PH earmarks P18 billion for two new warships

The government has allocated P18 billion for the purchase of two brand new frigates as the Department of the National Defense (DND) has opted to ditch its original plan of purchasing second-hand war ships.
Fernando Manalo, DND Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel, said the original allocation for the second-hand frigate is P6 billion each to maximize what the budget that the government has.
“We realized that it will be expensive in the long run if we are going to buy second hand,” said Manalo.
Manalo did not discuss the specifications of the frigate but said the two planned procurement war ships would be of big help in guarding the territorial waters of the country.
Unlike second-hand frigates wherein spare parts and efficiency are usually the problems, Manalo said the brand new ones assures good running condition for some 20 to 30 years.
The DND is planning to bid out the procurement of two frigates, with Spain, Singapore and South Korea reportedly planning to join.
The government earlier revealed that it may also buy fighter jets from South Korea.
He said they are now expediting the procurement process to make sure that all the procedures would be completed within the second quarter of this year.
Aside from fighter jets and frigates, the second Hamilton-class war ship that the Philippines bought from the United States is expected to arrive in July this year.

Philippine Navy in the Market for Three More MPAC

Philippine Navy plans to acquire three more MPAC 

In a bid to modernize its patrol craft forces, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is planning to acquire three more "multi-purpose attack crafts" (MPACs).

This acquisition program is under the Navy's mid-term development plan for 2014 to 2017, PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

"This (MPAC)acquisition is under our mid-term development plan for 2014 to 2017," he added.

The PN at present has six MPACs in service.

Three of them are sourced from Taiwan while the remaining three were ordered from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation, which is based in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Each one is worth around P90 million and is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation.

Navantia Offers Combat Ship and LPD to Phillipines

Navantia Cantabria offers a low cost to Norway


Navantia needs to increase its business, currently based in the maintenance of Navy ships and the construction of two amphibious ships similar to Juan Carlos I to Australia, the first of which was delivered in October 2012. A low workload for its three shipyards that is taking to strengthen its commercial activities, supported by the Ministry of Defence.


Philipppines

Sources Navantia Athena also explained that the company could also sell their ships in the Philippines, as the country has been interested in the patrol and amphibious Avante 1800 Athlas 8000.

Norway

While waiting for Turkey to make known, expected in January, which company will participate in the construction of their new amphibious ship, for which Navantia is one of the favorites, the shipping company has sent its proposal to the Norwegian Navy for construction of a logistical support vessel, low budget, similar in concept to Spanish Cantabria.

Elaborate a proposal to win this contest has remained unsuccessful in the first round, since none of the 13 yards that presented their projects met the ceiling Norwegian government budget, set at 150 million euros. The reason is that technical requirements are such that their manufacturing cost that was unfeasible.

In the new Specification, Norway has slashed the baseline characteristics of the vessel which has allowed to submit a proposal Navantia very tailored to the needs of their navy, according to Athena explained company sources.

However, competition with shipyards in Germany, France and Italy suggests that it will be difficult to win a contract. Yes, to be with him, is expected to be awarded this year, would be a heavy workload for Ferrol shipyard, as published by La Voz de Galicia.

British Choppers For The Philippines

In an ongoing effort to upgrade its military, the Philippines has bought three AW109 maritime helicopters for its navy. Britain's last helicopter manufacturer (Agusta Westland, a division of Italian firm Finmeccanica) builds the AW109, which is a three ton aircraft with a max speed of 285 kilometers an hour and endurance of about three hours. It can carry up to seven passengers. It can be armed with a machine-gun and up to eight TOW type missiles. Each AW109 will cost about $11 million and they will be delivered within two years.
The AW109s will be used mostly for reconnaissance as well as search and rescue. Nearly 600 AW109s are used by fifty countries. The Philippines is buying new equipment in small batches because it is basically broke. But growing Chinese intrusions into Filipino offshore

areas has generated sufficient fear to force the Philippines to scrounge up cash for this emergency.

Philippine Coast Guard to receive 10 patrol boats from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard is set to hire some 300 new personnel to man 10 new patrol boats expected to arrive from Japan.
PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said they would prioritize applicants who would fit the qualifications of those who will man the new acquisitions.
“We need to recruit people with maritime-related courses such as marine engineers and marine navigation course. But we would also be needing technical experts such as those who have mechanical, welding and electrical skills or background,” said Balilo.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario discussed with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, during the latter’s visit early this week, a loan agreement for the Philippines’ procurement of 10 multi-role response vessels for the Coast Guard.
The new patrol vessels, which are expected to arrive in 2014, are expected to boost the country’s territorial defense in the West Philippine Sea.
PCG usually accepts applicants who finished even non-maritime-related courses.
“But we should now prepare for our new assets. We should prepare the right people or the crew and asset management team who would be in charge of our new vessels’ maintenance,” Balilo explained.
He added that they have one year to hire the needed personnel, who would be assigned for deck operation, navigation, gunnery and engineering.

