Overview on ROKN's Pohang-class Corvettes, and Transfer of 1 ship to the PN

Aside from the earlier report of a scheduled transfer of a Landing Craft - Utility (LCU) and rubber boats from South Korea to the Philippine Navy, MaxDefense also confirm reports that surfaced on June 5, 2014 that the South Korean Ministry of Defense will transfer a Pohang-class corvette to the Philippine Navy before the end of 2014. The Philippines' Department Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the impending transfer in their released official statement dated June 5, 2014, while the Department of National Defense (DND) through its representative  Mr. Peter Paul Galvez confirmed the transfer as well.

What is still being confirmed as of this writing is the version of the Pohang-class corvette to be given to the Philippine Navy (PN). There are currently 3 sub-classes for the entire class range, having different and improving configuration as the class matures. Also being confirmed are the included sensors and weapons system in the transfer. 

The South Korean government has approved handing-over a Pohang-class corvette to the Philippine Navy. Above is ROKS Gunsan (PCC-757).
Photo taken from Koreadefense.net.

Understanding the Korean Naval Shipbuilding in the 1980s:
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the massive industrialization efforts of South Korea gaining ground, backed by fast expanding economy and government support for self sufficiency. The ROKN embarked on a massive shipbuilding program to prove their gains and experience from the local manufacture of their earlier Chamsuri-class patrol boat (Tomas Batillo-class in the PN) in the 1970s.  This led to the Fast Frigate Korea (FFK) and Patrol Combat Corvette (PCC) projects, which ultimately became the Ulsan-class frigate based on the HDF-2000 design, and Donghae-class corvettes(PCC Flight I) based on HDC-8000 design. The first ship of the Donghae-class, the ROKS Donghae (PCC-751) was commissioned to the ROKN in 1983, but according to Korean sources, the design encountered sea-keeping issues on the open seas due to the hull's small size, and it ROKN requested for a re-design of the PCC program using an enlarged version of the HDC-8000 design, and decided to end the production of the Donghae-class corvette at 4 units. The resulting design, the HDC-1200, which became a class of its own despite huge similarities with the earlier Donghae-class design. This design ultimately became the ROKN's Pohang-class corvette (PCC Flight II). 

Compared to the older Donghae-class, the Pohang-class is 10 meters longer, and around 0.3 meters wider and deeper. This resulted to better sea-keeping attributes on open seas, and ROKN decided to continue the PCC program using the design. Improvements on machinery, habitability, weapons and sensors fit were also made to maximize the usage of the hull enlargement.

Note: A derivative design based on the Donghae and Pohang-class ships was made for the Korean Maritime Police (Coast Guard), called the Hankang-class, which is lightly armed and less capable than its naval counterparts.

The ROKS Suwon (PCC-752), the 2nd ship of the Donghae-class corvettes.

The Pohang-class corvette:
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) operated a maximum of 24 locally-made Pohang-class "combat corvettes", of which 21 are still in active service as of June 2014. Being a derivative of the Donghae-class, the Pohang-class provided increased size and improved performance, and improvements on sensors and weapons systems fit including accommodation for anti-ship missile systems.  The lead ship of the class, ROKS Pohang (PCC-756), was commissioned to the ROKN on December 1984, while the last unit, ROKS Gongju (PCC-785), was commissioned on July 1993. Construction for the ship class was divided to 3 of South Korea's foremost naval shipbuilders in the 1980s, Korea Tacoma Shipbuilding (now Hanjin Heavy Industries), Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.

Note: Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering are both contenders for the upcoming new frigates for the Philippine Navy.

The class have the following details technical details:
Dimensions (length x beam x depth): 88.3m x 10.0m x 2.9m;
Displacement: 1,220 tons at full load;
Speed: 32 knots maximum using gas turbine;
Range: 4,000 miles at 15 knots
Crew: 95 

The Pohang-class is divided into 3 sub-classes, each being an improvement over the other:

PCC Pohang-subclass (PCC Flight II)
This is the so-called surface warfare version (ASuW), originally conceived as the only version with anti-ship missiles. The sub-class covering 4 ships (PCC-756 to PCC-759). These are equipped with: 
- 1 x GE LM-2500 gas turbine, 2 x MTU 12V956 TB82 diesel engines at CODOG configuaration;
- Raytheon AN/SPS-64(v) surface search/navigation radar, Signaal WM-28 Fire Control System, Signaal LIOD optronic director, Signaal Sewaco ZK combat data system;
- 1 x Oto Melara 76mm/62 Compact gun, 2 x MM38 Exocet anti-ship missile launchers, 2 x Emerlec Twin 30mm guns, 2 x triple Mk. 32 324mm ASW torpedo tubes, 2 x Mk.9 Depth Charge racks.

The ROKS Mokpo (PCC-759), the last ship of the ASW sub-class.

