Philippine Army's M113 stocks (24) to get major upgrade from Elbit Systems of Israel for $19.7m

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of National Defense (DND) has formally signed the contract for the delivery of 28 "armored infantry fighting vehicles" which will boost the inventory of the Army's light armored units.

Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said that this project is worth P882 million. He said the contract was already signed weeks before the ceremony. 

DND has hired an Israeli firm (Elbit) to refurbish 24 of their M113 armored vehicles for $19.7 million. In addition to rebuilding the structural, mechanical and electrical elements of the M113s, Elbit will install new fire control systems as well as night vision sensors along with GPS, intercom and radios. 

Philippine Army (PA) will supply the turrets from 14 of its decommissioned Scorpion reconnaissance vehicles. These two man turrets are equipped with a 76mm gun that can provide excellent infantry support. Four of the M113s will be equipped to tow damaged vehicles or carry casualties.


Velez declined to give specifics of the vehicles' armament, speed and armor but stressed that these armored infantry fighting vehicles "are very capable."

These upgraded armored vehicles is expected within a year or around January 2015. The PA, which has around 10 infantry divisions, is equipped with 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles).

Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said earlier that these AFVs are distributed to the various infantry units to provide them with mobility and additional firepower. 

 "Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair)," he added.

 

Some 150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These AFVs give the PA dependable armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

with-PNA

Multi-Purpose Assault Craft (MPAC) of Philippine Navy gearing up to be capable of using "Swarm Tactic" in protecting the Archipelago

MANILA, Feb. 4-- Six MPACs (Multi-Purpose Attack Craft) currently in service in the Philippine Navy are scheduled for an upgrade that will make them more capable in carrying out their various missions.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic confirmed this plan but said that no details are available yet on what the upgrades will consist.

 "The PN has plans for upgrade for the current fleet of MPACs but we have no details yet on what it will consist," he said.

Observers however said that this may consist of installation of more advanced radar and sensor equipment and possibly of more longer range weaponry.

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation and can cruise in shallow waters like a boss. It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns and can carry 16 fully-equipped Marines/NAVSOG or two tons of cargo.

see also: Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Attack Craft or MPAC led the rescue efforts in Cebu

The so called "Mosquito Fleet" during World War II were consist of hundreds of motor torpedo boats (PT) completed between 1942 and 1945 by Elco Naval Division of Electric Boat Company at Bayonne, New Jersey. Wooden-hulled, 80 feet long with a 20-foot, 8-inch beam, the Elco PT boats had three 12-cylinder Packard gasoline engines generating a total of 4,500 horsepower for a designed speed of 41 knots.

Photo courtesy of www.freerepublic.com

Early Elco boats had two 20mm guns, four .50-caliber machine guns, and two or four 21-inch torpedo tubes. Some of them carried depth charges or mine racks. Later boats mounted one 40mm gun and four torpedo launching racks. Many boats received ad-hoc refits at advanced bases, mounting such light guns as Army Air Forces 37mm aircraft guns and even Japanese 23mm guns. Some PTs later received rocket launchers.

Photo courtesy of www.timawa.net

One of the most famous PT Boat operators was our very own Commodore Ramos Alcaraz. Alcaraz operates the later version of PT boats converted into gunboats by stripping the boat of all original armament except for the two twin .50 caliber gun mounts, and then adding two 40mm guns and four more twin .50 caliber machine guns, later named Q-Boats. Alcaraz became famous during WWII after he had shot down three Japanese dive bombers as Captain of a zig-zagging "Q112-Abra" in Manila Bay facing Bataan and Corregidor.  As a result, the war planes failed to bomb their shore objectives.

On 6 May 2012 during the 70th commemoration of the Fall of Bataan, President Benigno Aquino III announced the naming of the ex-USCGC Dallas to BRP Ramon Alcaraz to honor his service for the country.

