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people first before their own personal interests.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers, contributors, supporters and friends! We hope to have your continuous and strong support for 2021!!

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First release: 31 December 2020
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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Philippine Naval Special Operations Group receives 1st batch of new Fast Boats

The Philippine Navy (PN) has recently received the initial deliveries of new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) that it acquired for the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) under its Fast Boat Acquisition Project.

Three of the six newly delivered RHIBs that arrived as the first batch of Fast Boats for the Philippine Navy. Photo exclusively shared to MaxDefense Philippines.

The project, which is funded under the 2nd List of Horizon 1 phase, was meant to provide the NAVSOG's Special Boat Unit (SBU) with new additional boats to complement older fast boats in service, while also increasing its operational capabilities.

The Fast Boat Acquisition Project:

The Philippine Navy included the acquisition of thirty (30) brand new fast boats for the NAVSOG SBU under the proposed PATROL BOAT LIGHT ACQUISITION PROJECT as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 1 phase, with a proposed budget of Php450 million., or around Php15 million for each boat.

This was later revised due to budget issues, with the Philippine Navy renaming the project as the FAST BOAT ACQUISITION PROJECT, with a reduced budget of only Php300 million for twenty (20) brand new boats.

The initial basic technical requirements were as follows:

* Length:                    Function of design
* Beam:                      Function of design
* Draft:                       0.50-0.60 meters
* Displacement:         Function of design
* Speed:                     Not less than 45 knots at full throttle at full load
* Range:                    150-200 nautical miles
* Complement:          3 boat crew + 8 passengers
* Gun Mount:             1 x .50 cal machine gun (front)
* Hull Type:                Function of design (not wooden)
* Propulsion:              At least 2 diesel-powered outboard motors
* Seaworthiness:        Operate at Sea State 2, Survive at Sea State 3
* Delivery Period:      12 months

This requirement will become the basis although it can be further improved. One example is the gun mount, which was later on increased from one mount to three mounts (1 front, 2 rear).

Several proposals were floated during the planning stage, which includes options using a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) design, and several options using Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP aka Fibreglass) and Aluminium hull designs.

All options vary in size, displacement, speed, range, complement, propulsion, delivery times and cost.

The cheapest appears to be similar to the FRP-hulled boats, made locally and used by Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) with 3 outboard motors, which can be acquired for less than Php4 million each. The most expensive option includes the US-made Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC) which is used by the Philippine Marine Corps and US Marine Corps, and the US Special Operations Craft - Riverine (SOC-R) used by the US Navy which cost around Php35 million each.

Among the options raised by the Philippine Navy include locally-made FRP hulled boats similar to those used by the PNP Maritime Group (top), the Small Unit Riverine Craft SURC (middle), and the Special Operations Craft - Riverine SOC-R (bottom). Credits to original sources of photos.

In the end, it appears that the Philippine Navy settled with their original plan to acquire RHIBs. But it remains to be seen if the quantity was reduced from 20 units to less than that. This is because there was a request made in 2017 to reduce the quantity from 20 units to just 10 units, using the same budget.

But since RHIBs of this size does not cost more than Php12 million each, it is possible that the proposal remains at 20 units, subject to further confirmation.

Use of Diesel-Powered Motors:

Another point of interest will be the decision of the Philippine Navy to specify the use of diesel outboard engines rather than petrol powered as most boats today.

Apparently the decision of the Philippine Navy has strong ties to experience by the US Navy, which has specified the use of diesel-powered motors for boats carried by US Navy ships, instead of petrol powered motors that can produce higher power output and allow higher operating speeds.

As explained to MaxDefense by one of our contributor from the defense industry, the US Navy started implementing the use of diesel fuel for small boats after a ship accident in 1995 that caused an explosive gasoline fire. This made the US Department of Defense directive to remove all gasoline powered engines and gasoline fuel tanks about US Navy ships from 2010.

With the Philippine Navy following suit for safety reasons, it only means that the chances of these new fast boats being deployed aboard larger Philippine Navy ships like the Strategic Sealift Vessel / Landing Platform Docks, or even Offshore Patrol Vessels or other current and future surface combatants are quite high.

Not only will the boats be conforming to the directive on removing gasoline powered engines and fuel tanks aboard Philippine Navy ships, but it also allows for the ease on storing fuel since most Philippine navy ships are diesel powered and have sufficient diesel fuel stored. Fast boats using diesel fuel allows for simplicity and commonality in fuel logistics.

The use of 4 outboard motors instead of 3 as originally planned could also be due to the use of diesel motors, which have lesser power output than gasoline powered motors. 