PCC Gimcheon-subclass (PCC Flight III)
This is the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version, covering 4 ships (PCC-761 to PCC-765, skipped PCC-764). Changes on the combat data system and secondary guns, and addition of another 76mm gun plus a hull-mounted sonar system, and absence of anti-ship missile system as compared to the earlier sub-class.
- 1 x GE LM-2500 gas turbine, 2 x MTU 12V956 TB82 diesel engines at CODOG configuration;
- Raytheon AN/SPS-64(v) surface search/navigation radar, Signaal WM-28 Fire Control system, Signaal LIOD optronic director, Raytheon AN/SQS-58 hull mounted sonar replacing the original Signaal PHS-32, Ferranti WSA 423 combat data system;
- 2 x Oto Melara 76mm/62 Compact gun, 2 x Breda twin 40mm/70 guns, 2 x triple Mk. 32 324mm ASW torpedo tubes, 2 x Mk.9 Depth Charge racks, 1 x Mistral / Chiron MANPADS launcher added later on.

The ROKS Gimcheon (PCC-761), part of the ASW sub-class.

PCC Jinhae-subclass (PCC Flight IV & V)
This is an improved re-design that incorporates the ASW and ASuW capabilities, unlike the earlier 2 sub-classes. The use of space-saving Harpoon tube launchers instead of the older MM38 Exocet boxed launchers enabled the ship to carry more missiles while also having the ASW capability. The diesel engine was also changed from MTU to SEMT-Pielstick brand. This sub-class covers 16 ships (PCC-766 to PCC-784, skipping PCC-770, 774, 780 and 784). PCC Flight V started from PCC-778, the difference being the Marconi and Radamec sensors system installed are licensed-built versions from Samsung.
- 1 x GE LM-2500 gas turbine, 2 x SEMT-Pielstick 12 PA6 V280 diesel engines at CODOG configuration;
- Marconi ST1810 surface search/navigation radar, Marconi ST1802 fire control radar, 2 x Radamec 2400 optronic system, Raytheon AN/SQS-58 hull mounted sonar replacing the original Signaal PHS-32, Ferranti WSA 423 combat data system;
- 2 x Oto Melara 76mm/62 Compact gun, 2 x Breda twin 40mm/70 guns, 2 x twin RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers; 2 x triple Mk. 32 324mm ASW torpedo tubes, 2 x Mk. 9 Depth Charge racks, 1 x Mistral / Chiron MANPADS launcher added later on.

The ROKS Wonju (PCC-769), a ship classified under the Jinhae-subclass.

So far, 3 Pohang-class ships are out of service as of June 2014: ROKS Pohang (PCC-756) was decommissioned from the ROKN in 2009 and was turned to a museum ship in Pohang City, ROKS Gunsan (PCC-757) was decommissioned in 2011 and is awaiting decision on its fate after an offer to transfer the ship to the Colombian Navy did not push through. The most famous ship of the class, the ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772), was sunk in 2010.



Transfer to the Philippine Navy:
There is no definite information yet on which ship will be for transfer. According to the DFA and DND announcements, the specific ship for the PN is still in active service with the ROKN as of this writing. Usually a navy selects the older and worse-condition ship of the class for decommissioning ships, so the most expected ship that fits this bill would be either of the 2 remaining ASuW versions, the ROKS Gyeongju (PCC-758) and the ROKS Mokpo (PCC-759). It is to be noted that ROKS Gunsan (PCC-757) was already decommissioned from the ROKN since 2011, so it may not fit the description. The PN would be lucky if they receive a more capable version.

The expected transfer date is before the end of the year, and previous announcements indicated that ship's systems would be intact upon transfer unlike what the PN experienced with the Hamilton-class cutters from the US. There are confirmations from MaxDefense sources that the ship could be "almost entirely intact as it is depending on approval from foreign governments holding rights to approval of arms transfers", and if these approvals are met, we can expect the ship to be in the Philippines before the end of the year.



New systems for the PN:
A small ship in the eyes of many, it packs several naval systems that are currently not available with the PN. Assuming that the PN will get the earlier ASuW version, the following are expected to give the PN the technology and knowledge boost it needs:

There are several systems in the ship that is not available in the PN's inventory or knowledge base. This small ship surely is helpful to the PN's goal to improve its capability. 

1. It uses the GE LM-2500 gas turbine engine - although the PN is not a stranger to naval application of gas turbines thanks to the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, the LM-2500 is somehing new to them. It is much modern, more powerful, and is one of the most widely used gas turbine engine for warship application in the world.

2. Presence of ASW weapons - the ship is equipped with ASW torpedo launchers and depth charge racks - weapons that the PN have not used since the early 1980s. This would re-introduce the organization to such weapons which are expected to be present in upcoming warships.

3. The anti-ship missile system - the PN has never equipped its ships with anti-ship missiles in the past, although it has been planning to do so since the 1970s. Although the ship's MM-38 Exocet missile is already nearing obsolescence, it could still be a good training and learning platform for the PN while waiting for plans to introduce newer systems.

4. Warship design that is younger than all its major surface action assets - it should be taken into consideration that the Pohang-class' design is far younger than the PN's World War 2-era warships, its Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, and even its British made Jacinto-class ships. MaxDefense is not familiar with the Pohang-class' advantages in warship hull design, but it is expected to benefit from maturity of technology over older designs. This could provide the information and technology base for the PN's future ship design and building programs under the Naval Research and Development Center's (NRDC) project.