With: (PNA) SCS/PFN

1'st BRAND NEW FRIGATE for the Philippine Navy expected to arrive in 2017

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City Philippines- Department of National Defense (DND) is expecting the delivery of 1 of 2 brand new warships to be acquired by Philippine Navy (PN) come 2017.

DND's Bids and Award Committee (BOC) is hoping that the bidding process for the country's two medium sized warships to resume this coming March.

see also: Seven companies submitted bids for 2 BRAND NEW FRIGATES for Philippine Navy 

According to DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, the workshops of the Technical Working Groups for the bidding companies were already scheduled until April this year for the specifications of the frigate.

  "Hopefully, our agreement is by May 31 the bidding process should be finished and if it is possible, by that time we have the contract already. So that it is only the building time of the frigates that we will be waiting." He said.

If the target schedule pushes through, Philippine Navy will acquire the first ship in 2017. Because it will take 3 years to build a frigate.

Usec Manalo said that 18 billion pesos were allotted for the purchase of the country's two brand new warships. To ensure it's technical specifications, they will hire consultants for 25 millions pesos.

 "Our Navy's experience or exposure on the ship's technology were limited. The project will cost the government at least 18 billion, 25 million is a small sum...we will not regret the 25 million that we will be paying to the consultants to ensure that the technical specifications that we want will be followed." He explained.

DND is not yet certain if the consultants that they will be hiring will come from local or foreign countries.

Meanwhile, DND's plan to acquire sea planes for the Philippine Air force (PAF) is now a go.

Acording to Usec Manalo, sea plane is a vital asset considering that the Philippines is an archipelago. Based on the country's experience to typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), such plane is needed to further enhance PAF's capability to deliver supplies.

 "It's for the Malampaya and other service contract of the DOE. And it's for our country, for the people." He said



--with Victor Cosare- UNTV Correspondent

DND and PT PAL INDONESIA-Persero inked in the agreement to build 2 SSV for the Philippine Navy

January 23, 2014 - DND (Department of National Defence) and PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) have agreed in the manufacture of the 2 units of Strategic Sea-lift Vessel (SSV). 

PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) won the bid to manufacture the said vessels in the bidding process that was attended by several shipbuilding companies in the world. After careful analysis of the company's bid documents by Bids and Awards Committee (BOC) at the end of 2013, PT PAL INDONESIA were awarded as the winning bidder for the project.

see also: PT PAL Indonesia won the Navy's 4B MRV Project

The contract signing ceremony done in the Manila, PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) was represented by the Managing Director  Firman Arifin together with the Director of Planning & Business Development Eko Prasetyanto, Imam Sulistiyanto Finance Director, Head of Design Gonot H , Arif Cahyana Head of Treasury, Head of Business M. Agus Budiyanto and specialized staff bid. Legal Managing Director Bambang Hardiyanto also attended as the representative of Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines.
  

DND is confident that the experience of PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) in building naval vessels will fast-track the project without major setbacks.

The Philippine SSV project is an improvement/upgrade of carrier type vessel ever produced by PT PAL INDONESIA (Persero) the Landing Platform Dock (LPD - 125). 

The SSV to be built for the Philippine Navy (PN) will be a long vessel that has a length of 123 meters, width of 21.8 meters and a capacity of 7,000 tons. 

The ship can accommodate 649 people consisting of both crew, troops and passengers. And the ship is capable of accelerating to a speed of 16 knots, with 2 X 3.000 BHP driving machine .

with bum.go.id

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to get more Air and Water Assets in the coming years

QUEZON CITY Philippines- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting new air assets and water-crafts come 2015 to be used in safeguarding the Philippine territorial waters. 

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin stated that the negotiation with their South Korean counterpart regarding the purchase of jets is still ongoing and they are expecting the delivery in 2015.

  "We have already submitted the recommendation to the President for his approval. It has something to do with payment scheme" he said.

Secretary Gazmin also said that in the coming years, more air assets and water-crafts are to be purchased  to bolster AFP's capability to monitor and safeguard Philippine territorial boundaries.