Delivery to the Philippine Navy:

After a public bidding conducted without fanfare, the winning bidder was Solanda Enterprises - Pacficfortia Marine Technologies Joint Venture, with a bid amount of Php228,130,000.00. This is Php71,780,000.00 lower than the allocated budget. A Notice of Award (NOA) was released in favor of the winning proponent on 27 February 2018, with the Notice to Proceed (NTP) released on 01 March 2018.

Solanda Enterprises is the local distributor of Mercury marine engines, while Pacificfortia Marine Technologies carry the Treton brand of RHIBs. This means that based on their products, it can be assumed that the boats with be made by Treton and would be powered by 

Based on the contract, the products should be for delivery within 1 year, or by March 2019.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the full amount of the contract on 08 March 2018, which enables the winning proponent to start the construction of the boats.

It appears that Solanda Enterprises - Pacificfortia Marine Technologies JV failed to deliver the boats by March 2019, as we have noted that the first batch of 6 boats were delivered only last August 2020.

The new boats are seen here being delivered to the Philippine Navy's Sangley Point Base in Cavite last August 2020. Photos exclusively shared to MaxDefense Philippines.

It still remains to be confirmed if the boats were indeed from Treton, since MaxDefense sources mentioned that the boats were probably built in South Korea.

From the photos, it shows that the boats are powered by 4 outboard motors, most likely diesel-powered Mercury motors.

The boats appear to be not yet inducted to the Philippine Navy, as training is still ongoing although it is expected to happen in the next few months. The NAVSOG SBU afterall are already training and experienced in operating these type of boats, and are familiar with the equipment installed on the boats.

NAVSOG operates several RHIBs in its fleet, although the new one appears to be larger than the one shown above. Photo taken from and credited to VJNorz's Flickr page.

It also appears that the Philippine Navy procured several new automatic grenade launchers and machine guns which would be installed on these new fast boats. We received photos confirming this, although we were asked not to post them to protect our source.

It remains to be confirmed though if these were acquired separately, although most likely they were.

It also remains to be seen on when the rest of the boats will be delivered to the Philippine Navy. So far, no new deliveries were confirmed to MaxDefense by our sources, although it is expected that more boats will arrive within the year.

Congratulations to the Philippine Navy for these new additions to the fleet!

Note: MaxDefense tried to delay the release of this blog hoping that more boats would be delivrered. But it appears we have to wait for sometime for the rest of the new boats to arrive.

Project Summary:

Fast Boats Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 23 September 2020

* End User: Philippine Navy (Naval Special Operations Group)

* Quantity: at least 10 boats (exact quantity still for confirmation)

* Modernization Phase: Second List of Horizon 1 Phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP)

* Project ABC: Php300,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-18-0004636 dated 08 March 2018

* Winning Proponent: Solanda Enterprises - Pacficfortia Marine Technologies Joint Venture

* Contract Price: Php228,130,000.00

* Residual Price: Php71,870,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 27 July 2018 

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag:  #PNFastBoatAcquisition

* Status: Awarded to Solanda Enterprises - Pacificfortia Marine Technologies JV on February 2018, and Notice to Proceed was released on March 2018. Delivery scheduled for March 2019, delayed. First batch delivered on August 2020. More batches expected.

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First edit and release: 23 September 2020
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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Philippine Army to receive 12 more upgraded M113A2 with Elbit 12.7mm RCWS this June

As part of the Department of National Defense's (DND) deal with Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I, the Philippine Army's Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) would be receiving another batch of upgraded M113A2 tracked armored personnel carriers (APC) this June 2019, fitted with the Elbit Systems 12.7mm overhead remote controlled weapon stations (ORCWS).

12 newly rehabilitated and upgraded M113A2 tracked APCs equipped with Elbit's 12.7mm ORCWS. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a source.

The deal is part of the Philippine Army's M113 Firepower Upgrade Project, which is a Horizon 1 Phase 2nd List Project of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The projects aims to deliver the upgrade for 44 M113A2 tracked armored personnel carriers that include installation of the Elbit Systems 12.7mm ORCWS and other systems, and conversion of 5 M113A2 to armored mortar carriers and installation of the Soltam Cardom 81mm Recoil Mortar System.