What the PN should be doing by now:
Being a warship with more capable systems than the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, the PN should be readying the crew that will be assigned to the ship. MaxDefense expects that South Korea will provide training to the initial PN crew. Instead of getting crew members from the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates, MaxDefense suggests getting mixed crew members from the Rizal or Miguel Malvar-class ships plus those with experience from the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates. They should all be provided with introductory training aboard the PN's frigates first before sending them to Korea. This could be done by using both the PF-15 and PF-16 simultaneously as training platforms for the next few months.


Aside from the ship crew, the PN must build up its maintenance and support base to maintain the ship's more complicated mechanical, electrical, sensors and weapons systems. MaxDefense expects the corvette to be more complicated than the US-made frigates, and this should be given attention by the PN.

Inside a Pohang-class corvette's bridge. This is probably from a Jinhae-subclass version and may have some differences with the older ASuW version.
Photo taken from namacha @ atwiki.jp

It is expected that the ship will need refurbishing and repair once it becomes available, its not new after all. It is a common practice for navies to stop refurbishing works once a ship is nearing its retirement date, even large organizations like the US Coast Guard does the same. The PN should already prepare the budget and start planning on the necessary works it needs to do with the ship based on previous/future inspections. It is not impossible that the ship may require some repair works as a precautionary measure before sailing on its own to its new home in the Philippines.

Aside from repairs, the PN should consider maximizing the use of the ship by upgrading it later on with better engineering, sensors, and weapons systems, and increasing its service lifespan. Not only is it needed to keep the ship in full readiness for several more years, but also to improve its capability as a front-line naval combatant, and in compliance of DND's rules on acquiring used assets.

The ROKN installed MANPADS launchers on later versions of the Pohang-class, several years after commissioning them. The PN could consider to do the same to improve the ship's defenses as the ASuW versions are not expected to have these. The photo above is from a later mdoel of an actual Pohang-class ship, used to mount a single Mistral or Chiron missile system.

For the PN high command, the approval of such transfer from South Korea should be followed with aggressiveness to get more. As more Incheon-class frigates come into service with the ROKN, they are expected to release more Pohang and Ulsan-class ships soon. These used but still capable Korean warships would be the best solution for the PN to immediately upgrade its fleet as a short to medium term solution, and this could only be attained if the PN can fight and lobby for government support to request the South Korean government to allow more transfers either as grants, donations, or priority sale. So far, MaxDefense can confirm that DND is in talks with South Korea's MoD not only for more corvettes, but other assets as well. Let's see the outcome of these talks and hopefully more good new will come in the next few months.

Of course there will be trade-offs on such request, and it may include our military's preference to acquire new military equipment from South Korea. It is to be noted that the AFP is in full-swing to acquire several weapons systems that South Korea is able to provide. MaxDefense does not see anything wrong with giving the South Koreans more access to our defense market as they have competitive defense products, for as long as these meet the AFP's operational requirements and price is reasonable and competitive.

It is expected that this deal would be discussed for some time until the ship actually arrives on Philippine shores. MaxDefense will provide more information regarding this deal later on.

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Philippine Navy to Receive Excess LCU from South Korea

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed the transfer of a transport vessel, rubber boats, and computers to the Philippine government after the Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin's visit to South Korea. Reports have been sketchy so far, with the mainstream media reports commonly claiming the ship to be an LCU (Landing Craft-Utility), but some describing it as a ship that has a helicopter landing pad and space to carry more than 200 troops. The latter description does not fit an LCU but is more like a large landing ship like a Landing Ship Tank (LST) which is also present in South Korea's naval inventory.

The US-designed and made LCU-1610, which is the basis of the Korean LCU-70 and LCU-80 classes.
Photo taken from WW2LCT.org website.

MaxDefense sources confirmed that the navy is not getting an LST, and the reports are correct that the Philippine Navy (PN) is indeed getting an excess LCU from South Korea of the LCU-70 Mulgae-class, a Korean version of a US designed LCU-1610. It is expected to arrive before the end of the year if the deal runs smoothly.

These are made by Korea Tacoma using a design provided by Tacoma Boatbuilding Company of the US, thus the transfer to the Philippines may require US government approval, which was actually confirmed by DND officials in one report. This class are being replaced by newer Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on amphibious operation use, and are currently relegated to minor transport roles. Some units were already decommissioned, while others are scheduled for decommissioning which may include the unit for transfer.

ROKN LCU-77, an example of the older Mulgae-class LCU. A similar craft is scheduled for transfer to the PN soon.

Being a small amphibious craft, its limited dimension does not allow carrying more than 200 troops as reported earlier, and the absence of a helicopter landing pad due to size constraints also cancels out helicopter operations. A report from another news organization taken from Philippine Navy spokesman Cmdr. Gregory Fabic confirms MaxDefense's information that the ship for transfer is indeed an LCU.