 "Our Modernization program for territorial defense is ongoing, like the purchase of air and water assets for us to have the capability to be able to patrol and secure our national territory". said Gazmin.

Sec. Gazmin also added that as of today, they have not monitored any illegal intrusions of China's Naval vessels and aircraft in our territorials waters.

He also said that the decision of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) regarding our arbitration case filed againts China is still pending.

 "It is important that we resolve that, so that we will have the personality that we really own it (disputed islands). We will show the world the we own it" He reiterated.

Meanwhile, in the annual New Year's call of Defense Department and Armed Forces of the Philippines. DND sees 2013 as a challenging year because of Zamboanga Siege, Earthquake in Bohol and the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

According to the Defense Secretary, the lessons learned from past calamities will serve as a guide for the AFP in order to further enhance it's capability to address such situations in case in happens again in the future.

 "In spite of all these. With the limited resources that we have, we were able to address these challenges and we continue to push forward and  "heads high" that we can do this" He said.


-with Victor Cosare- UNTV Correspondent-

Elbit Systems won the P439-m Towed Artillery Deal for the Philippine Army

QUEZON CITY, Philippines-- Elbit Systems Land and G4I was said to have won DND's bid for the supply of 12 155mm howitzers and ammunition for P438,620,000 for the Philippine Army.

Pre-Bidding conference started last November 22,2013 and the  bidding proper started last December 05, 2013.

DND's invitation letter for the procurement of  (12) 155mm Howitzers for Philippine Army

DND's Bids and Award Commitee (BAC), led by Assistant Secretary Efren Fernandez, initially considered Elbit Systems Land and C4I as the winning bidder.

In an interview with Manila Standard Today to some Defense insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity said they noted possible irregularities in the bidding process

 “Just to beat the deadline.” “The bidding process was very fast,” one insider said.

 “Elbit’s documents were problematic. The Technical Working Group’s supplemental documents were chaotic.” another added

However, in a phone interview with Asec Fernando Manalo, Defense undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Material, could not immediately give a comment on the matter.

 “I’m sorry I have no information yet about the progress of the bidding. I have to consult first the chairman of the BAC,” Manalo said.

Photo from www.armyguide.com

DND was said to have been rushing some "Big ticket items" essential for the Military upgrade involving P75 Billion pesos approved by President Benigno Aquino III in his bid to modernize our Armed Forces. They are said to be finishing all the projects until December, 2013 to meet the deadline, else the budget reverts back to the National Treasury.

Seven companies submitted bids for 2 BRAND NEW FRIGATES for Philippine Navy

QUEZON CITY, Philippines- Department of National Defense (DND) opened the bids of seven companies for the purchase of the two brand new Frigates for the Philippine Navy (PN) amounting to the sum of 18 billion pesos.

Out of 14 companies who bought bidding documents, only seven of them submitted bid requirements for the acquisition.

According to DND, PN will have bigger savings from buying a brand new frigate relative to the maintenance of second-hand warships. 

The frigates will be of great help for the navy in securing our nation's maritime domain.

"They will be deployed in our 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) the West Philippine Sea including Benham Rise on the east side of the Philippines." Said Navy spokesman LT. CMDR. GREGORY FABIC 

The new frigates can sail for 30 days non-stop; thus enabling her to cover vast area of our territorials waters and can carry one naval helicopter.

"It can house atleast 1 helicopter, atleast 30 days at sea. The base armament, main gun and supporting armaments. These two frigates will be the latest addition to our minimum credible defense posture. Sooner or later we will aquire more frigates." added Fabic

Based on the requirements of DND, the frigates should be delivered 1,460 calendar days upon submission of letter of credit.

DND stressed that they will strictly follow the procurement law for the acquisition of the two brand new frigates.

Philippine Navy recently acquired two Hamilton Class Cutters named BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF 15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) from US Coastguard as an addition to our country's "Blue Water Naval Assets".