More details can be found on an earlier blog entry posted specifically for this project, which can be accessed through the link below:

"Elbit Systems Wins Contract to Upgrade Philippine Army M113A2 with RCWS and Mortars" - first posted on 14 June 2018

For this batch for delivery this June 2019, twelve (12) units are programmed. These are former US Army M113A2 tracked APCs that underwent rehabilitation works with the Mechanized Infantry Division's maintenance battalion, and were modified to allow the installation of Elbit Systems' 12.7mm ORCWS on the commander's hatch, replacing the manually-operated armored open mount usually found on standard PA M113s.

M113A2s armed with the 12.7mm ORCWS will be undergoing Technical Inspection and Acceptance Tests prior to handover to the Philippine Army. Photo exclusively shared by a MaxDefense source.

Aside from up-arming, these vehicles were also installed with Elbit Systems' Combat NG Battlefield Management System (BMS) allowing them to be integrated into a network with other similarly-equipped units of the Philippine Army.

While the electronic and mechanical systems like the weapon mounts and computers were all imported from Elbit Systems, the rehabilitation and modifications of the M113s, as well as the installation works of the RCWS and computer systems were all made by the Mechanized Infantry Division with technical assistance provided by Elbit Systems. This means the MID now has the know-how and capability to not just install, but also conduct maintenance works of these complicated systems.

Originally, Elbit Systems was supposed to deliver 17 units for the first batch, but the Philippine Army requested for an initial 5 units to be delivered earlier in April 2019 to allow the vehicles to be deployed to Jolo, Sulu before the 2019 Mid Term Elections last May.

The examples above are the first batch of M113A2s that received the new 12.7mm ORCWS and vehicle upgrades. They were set to Sulu last May 2019 to provide security during the 2019 Mid Term Elections. Photo shared to MaxDefense by a community member who wish to remain anonymous.

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The vehicles underwent the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Tests a few days ago. Once they are rated by the project's Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) as passed, the vehicles will then be prepared for official hand-over to the Mechanized Infantry Division.

This would mark the delivery of a total of 17 upgraded vehicles with the 12.7mm ORCWS under this M113 Firepower Upgrade Project.

In total, the Philippine Army already has 11 units of M113A2 tracked armored personnel carriers equipped with a 12.7mm RCWS system (if one would include the delivery made by Elbit Systems in a separate project in 2016), and the delivery of 12 more will make the total go up to 23 units.

The difference between the M113A2 tracked APCs that received upgrades to install 12.7mm RCWS:
Left photo shows those delivered by Elbit Systems in 2016 using a ex-Belgian Army M113A2+ and an earlier model variant of Elbit's 12.7mm ORCWS. The right shows a US-made M113A2 equipped with the latest variant of Elbit's 12.7mm ORCWS. Photo provided by a community member based on photos from other sources.

MaxDefense was informed that aside from the 12 units for delivery this June, another batch of upgraded M113s are scheduled for acceptance tests and hand-over this coming July 2019, and it would include some of the converted Armored Mortar Carriers armed with the Soltam Cardom 81mm Recoil Mortar System.

Rehabilitation, upgrade and installation works were all done in MID's facility in Camp O'Donnell in Tarlac, allowing MID to gain experience in the process. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a source form the PA.

More updates will be coming in probably by July once the next batch of deliveries are ready. Meanwhile, our readers can also access our resource portal for this project which can be found on the link below:

"M113 Firepower Upgrade Project (Horizon 1) of the Philippine Army" - continuous updates ongoing.


Project Summary:


M113 Firepower Upgrade Project

Note: Edited as of 22 June 2019.

* End User: Philippine Army (Mechanized Infantry Division)

* Quantity: to upgrade 49 M113 tracked APCs.

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 2nd List Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php1,051,650,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) Procurement with the Israel Ministry of Defense-SIBAT

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-17-0022354 dated 28 November 2017 worth Php1,051,650,000.00 (full amount), released 29 November 2017.

* Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Land & C4I (Israel)

* Product for Delivery:
    - Modification of 49 M113A2 tracked APCs to accommodate upgrade
    - Upgrade of 44 M113A2 with installation of Elbit Systems 12.7mm ORCWS and other systems
    - Upgrade of 5 M113A2 with conversion to Armored Mortar Carrier with the Soltam Cardom 81mm Recoil Mortar System

* Contract Price: Php1,051,650,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 31 October 2016

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAM113FirepowerUpgrade

* Status: Delivery ongoing, 1st batch of 5 units delivered April 2019, 2nd batch of 12 units for delivery June 2019.

===============


First edit and release: 22 June 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines

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Philippine Army receives first batch of upgraded M113A2 RCWS-equipped APC from Elbit Systems

Before everything, MaxDefense would like to thank its community member, Gobi Castle and in part by Buenabe June for raising this to our attention after raising it in our partner page, Philippine Defense Discussions @ Facebook.