According to open sources, the LCU has the following specifications in its present state:
Dispacement: 415 tons
Dimensions (Length x Beam x Draft): 41.1m x 8.8m x 1.8m
Crew: 14
Range: 560 nautical miles
Speed (maximum): 13 knots

They are currently armed with Oerlikon 20mm guns similar to some of the Philippine Navy's older ships, although the newer versions are armed with 20mm Sea Vulcan turrets similar to those found in the Philippine Navy's Tomas Batillo-class and Conrado Yap-class patrol boats. It would still be possible that the landing crafts will be transferred without its armaments, depending on the negotiation between the Philippine and South Korean governments.

ROKN's LCU-76, transporting KM-250 trucks which the AFP also has.
Photo taken from baba1905 blog @ Daum.net.

MaxDefense is still awaiting further confirmation on the said transfer. Also, it would be noted that MaxDefense previously received confirmations from DND sources that the Philippine government was asking for more excess defense material transfers from the South Korean government as grants or for bargain sale, which includes combat and transport naval assets, and this LCU transfer may just be the beginning of the said request.


LCUs in Philippine Navy Service:
The Philippine Navy has been operating LCUs for many years, and currently it operates 5 LCUs from 3 distinct classes. It still operates 3 WW2-era LCUs of the American LCU-1466 class, the BRP Subanon (AT-291), BRP Bagobo (AT-293), and BRP Tausug (AT-295). 

It also operates 2 new large locally-made LCUs, the BRP Manobo (BU-297) and the BRP Tagbanua (AT-296), both units are the first of their own class. 

The BRP Tausug (AT-295) of the Philippine Navy, formerly a US LCU-1466 class used by the US military.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

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UPDATES:
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July 1, 2015:
The Philippine Navy is now in possession of a Mulgae-class landing craft-utility (LCU) from South Korea. The ship, formerly LCU-78 of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), is now in Cavite and will be undergoing repair and refurbishing locally. According to our source, the ship looks battered from the outside, with rust, broken equipment, missing items, and needs repainting. But mechanically the ship needs minor repairs only and is in working condition. It appears that the Philippine Navy will shoulder the refurbishing works on the landing craft.

Also delivered were rubber boats as promised by the Korean government last year, although no word if the news on donated computers were also among those that arrived. 

Mulgae-class LCU from South Korea, formerly the ROKN LCU-78, is now in Cavite awaiting for refurbishing and repair works. 

The Philippine Navy has not yet floated a name for the ship once it gets commissioned, but following its naming practices, it would probably be named after a Filipino tribe. Guesses, anyone?


==========
June 22, 2016:

MaxDefense sources confirmed as early as 1st quarter of 2016, that the Mulgae-class LCU donated by South Korea, the former ROKS LCU-78, was found to be in very poor condition by contractors hired by the Philippine Navy to inspect the ship, as well as by its own ship maintenance teams. 

Although there is no reports surfacing to the media yet, MaxDefense found out that the navy's leadership has decided not to refurbish and repair the Korean LCU, and instead will be scrapped to at least return some salvage value after the PN spent more than Php 25 million for its transport from South Korea to Cavite. All previous announcements to procure parts as posted on PhilGEPS did not proceed, and were eventually cancelled.

As of April, 2016, PN sources confirmed that the ship was still in Cavite and no work was done until then. Photo of the ship can be seen in the Timawa Philippine Defense Forum.

While the ship was delivered to the Philippines as early as June 2015, the Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) from Australia came at a later date but all 5 are now fully commissioned and in already utilized by the Philippine Navy, which is an indication of the poor state of which this Korean LCU is in.

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Samsung Techwin KAAV7A1 Expected as PMC's New Amphibious Assault Vehicle

After a previous bidding failure, the re-bidding of the Philippine Marine Corps' Amphibious Assault Vehicle acquisition program has again started, with the bid submission scheduled last May 15, 2014. The Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) was Php 2.5 billion for 8 brand new units, including Integrated Logistics Support. Delivery of the vehicles will be 910 days (2 years & 6 months) from opening of Letter of Credit.

As expected by MaxDefense, only 1 entity submitted a bid for the project, South Korea's Samsung Techwin, which produces the KAAV, which is their version of BAE System's AAV7 amphibious assault vehicle (which is reportedly out of production). Their submitted bid is around Php 2.42 billion, around Php 76 million lower than the ABC. On the previous bidding for the same project, Samsung Techwin was the only one that bought the bid documents, but did not submit a bid due to technical issues on the specifications and costs. Post-qualifications will follow, which will be done in South Korea by DND and PN/PMC personnel. 

Samsung Techwin's KAAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle.
Photo taken from Yahoo.com

AAV Information:
Based on the Technical Specifications provided by the DND, it appears to be patterned after the American AAV7 amphibious assault vehicle, down from the performance specs, weapons and components, carrying capacity, and even the parts included in the deal. This definitely puts other offers from other manufacturers out of the race, leaving only Samsung Techwin and BAE Systems as possible bidders.

Basic information on the vehicles include the following details:
- Samsung Techwin offered the KAAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle;
- all brand new units;
- armed with 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher, 50-caliber machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers, mounted on a standard 1-man turret;
- communications conforming to requirement of inter-operability with existing AFP radio equipment;
- comes with camouflage net, search lights, periscope, and other essential items.

Aside from these, the deal also includes training ammunition, integrated logistics support package, and training for PMC crew and support teams.