BRP Ramon Alcaraz rushed to Eastern Visayas after a very modest Commissioning Ceremony

Photo from Philippine Navy FB page

MANILA, Philippines- BRP Alcaraz quickly rushed to her first ever mission, that is Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas after a very modest ceremonies.

 “The vessel will be transporting relief items from different government agencies and non-government organizations. BRP Alcaraz will also be ferrying Navy personnel that will be utilized for various relief operations which will include but not limited to clearing operations, medical missions, relief goods distribution, repair and rehabilitation and security augmentation,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said.

The Christening, Commissioning and Send-off Ceremonies all at the same time for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) were held Friday, November 22, 2013 at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila with Secretary of National Defense as Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. The Alcaraz family also attended as special guests.

Photo from Philippine Navy FB page

In an interview from Philstar.com last Wednesday, Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said that the commissioning rites for BRP Ramon Alcaraz would be “low key” and “simple” as the funds for the ceremony have been allotted for relief efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

   “It (commissioning) will be low key. The commissioning will be very simple. All the funds will be realigned to the operations in Tacloban,” Fabic said.

   “(We don’t expect) much fanfare. We will just commission Alcaraz so it can be used for the operations of the Navy,” he added.

Last August, President Benigno Aquino III led the Arrival Ceremony of Alcaraz in Subic after a three month long journey from it's home port in Charleston, South Carolina last June 10. Alcaraz did the "Historic Crossing" to Panama Canal and made port visits to San Diego and Honolulu, Hawaii before sailing for its last stopover in Guam. The BRP Alcaraz started sailing for Manila on July 27.

see also: President Benigno Aquino III led the welcome ceremony of BRP Ramon Alcaraz

Navy flag officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Alano in an interview said that with the commisioning of BRP Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy (PN) had more than doubled it's patrol and monitoring capabilities on the country's vast maritime waters.

  "The activation of the country's latest Hamilton-class cutter effectively boosted the Navy's capabilities to monitor and protect the country's waters against internal threats and poachers." He added.

Photo from Philippine Navy FB page

The vessel maybe second hand but it's engines are brand new, and the main deck is equipped with the most state of the art navigational and radar systems. It has an S-Band and X-Band Radar suite with GPS and Automatic Identification System or AIS. It also has an echo sounder, a retractable hangar and a flight deck.

The ship was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy World War II hero, who was credited for his gallant action under the direct command of General Douglas MacArthur for shooting down three Japanese planes off Bataan in 1942 before surrendering to the Japanese.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) Ongoing Modernization Projects

Click the Picture to enlarge it. Click this link to view or save the whole PDF document

SOURCE: http://www.paf.mil.ph

AugustaWestland's AW-109 "Power" for PAF a "Smart Choice"

AW-109 Power of Italian firm AugustaWestland

QUEZON CITY, Philippines-- Anglo-Italian firm AugustaWestland won the bidding to supply eight attack helicopters worth P3.44 billion for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Undersecretary Fernando Manalo confirmed the report, saying the helicopters may be delivered next year if the budget is released soon.

 “If the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) releases the cash allocation, the letter of credit could be opened immediately and the helicopters could be delivered before the end of December next year,” Manalo said. 

According to Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez the helicopters will be armed with two .50 caliber machine guns and rocket launchers. 

The helicopters will be capable of navigating in bad weather and performing close air support. They will be delivered with full night operation capability with complete weapons system and integrated logistics support package.

Read: AFP to get new attack choppers with laser designators capable of firing laser-guided rockets

AW-109 Naval Chopper from AugustaWestland

Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization, installation and munitions Fernando Manalo said that having Navy and Air Force operate the same chopper would only need one type of simulator for training of its flight crew.

 "Having the two services operate the AW-109s means that we will just operate one type of aircraft which will greatly ease our maintenance, training and logistic procedures," he pointed out.

According to Manalo, the only difference between the Navy and Air Force AW-109s is that the latter version is armed with .50 caliber machines and rocket launchers.

 "We can also arm the Navy AW-109s if needed," the DND undersecretary said.