On 11 May 2019, GMA News' reporter Raffy Tima posted a report and an accompanying video from his Twitter account on the deployment of additional Philippine Army (PA) assets in Jolo, Sulu to beef up security before the upcoming Mid-Term Elections this coming Monday 13 May 2019.

Cropped from GMA's Raffy Tima's video, showing one of the Philippine Army's M113A2 APC with RCWS disembarking on its own from the Philippine Navy's Bacolod City-class LSV BRP Bacolod City (LS-550).

The video shows one of five M113A2 armored personnel carriers equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun on a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) as it disembarks from the Philippine Navy Bacolod City-class logistics support vessel BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) . A corresponding photo was also posted by GMA News as profile photo of their report in their Facebook page.

The said photo shows that there are slight differences with the Philippine Army's existing fleet of RCWS-armed M113A2 APCs, and the units that arrived in Jolo.

Upon closer inspection, and upon checking with our sources, it was confirmed that the Philippine Army is indeed in possession of additional M113A2 APCs with RCWS.



Overview:

In 2017, the Department of National Defense (DND) awarded a contract worth Php1.051 billion with Israel's Elbit Systems Land & C4I for the M113 APC Firepower Upgrade Project of the Philippine Army. 

This project involves the upgrade of 44 units of existing M113A2 armored personnel carriers of the Mechanized Infantry Division by equipping them with a new Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), and converting 5 existing M113A2 APCs to Armored Mortar Carriers. Both upgrades will include installation of battlefield computers connected to a networked system as part of the PA's C4ISTAR system.

Information received by MaxDefense is that Elbit will supply the already proven Dragon Overhead Remote Controlled Weapon Station (ORCWS) mounted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, which already proved its worth during the Battle of Marawi in 2017, and in other skirmishes on operations against terrorists groups.

More information can be read from MaxDefense's previous, more comprehensive blog regarding the project which can be found on the link below:

"Elbit Systems Wins Contract to Upgrade Philippine Army M113A2 with RCWS and Mortars" - first posted on 14 June 2018


Elbit Systems will deliver the RCWS to the Philippines, and installation and modifications on the existing M113A2 platforms will be done in the Philippines by a combined team from Elbit Systems and Philippine Army's Mechanized Infantry Division.

This set-up allows the MID's own maintenance personnel to be familiar with the installation and the entire RCWS system, enabling them to properly identify and conduct maintenance works without relying on Elbit's personnel.



Initial Delivery Confirmed:

MaxDefense previously mentioned in our past blog entry that Elbit Systems will deliver a first batch of around 19 vehicles by February 2019.

But this appears to have been moved, and on March 2019, MaxDefense received information that only 17 will be delivered starting April 2019. Originally some of the vehicles were supposed to be demonstrated to Pres. Duterte during the Philippine Army's anniversary in March 2019, but the plan was shelved.

With the photo of the M113A2 with RCWS in Jolo coming out and observations made by community members, we double-checked our sources just now.

It appears that Elbit Systems was able to deliver the first five (5) units of upgraded M113A2 with Dragon 12.7mm ORCWS only on the last week of April 2019, which were formally accepted by the Mechanized Infantry Division.

The M113A2 APCs with RCWS delivered by the Philippine Navy to Jolo, all five units feature the same new Elbit Dragon ORCWS mounts. The raised mount can also be seen at this angle.
Photo shared by a MaxDefense contributor who wish to remain anonymous.

Twelve (12) other units, which were part of the 17 units for first batch delivery, will be handed-over to the Mechanized Infantry Division this coming June 2019.

Elbit Systems will deliver the rest of the 27 units with RCWS in 2 more batches, with all expected to be delivered to the PA MID before the end of 2019.

Observations:

Among those observed in the units that were deployed to Jolo was the positioning of the RCWS. Viewed from the front, the RCWS is position in the center where the cupola is located. The position is different on those delivered by Elbit Systems a few years ago, which are located on the right side of the armored vehicle.

Here is a side-by-side photo showing the (left) ex-Belgian M113A2+ APC armed with the Elbit Dragon ORCWS, and (right) the ex-US Army M113A2 APC armed with the updated Elbit Dragon OCRWS. It is apparent here that the ex-Belgian vehicles have their RCWS off-center to the right, while the ex-US Army vehicles have the RCWS in a more centered position. Side by side photo posted by Buenabe June in Philippine Defense Discussion @ Facebook page, using screengrab from Raffy Tima's Twitter video.