Basic information on the KAAV7A1. There might be changes on the radio and intercom system depending on the requirement of the Philippine Marine Corps.

The AAV Project:
The Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) acquisition project was meant to provide the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) with an armored vehicle capable of bringing in troops from the amphibious vessels to the landing beach and beyond, while providing fire support when needed. It is actually the PMC's direct replacement for its once large but now diminished fleet of older LVTP-5 and LVTH-6 amphibious assault vehicles. The PMC has long been looking for a replacement of its old amphibious vehicle assets since these were decommissioned in the 1990s due to spare parts issues. It was reported in the past that the Philippine military received LVTP-7s (previous designation of the US AAV7) from the US decades ago, like the one made by the Federal Research Service for its Country Studies wherein they reported the PMC having 55 units, but this did not materialize due to financial issues and probably US arms control concerns. 

4 AAVs are planned to be carried by each of the upcoming Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV, aka Landing Platform Dock LPD), 2 of which were already ordered from an Indonesian shipyard. Each AAV has 3 crew members, and is capable of bringing in 21 fully equipped troops, or cargo & supplies.

The KAAV operating during an amphibious operation. 

The AAV are expected to be used during amphibious operations from landing ships, in a similar fashion as the United States Marine Corps and other friendly Marine units in Asia like Thailand and Indonesia. Yearly exercises between the Philippine and US Marine Corps unit have enabled PMC troops and armored vehicle crews to work with USMC AAV7A1, and the PMC has gained familiarity with the capabilities of the vehicles and usage in combat. The availability of such assets with the PMC would enable them to improve their inter-operability with US forces, and the PMC is expected to gain a lot of training experience with the vehicles as the recently signed Expanded Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) gains actual foothold. 

Philippine Marine Corps armored vehicle crew members man of the USMC's AAV7 amphibious assault vehicle during a Balikatan Exercises several years ago.
Photo taken from pmcmssr.tripod.com.

Problems Encountered in the Previous Bid Attempt:
Previously, Samsung Techwin already indicated in their bid queries, specifically the Supplemental Bid Bulletin No. AFPMP--PN-AAVAP-13-002 dated November 5, 2013, that they may have difficulties in complying with a number of requirements that the DND set in their technical specifications. Main concerns are the following:

a.  Delivery date for the goods, wherein Samsung Techwin requested to extend to 910 days upon opening of Letter of Credit. This was revised by the DND and is now according to Samsung Techwin's request.

b. Communications equipment was requested by Samsung Techwin to be Buyer Furnished Equipment, meaning supplied by the DND separately, or that the DND consider using the Korean-made VRC-947K made by LIG Nex1. Previously the DND insisted on being supplied with an on-board communications system inter-operable with existing AFP radios for secured and non-secured channels. It appears that Samsung Techwin will go for Harris radios, and due to the extension of delivery time, they can now do the integration as previously requested.

c. It also appears that the DND was requesting for 2 units to act as Command Vehicles, with additional 2 base communication systems compared to the other units. Samsung Techwin requested for compromise on this, as they believed that Command Vehicle variants may affect the fire support and troop carrying capability of the AAV based on US and Korean versions where there are no turrets and have less troop carrying space to accommodate the extra communications items.

d. Warranty was requested by DND to be 2 years, while Samsung Techwin can only cover 1 year. This is because the components in the vehicles are also only covered for 1 year by Samsung Techwin's suppliers, and extension of the warrantly may increase the cost of the entire project.

Aside from the above, Samsung Techwin revealed to media sources their concerns, reiterating their incapability to comply to the warranty requirement and cost implications on the additional base radio requirements.



More Required in the Future:
Due to the requirements of the Philippine Navy to have more SSV/LPD in the near future, it is expected that the PMC will request for additional AAVs as well. This is to eventually retire the remaining LVTH-6 in the PMC's inventory, as well as improve its amphibious operations capability. The PMC's current armored assets, the V-150 and the V-300, are incapable of the amphibious capability of the KAAV7A1, and will be relegated more to ground operations which do not need the amphibious capabilities, similar to how they are being used today.

MaxDefense believes that the PMC must also try to obtain support vehicles of the KAAV series in the future if it wishes to expand its AAV fleet, including the armored recovery vehicle version. The PMC must also look to improve its maintenance, repair, and support capability, including adequate shelter and facilities for the vehicles when not deployed on ships. Currently the main support facility for armored vehicles is located at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, but due to the impending reduction of military bases inside Metro Manila, it is best for the PMC to create a new armored vehicle support facility on one of its major bases outside Metro Manila. 

If this deal pushes through, this would be the 2nd major arms export by South Korea to the Philippines within this year, after the Philippine Air Force's acquisition of the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle jets. 

2 of the few remaining serviceable LVTH-6 with the Philippine Marines. More KAAV may allow the PMC to totally drop the LVTH-6 from active service.

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Analysis on the PAF's Upcoming Long Range Patrol Aircraft

For the past few months, you may have been hearing representatives from the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) discussing the acquisition of long range patrol aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The last of these announcements even came from President Benigno Aquino III himself during the appointment of new PAF chief Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado last month, where he reiterated the national government's support for the aircraft purchase.