 The Philippine Navy (PN) is schedule to undertake the delivery of three AW-109 helicopters which it will deploy aboard its two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates (formerly the Hamilton class cutters) in its service.

A fully Armed AW-109 "Power"

The AW-109 contract for the PN is worth P1.33 billion while the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is getting eight armed AW-109s for P3.4 billion within the next two years.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, earlier said prospective airframe, avionics and flight crews of the three AW-109 choppers are now undergoing training at Sesto Calende, Italy.

 "The last batch of pilots (and technicians) undergoing training for the AW-109 will leave by the first week of November," Fabic stated.

AgustaWestland, the only bidder for the project, offered to supply the eight helicopters for $80 million US$. 

Defense officials said that the bid price is lower, compared to the helicopters purchased by other countries. The bid translates to $10.3 million usd per unit, lower than the package price per unit of the helicopters acquired by the Bulgarian police ($10.4 million usd) and the Bangladesh Navy ($11.9 million usd).

The helicopters should be delivered within 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit.

With PTV News

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) in finalization phase prior it's commissioning in November 2013

Photo courtesy of Davemap of Timawa.net

BATANGAS, Philippines--Philippine Navy's second Hamilton Class Cutter from US Coast Guard named BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) is now waterborne and is undergoing minor works in Keppel Shipyard in Batangas where she entered into drydock last Aug. 16.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic stated that Alcaraz is already into finalization process and he is confident that all of these works will be finished before the first week of November. 

  "(We) are coordinating with the Presidential Management Staff for the availability of the President. But for sure (the commissioning) will be next month (November)," Fabic stressed.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 2 25-mm "Bushmasters" autocannon and four to six light machine guns will be fitted during the dry-docking period.

Alcaraz is presently armed with a quick-firing 76-mm Oto Melara main gun which has a range of 20 nautical miles.

BRP Alcaraz (Formerly USCG Dallas) arrived in the Philippines last Aug. 6 after a two month voyage from the United States.

Read related articles:

BRP Alcaraz  welcomed by President Aquino in Subic

President Benigno Aquino III led the welcome ceremony of BRP Ramon Alcaraz

Military Grade Seawater Desalination Watermaker System Installed on our Newly Aquired Frigate

(With PTV News)

Philippine and Korean Defense Departments inked-in MOU to fast-tract FA-50 Acquisition

President Benigno Aquino III South Korean Visit 2013 Photos

President Benigno Aquino III and President Park Geun-hye witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between Defense Secretary Voltair Gazmin and his Korean counterpart.

The MOU on defense cooperation aims to fast-track the process for the acquisition of 12 lead-in fighter jets and other military equipments which is under negotiation with South Korea as part of the Armed Forces modernization plan.

Artist rendition of FA-50 in PAF Standard Color Scheme with S211 Trainers

DND has allotted P18.976 billion for the purchase of these 12 brand new FA-50 jets that would primarily be used to train pilots and serve as Light Lead-in Fighter to increase the capability of the military to patrol the country’s borders.

 “We’re just finishing some things both in their laws and our laws regarding the procurement. The details were really plenty. But the bottom line is that both sides agreed to try and expedite the arms purchase and the delivery of these planes,” President Aquino said.

Related topic: Philippine Airforce to recieve first two of twelve FA-50's by 4'th Quarter of 2014

Philippine and US troops Balikatan Exercises 2013

PAMPANGA, Philippines (April 15, 2013)-- Filipino troops together with their US counterpart joined the action packed opening of the Balikatan Exercises held in Clark, Pampanga on the weekend of April 15, 2013.

The scorching heat of the sun did not hinder the Filipino and US troops to conduct the bone breaking fire and rescue operations, traffic control operations and exchange of strategy and tactics in every scenario.

Annual Balikatan exercises aims to prepare our troops in any crisis and disasters that befall our country.