This is due to the position of cupola in the different M113s in service with the Philippine Army. The ones delivered by Elbit Systems a few years ago were former Belgian Land Component (Belgian Army) M113A2 vehicles, wherein the cupolas are located off-center towards the right of the vehicle based on Belgium's requirements, to allow for an extra Commander's cupola just behind the driver's hatch. 

The current M113A2s being upgrade by Elbit Systems are former US Army models, whose cupolas are centered vis-a-vis the vehicle's width, as they do not have the extra Commander's cupola found on Belgian examples.

The position of RCWS in the 2 different M113A2 vehicles are apparent in these photos, with the top photo showing the ex-US Army variant with the RCWS in the center, and the ex-Belgian variant with the RCWS on the right side. The ex-US Army example doesn't have an extra Commander's hatch behind the driver's hatch, while the ex-Belgian model has an extra Commander's hatch found just behind the driver's hatch. Top photo from Raffy Tima's video, while bottom photo taken from the late John Chua's collection.

Another observation was that the RCWS delivered then and now look different.

Upon checking with our sources, it appears that the RCWS delivered by Elbit Systems to the Philippine Army this year are updated models of the Dragon ORCWS, which uses a different body with improvements over the older variant.

The newer Dragon ORCWS variant does not have an ammunition chute, and were raised further from the vehicle by using a longer "neck", raising the gun's elevation several centimeters higher than the older variant.

The new variant are also painted olive drab, while the older RCWS are painted in black.

Based on our sources, the newer RCWS also uses a better, updated camera with better video and photo resolutions than the previous model, which means clearer videos for feeding the gun operator and connection to the information sharing network.

The ex-Belgian M113A2+ armored vehicles supplied by Elbit Systems also have smoke grenade launchers in the front end of the vehicle, whule ex-US Army M113A2 used for the current RCWS upgrade do not have them. It is also clear that Elbit's upgrade did not include the installation of smoke grenade launchers on these vehicles.

Only ex-US Army variants are among the 44 units being upgraded by Elbit Systems in the current project.

Another comparison photo showing: an ex-US Army M113A2 without a smoke grenade launcher and ex-Belgian M113A2+  with a smoke grenade launcher system (top), the ex-Belgian M113A2+ with RCWS and smoke grenade launchers (middle), and the ex-US Army M113A2 upon their presentation after arriving from the US a few years ago (bottom). The one in Jolo does not have a smoke grenade launching system, and are definitely among the ex-US Army units upgraded by Elbit recently. Photo shared and posted by Buenabe June in Philippine Defense Discussions @ Facebook.

Summary:


M113 APC Firepower Upgrade Project of the Philippine Army
End User: Philippine Army (Mechanized Infantry Division)

Quantity:   * Lot 1 - Supply and Installation of 12.7mm RCWS (44 nos.)
                   * Lot 2 - Upgrade to Armored Mortar Carrier (5 nos)


Modernization Phase: RA 10349 Revised AFP Modernization Program HORIZON 1 (2nd List)

Project ABC: Php1,051,650,000.00

Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement (Government-to-Government) between Philippines DND and Israel Ministry of Defense
SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-17-0022354, released 29 November 2017

Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Land & C4I (Israel)

Contract Price: Php1,051,650,000.00

First post by MaxDefense: 31 July 2017




Additional Information for Curious Readers:

It was discussed above that former Belgian Land Component M113A2 armored vehicles have the weapon cupola on the right side of the vehicle due to the presence of an extra Commander's hatch behind the driver's hatch.

So why is it that in the ex-Belgian M113A+ vehicles converted by Elbit Systems into Infantry Fighting Vehicles by installing the Elbit UT25 unmanned turret with 25mm gun, the turret is at the center of the vehicle vis-a-vis the width?

It can be answered by the photo below.

Modifications were made on the M113A2+ roof to allow Elbit to install the UT25 unmanned turret at the center of the vehicle rather than on the original cupola's position at the right side. This also allowed them to remove the Commander's hatch behind the driver's hatch. The steel plating can be seen just below the unmanned turret, which replaced the roof section that was cut during the upgrade works.
Photo taken from the late John Chua's collection.

It shows that there appears to be a modification done by Elbit Systems on the M113A2+ armored vehicle, wherein they cut the vehicle's roof section and replaced it with a new plating that allowed for the turret to be installed at the center and removing the extra Commander's hatch in the process.

Upon checking with our sources, the said modification was confirmed too.

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