MaxDefense's previous blog entry discussions included the DND's ongoing deal with the US government on the procurement of patrol aircraft, in which they will be acquired under a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) allocated for the 2 aircraft is Php 5.97 billion (around $133 million), which includes training of aircrew and ground personnel, and an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. As of this writing, MaxDefense sources says that the deal with the US government is now in the final stages, and we can expect the DND to announce the deal completion within a few months, or even weeks, from now. Expected delivery of the 1st unit is expected by 2016, while the 2nd unit may arrive by 2017.


Purpose:
The PAF's Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) are expected to be the Philippine military's primary airborne "eyes and ears" platform, designed to detect and identify surface and possibly subsurface assets passing through or intruding the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters. They are equipped with advanced surveillance systems, can operate both day and night, have enough range and endurance to be present in the air for the longest possible time, and would probably be armed to defeat hostile naval threats.


Possible Offers:
So what is the long range patrol aircraft to be procured? Previously, MaxDefense discussed a possible shortlist of what the US can provide for the project: the Lockheed P-3C Orion, and the Airbus Military CN-235MP or the larger C-295 MP or ASW Persuader. Aside from these, MaxDefense also sees the Boeing MSA as a possible contender, which is presently offered using a Bombardier CL-600 Challenger 605 business jet as a platform, installed with the sensors of the P-8A Poseidon. The Boeing MSA can also be offered in other suitable business jet models like the larger Bombardier Global Express, depending on the client's requirement.

Lockheed's P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Being a US government assisted program, we can now say that other contenders that we have been discussing months ago can be taken out of the list, which includes the ATR-42MP Surveyor and ATR-72ASW from Italy.

Not much has been released on the specifications of the long range maritime patrol aircraft requirement of the PAF because of the DND's decision to go for a direct deal with the US government. The DND won't be required to publish the specifications to the public like what it usually do for its other projects undergoing tender. We can, for now, dwell on the ABC, averaging at around $66 million per aircraft.

Availability and Cost:
Non-flying P-3s are abundant in US military storage facilities and can be either be granted or sold to allies, and reactivated and upgraded anytime for immediate service. Some recent recipients of the aircraft include Pakistan and Taiwan, which have the same close military relationship with the US as the Philippines. If the US government provide the airframes to the Philippines by grant, the budget allocated by the DND would be enough to pay for refurbishing and reactivation of 2 P-3C Orions from the boneyard. Normally refurbished P-3s were sold by the US government above $80 million each, so the US government's offer would now depend on the US government's means to assist the Philippines. It would be best if the DND would get the newer P-3C variant, which is more advanced and less airframe hours.

The Boeing MSA using the Challenger 605 platform was quoted by Boeing to cost around $50-$60 million, within the budget allocated as well, but being a new platform with no buyers yet, it may encounter compliance issues on technicalities set by the DND for procurement of assets.

The CN-235MP Persuader is definitely within the budget allocated by the DND, and there are estimates we can take from previous deals that Airbus Military (or previously as EADS) had with other military units. Previously, Mexico's deal was for 6 CN-235 MP Persuaders was estimated at around $252 million for 6 aircraft, including ground infrastructure, plus full logistics and spares support for 5 years (average of $42 million per aircraft). Aside from Mexico and the US Coast Guard, there are several other countries operating the CN-235MP Persuader in different configurations. Previous contracts by Airbus Military with the US Coast Guard pegs the HC-144A Ocean Sentry at $35-40 million each as of 2010.

The C-295MP / C-295ASW are expected to be more expensive that the CN-235MP, but may still be within the budget provided by the DND. The sale of such aircraft to Chile a few years ago did not disclose the deal's value, but MaxDefense sources confirmed that the C-295MP and C-295ASW will not exceed $55 million each for the complete aircraft.

A Chilean Navy C-295MP Persuader maritime patrol aircraft, a product of EADS (now Airbus Military).

US Government Involvement:
A project that involves the US government should consider some factors as compared to buying in the open market. US interests will be in the forefront, and this may either include allowing (or disallowing) the Philippine military to use US-standard equipment and technology. Being a Major Non-NATO Ally, the Philippine may be eligible to obtain such equipment, but there might be some restrictions as well depending on the decision of the US government. 

Will the US allow the Philippines to own and operate the P-3C Orion, its equipment and systems, armaments, and obtain the training? From MaxDefense's opinion, yes, the Philippines may be allowed to do so, but MaxDefense can't confirm this yet. But this reason may not stop the DND from getting its hands on a P-3 Orion. The US may offer a less-capable version which also costs less than the standard high end version, it could probably have its surveillance systems replaced with another type, or it could also be a de-weaponised version similar to what was offered to Vietnam. 

Also, the source of equipment to be sold to the Philippines will probably be from US defense contractors, although there were recent instances that the US offered FMS for equipment sourced outside the US, like the proposed AT-26 Super Tucano program for Afghanistan, or the CN-235MP Persuader acquisition for Mexico. So the P-3C Orion has a greater chance of being offered as compared to the Spanish-built CN-235 or C-295 series aircraft.