Major General Virgilio Domingo, the Deputy Director for Balikatan Exercises said that the aim of this year's exercise focuses on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. It focuses on enhancing not only traditional military training but the aspect of providing aids and assistance to the local community.

US counterparts who are involved in the exercises were satisfied with the performance of the Filipino troops.

 "Its my first time to this Balikatan Exercise but it’s a great experience so far working with the Filipino Air Force" said US Marine Captain Bryan Radler.

According to AFP that even though they don't have many modern assets, they assured the Filipinos that our recent defense equipments are enough to carry the role of defending the sovereignty of our land.

US and Philippine Marines Joint Exercises 2013 Photos

-with Joshua Antonio-UNTV Pampanga Correspondent-

DND invites bidders for 8 Amphibious Assault Vehicles

See Full Document

MANILA, Philippines--DND posted their invitation to bid for their Amphibious Assault Vehicle Acquisition Project amounting to Two Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos (Php2,500,000,000.00) for the Philippine Navy Inclusive of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS).

The delivery of goods should be 860 days or about 28 months upon the opening of the letter of credit. Interested bidders must have entered into contract similar to the project within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids.

A complete set of bidding documents can be purchased today (September 27) at the Office of Bids and Awards Committee in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, for Php 75,000.00 pesos.

Bids must be delivered in BAC office not latter than October 24, 2013, 10 am.

BAC will hold pre-bid conference on October 10, 2013 and bidding will be opened on October 24, 2013 at 10:00 in the morning.

Photo for Illustration Purpose Only

The Amphibious Assault Vehicle Project is believed to be inline with the MRV Project or "Mother Ship Project" which will serve as their carrier platform for insertion of troops during beach landings and siege.

Read also: PT PAL Indonesia won the Navy's 4B MRV Project

Philippine Marine Corps formally received 6 Small Unit Riverine Crafts (SURC) called "Silver Ships" from US

Photo for PN Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines-- Philippine Navy formally received 6 brand new units of Small Unit Riverine Crafts (SURC) called "Silver Ships" yesterday at Andrada Naval Station. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. turned over the crafts to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), a Type Command of the Philippine Navy and were received by Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano, PMC Commandant Major General Romeo T. Tanago and In-shore Boat Battalion (IBBN) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Noel R. Precioso.

Photo for PN Facebook page

The SURCs were donated by US as a part of their counter-terrorism campaign program in the country. These units will be used by PMC specifically by IBBN personnel for tactical mobility and as weapons platform to counter terrorism. It can also be used as a platform for command and control, reconnaissance, logistics/resupply, medical evacuation, counter-drug operations, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and non-combatant evacuations operations during disasters.

Photo for PN Facebook page

According to Vice Admiral Alano, the SURCs will be a very important addition to the capability upgrade of the Philippine Marine Corps.

 “These water assets will be essential in maintaining maritime security and ascertain peace and order in our communities especially in littoral and riverine environment”, he said.

Photo for PN Facebook page

 “The SURCs will be deployed to augment our sea-based forces to address terrorism and lawlessness such as the current crisis in Mindanao”, Vice Admiral Alano added. 

Ambassador Thomas said that US government will continue to find ways to upgrade the skills of both US and Philippine armed forces and also provide technical assistance to the newly acquired floating assets.

Photo for PN Facebook page

 “We will use every chance we get to make the best of our resources, to make our units work seamlessly together and to build every unit as the best team possible”, he said.

see also: Philippine Navy received six Riverine Patrol Boats (RPBs) Silver Ships

With PN official FB page

3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) due to arrive before 2017

MPAC-MK II's docked at Cebu Port-- Photo from Mckoyzzz of PDFF

MANILA, Philippines-- Four of six MPACs deployed in Zamboanga coastlines together with 24 other PN floating assets battling MNLF extremist; will soon have to welcome their three more sisters come 2017.

see also: Fast Patrol Gunboats, MPACs and NAVSOG Elite Teams to reinforce troops in Zamboanga

PH Navy Seal (NAVSOG) on MPAC-- Photo from PN Facebook page

"The MPACs, as proven in the ongoing Zamboanga City operations, are ideal craft for coastal patrol and defense work due to high speed and maneuverability," PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

The Navy is already in the 1st stage of procurement process for the said attack crafts worth 90 million each.