Conflict of Interest:
The CN-235 and C-295 platforms are both from Airbus Military, and although they have offices in the US, they are sourced from CASA-Airbus Military's factory in Spain. This might have implications on the sale due to the involvement of the US government in the patrol aircraft acquisition. It is expected that the US will push to have its products sold, either EDA or new builds. The C-295MP/ASW Persuader's FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System) was also developed by EADS/Airbus Military, which makes the aircraft less attractive as a US government offer.

A possible solution is for Airbus Military to provide the aircraft platform, and US defense contractors will provide the surveillance and integration systems. A similar project is on the USCG's HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft, which is actually a CN-235 MP Persuader using US-made systems. The US may offer a C-295 or CN-235 equipped with Lockheed Martin's Mission System Pallet (MSP), or any alternative systems from other American defense contractors like Northrop Grumman. 

The Airbus Military's HC-144 Ocean Sentry maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the US Coast Guard. This is based closely on Airbus Military's CN-235MP Persuader.
Photo taken from US Coast Guard website c/o Wikimedia.

Boeing may offer any business jet to install its MSA system, and may include US-made aircraft like the Gulfstream G550 Special Mission series, although the choice of aircraft to be used may dictate the final pricing of the aircraft. 

Boeing -Bombardier Challenger 605 MSA (maritime surveillance aircraft).
Photo taken from Australian Aviation website.

Natural Choice:
Among the possible contenders, the P-3 is said to be the best choice of the DND and AFP, being a favorite for several years now. According to MaxDefense sources from the AFP, both the Philippine Navy and Air Force have been looking at the P-3 Orion since the implementation of the AFP Modernization Program in 1995. It has been present in almost all PH-US military exercises and is also a usual visitor to the country. US Navy P-3s regularly patrol Philippine waters when the Americans were still occupying Subic Naval Base, and continues to do so "unofficially" in several occasions up to this time. It has become the baseline set by the PN & PAF for any future maritime patrol aircraft, even after the availability of newer and cheaper models in the market.

The C-295MP or C-295ASW Persuader are also strong contenders that we can consider a natural choice. With the C-295 platform chosen as the next medium-lift aircraft of the PAF, its chances of getting chosen rather than its smaller variant CN-235 is higher. The longer range and higher endurance of the larger C-295 is another advantage against the CN-235, but both can be equipped with US-supplied MPA equipment which might be an integral part of the deal being a US government sale.


Weapon Delivery Capability Requirement?
MaxDefense sources also revealed that the PAF ideally wanted an MPA aircraft that is capable of carrying and firing anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes, which the Boeing MSA does not have. In the meantime, the Lockheed P-3 Orion and the Airbus Military C-295ASW Persuader are configured to have the capability of weapons delivery. The C-295 has an ongoing test to carry the Italian Marte Mk.2/S anti-ship missiles, although no word yet on firing other types. 

Chile's C-295ASW Persuader. The underwing hardpoint is visible in this angle, which can be used to mount ASW torpedoes. 

The P-3C is certified to fire the AGM-84 Harpoon missile, as well as torpedoes and naval mines, giving it an advantage over all other competitors on this requirement.



Acquisition Numbers:
It is surprising to know that the DND and PAF are only looking for 2 units, when the total requirement is for at least 6 aircraft. This is probably the initial acquisition, and as more funds come in after this phase of the AFP Modernization Program, at least 4 more aircraft will be acquired. 



MaxDefense doesn't know yet which was offered by the US government to the DND and PAF, but it appears that refurbished Lockheed P-3C Orions has the higher probability of being offered or picked against its Airbus Military and Boeing competitors. The Orion is the most capable platform being a proven design,  But whatever is the result of the acquisition program would be beneficial to the Philippine military's goal of having a modest capability to patrol its vast EEZ and territorial waters. We await for more details on this FMS project, which we expect to be finalized very soon. 

MaxDefense will provide updates on this project as more information comes in. 




==========
UPDATES
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May 20, 2014: The DND released an Invitation to Bid for the PAF's upcoming Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA). This is major turn-around for the project as the negotiations was already on the high-end between the Philippine and US governments for US FMS-sourced equipment. This can be considered a major set-back as the original timetable for the LRPA acquisition was pushed back by more than 1 year as the expected arrival of the 1st unit was scheduled on 2016, probably just before President Aquino steps down.

It appears that the US indeed offered refurbished P-3C Orion to the DND, but it is still unclear why the deal did not push-through. MaxDefense is still finding out the details, but there are 2 possible reasons why the DND decided to go for bidding, either the US government was asking for more than the allocated budget of the DND, or the US made an offer that the DND finds unacceptable. 

The tender for the LRPA has the following details:
* ABC remains at Php 5,976,000,000.00;
* 2-stage Competitive Bidding (similar to the bidding for the Philippine Navy's new frigates and anti-submarine helicopter acquisition programs);
* Delivery of both aircraft will be 1,095 days (2 years and 10 months) from receipt of Notice to Proceed;
* 1st stage pre-bid conference is scheduled on May 30, 2014, while submission of bids will be on or before June 13, 2014;
* The LRPA must be used by the armed forces of country of origin, or by the armed forces of at least 2 other countries;

Being a tender, it is expected that the aircraft will be brand new. If so, then the EDA Lockheed P-3C Orions, or any other EDA offers from the US or other friendly countries are definitely out of the game. But it would be best to check the Technical Specifications first, which will definitely indicate if the requirement are for brand new aircraft.

MaxDefense will continue to provide update on this LRPA acquisition project.

===============
June 28, 2014:
The DND released another Supplemental Bid Bulletin, showing the queries made by the expected bidders, and DND-BAC's replies. From the list, it shows the entities expected to submit a bid for the project as:

* Elbit Systems;
* Airbus Defense and Space;
* Raytheon;
* IAI Elta Systems Ltd.;
* Saab Technologies;
* PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero);
* Bombardier Aerospace;
* L3 Mission Integration
* Lockheed Martin.

Quoting from the replies made by the DND-BAC and the checklist included in the SBB, it shows that the aircraft platform should be brand new, turboprop-powered, 11,000 lbs. minimum payload at maximum fuel, 7 hours minimum endurance, cruising speed of at least 200 knots, range of at least 1,400nmi. 

It also indicated the need for the aircraft to accommodate 4 operator consoles, aerial surveillance camera (EO/IR), a search radar with ISAR, WAS, and SAR modes, ESM/ELINT, COMINT, Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), Sonobuoy receivers and processors, tactical data link, and availability of hardpoints to carry munitions and stores. 

=================
August 11, 2014:
Opening of bid documents for 1st stage bidding of Long Range Patrol Aircraft acquisition project ongoing. The bidding did not proceed as planned.

 All 7 bid submissions were opened and the following were noted:

For documentation requirements:
* Saab Asia Pacific was found ineligible to bid due to missing Tax Clearance documents;
* L3 Mission Integration was also found ineligible due to the same reason; 
* IAI Elta Systems was also found ineligible initially, but the decision was overturned after BAC found its submitted Financial Statement documents eligible;
* Elbit Systems' bid was considered eligible and was the first bidder to do so;
* Lockheed Martin was also considered ineligible due to documentation problems;
* PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian Aerospace) was also found ineligible. 
* CASA-Airbus Defense and Space was also found ineligible because of failing to meet certain requirements.

With only 2 Israeli companies, IAI Elta Systems and Elbit Systems, passing the documentation requirements, both underwent with the opening of technical specifications and performance parameters, both companies failed to make the mark. 

Due to the failure, further checking by the DND-BAC for the brand and type of aircraft platform offered - an important part of the bidding, did not continue.

Bidders that failed the documentation part of the bid opening are given a chance to file for a Motion for Reconsideration within 3 days. MaxDefense expects most of the bidders to make use of the MOR as majority failed only because of documentation requirements and not because their bids are non-compliant. CASA-Airbus Defense and Space, Saab Asia Pacific, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia already made known their intentions to file for MOR in the next few days.

The deadline for filing of Motion for Reconsideration was set on Thursday, August 14, 2014, and if the DND-BAC acknowledges the documents, the bidders will be given a chance to open the other parts of their bids.

More updates will be made later on as more information is made available.


==================
September 19, 2016:

Finally got updates on the Philippine Air Force's Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) acquisition project, which was not given updates for several months now. 

Based on the Supplementary Bid Bulletins made available by the Department of National Defense last March 2016, interests on the project was made through queries sent for clarifications. Among those noted to have submitted their queries are Elbit Systems, Boeing, Finmeccanica, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), Airbus Military, and ELTA Systems Ltd. 

Based on the queries made, Elbit Systems seemed interested to submit an offer based on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform which was not acceptable. 

Meanwhile, Boeing may require US Congress approval for the sale of their product, which means they still have a say if the deal can proceed or not, while the entire process can delay the project. 

PT Dirgantara Indonesia was trying to push for an extension of the delivery timeline, and appears to be having problems meeting the minimum requirements of having a minimum payload of 11,000lbs at maximum fuel. It was not posted in the SBB but as of June 2016, the company is actually blacklisted from joining biddings or projects with the AFP. 

Finmeccanica's query were more on administrative including their expected change of company name (now known as Leonardo), while Elta requested asked regarding the possible use of an aircraft model already offered by a competitor, which means they can use any aircraft model as long as it meets the specifications of the PAF.

According to MaxDefense's military and defense sources, the LRPA Project's 1st Stage Bidding proceeded with the Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) last March 2016, with Airbus Military being the only one qualified to continue to the 2nd Stage. Although there was no confirmation of what Airbus is exactly offering, it was said to be using the C-295 aircraft as a platform. Based on the Technical Specifications used by the PAF, MaxDefense believes the offer will be derived from Airbus' C-295 ASW Persuader maritime patrol / anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

No schedule yet on when the 2nd Stage of the Bidding will be made.

The PAF's specifications for the LRPA included an anti-submarine warfare capability, including firing torpedoes and being equipped with a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), thus pointing that Airbus should be offering the armed ASW variant of their C-295ASW Persuader,
Photo taken from Airbus' website.

MaxDefense will provide updates later on as more information is gathered.

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