MPAC is 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and a draft of one meter. It's hull is made from high grade aluminum and has a range of 300 nautical miles. It can cruise to a top speed of 45 knots, can stop abruptly and hit top speed in minutes after stopping.

MPAC with Media on-board in Cebu-- Photo from PN Facebook page

 "(Acquisition of three MPACs) is part of the PN's medium term capability upgrade program. Three MPACs (are scheduled) to be acquired within 2013 to 2017," Fabic added

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation and can cruise in shallow waters like a boss. It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns and can carry 16 fully-equipped Marines/NAVSOG or two tons of cargo.

Three of the MPACs, the Mark 1, were sourced from Taiwan through a Joint Venture Agreement between a Taiwanese Ship Design Center and Shipyard and a Philippine Marine System Integrator, PROPMECH Corporation. The remaining three 3 units, Mk II, were supplied by the same Philippine Systems Integrator who ensured transfer of knowledge and system skills in the production of the Mk II boats to the Philippines. The same SI invested heavily in setting up the production facility for the MK II under Safe Hull Marine Shipyard, a Business Entity of PROPMECH Corporation, in keeping with good faith for providing the Philippine Navy with its special combat boat requirement.

Read also: Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Attack Craft or MPAC led the rescue efforts in Cebu

With Zambo Times 

DND releases technical specs for it's Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft bid for PAF

See FULL Document

Quezon City, Philippines--Department of National Defense (DND) recently released  it's technical specifications for (2) Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft requirement for Philippine Air Force after opening the bid for the said aircraft last August amounting to 814 million pesos under SARO number D-12-0269209.

Philippine Air Force 220th Airlift Wing Seal

The aircraft will be assigned to 220th Airlift Wing based in Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu; to augment airlift works from the aged N-22B Nomads which is the PAF's main light lift workhorse in the area.

See FULL document here

 The technical specifications areas follows:

- The project is for 2 brand new units, and will be used for Airborne Operations, Aero Medical Evacuation, Limited Maritime Patrol and Search & Rescue Operations, and for Passenger and Cargo Transport;

-  To be able to do these missions, the aircraft must be equipped with static line cables and paratroop seats, cargo drop/delivery system, pallets, cargo net, tie down straps, dual rails and rollers, capable of accommodating at least 4 litters, must have bubble windows on both sides of the fuselage, and have minimum of 12 forward seats;
 
- A range of 700 nautical miles and have a minimum payload of 2,200 lbs. with maximum fuel load, and an endurance of 5.5 hours at maximum take-off weight;
 
- Capable of loading and offloading at least 7x4x4 feet (Length x Width x Height) cargo;
 
- Rear cargo loading with assisted cargo loading devices is mandatory;
 
- Minimum cruising speed of 150 knots and service ceiling of at least 20,000 feet;
 
- Maximum take-off and landing distance of 2,500 feet at Maximum weight;
 
- Communications to include VHF-FM and AM, UHF and Marine Radios;
 
- Auto-pilot capable, with GPS, multifunction control display unit, Flight Management System,
 
- Twin Engine Turbo-prop with minimum rating of 840shp per engine;
  

C-212 Aviocar from Airbus Military--Photo from airforce-technology.com

MAXDEFENSE has listed some of the potential contenders based on the specifications, but C-212 Aviocar from Airbus Military-CASA-IAe (EU/Indonesia) will be the strongest contender as it was announced last year by the PAF as their preferred aircraft.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said in one of his interview that DND is fast-tracking the projects that will upgrade the capabilities of the armed forces specifically in disaster response and national security.

Air Force is also set to receive Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft as DND open the bid for 3 aircraft in October.

READ:DND to open bidding for 3 Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft and logistics support

With DND-BAC