Philippines evaluates naval offers from five countries

The Philippines Navy has received defence asset offers from five countries as part of its plan to boost maritime security and upgrade the armed forces capabilities, Philippines Defence undersecretary Fernando Manalo has revealed.

Speaking to reporters, Manalo was quoted by The Philippine Star as saying that participating countries include South Korea, Spain, Israel, Croatia and Australia.

Details on the type of naval platforms, which were proposed in the fourth quarter of 2012, were not disclosed.

The Philippines Government is currently considering two Maestrale-class frigates that were offered by Italy in January 2012.

"We are evaluating the Maestrale and doing due diligence for whether the Maestrale will really provide us the capability that we need."

"We are evaluating the Maestrale and doing due diligence [for] whether the Maestrale will really provide us the capability that we need, whether Maestrale is economical in the long-term," Manalo added.

The country originally intended to finalise a contract with Italy before the end of 2012, but it was delayed for unknown reasons.

Featuring anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities, the missile-firing Maestrale-class frigate were commissioned in 1982 by the Italian Navy.

Philippine looking to 6 countries for new frigates

At least six countries are now competing for a contract to supply the Philippine armed forces with two frigates, which would significantly bolster the country's maritime defense capability.

Defense undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiel Fernando Manalo said that five countries – South Korea, US, Israel, Croatia and Australia – had made their own offers towards the end of last year.

The Defense Department had initially considered acquiring Maestrale class frigates, which are currently used by the Italian Navy, for P11.7 billion.

Manalo said the five countries decided to participate in the acquisition process because they believed that the Philippine government is “really serious” in modernizing its armed forces.

“They can be treated as competitors,” said Manalo, adding that some of the frigates offered by the five countries are brand new.

Based on an initial study, Manalo said the Italian frigates can provide “the capability that we need in the West Philippine Sea, the minimum credible deterrence that we need the can be provided by the two Maestrales.”

Naval Helicopters to be Delivered by 2014

With the signing of the contract of agreement for the Philippines' three naval helicopters a done deal, the Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by 2014.

This is expected to gain impetus with the submission of the letter of credit to the manufacturer, AugustaWestland S.P.A., within the first quarter of 2013.

Upon receipt of this document, the helicopter builder and supplier has 365 working days to deliver the aircraft to the Philippines.

DND observers said they see no problem with the submission of the needed documents, adding that the waiting period for this will be quite short.

Earlier, the DND announced that the contract of agreement for the three naval helicopters were finally signed last Dec. 20.

The three rotary wing aircraft has a net price of P1,337,176,584.

The contract was signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.

The acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184.

“The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

On Nov. 28, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement.

PCG Not Expecting New Ships in 2013

Ten 40-meter MRRVs to be used by the Philippine Coast Guard expected to arrive in 2014.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday it is not expecting to receive additional ships in 2013, but the Aquino administration is purchasing at least 10 new vessels that are scheduled to arrive at least by 2014.

“Since all of the ships to be purchased by the Coast Guard are brand new, it would take some months to construct. So hopefully, by 2014 they would start arriving,” PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said.

When he took over as PCG chief last Dec. 14, Isorena said one of his priorities is to improve the agency’s capabilities.

He said Malacañang has given its approval to procure 10 40-meter search and rescue vessels from Japan that will be delivered within three years, from 2014 until 2017.

Philippines navy ship being prepared for voyage

BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second Hamilton-Class Cutter acquired by the Philippines from the US, is being prepared for its voyage to the Philippines by early 2013.

The ship, formerly called the USCGC Dallas, was a Coast Guard high endurance cutter commissioned in 1967 in New Orleans and was decommissioned in March 2012.
Named after war hero Commodore Ramon Alcaraz--a distinguished Philippine Navy Officer during the Second World War who was awarded the Silver Star for shooting down 3 Japanese planes off Bataan in 1942--the ship was formally transferred to the Philippine government, under its first Filipino Commanding Officer Ernesto Baldovin, on May 22.
Baldovino and 85 Filipino Navy officers and crew will be part of the sailing crew in its tentative journey to the Philippines by spring next year.
The ship’s 14 officers and enlisted men and women are also undergoing training under the US Coast Guard.
The ship was reportedly purchased to conducting patrols for extended periods of time as it can withstand heavy weather and rough water conditions.

Royal Brunei Navy and Philippine Navy Conducts SEAGULL Exercise

MUARA NAVAL BASE - The Royal Brunei Navy and the Philippine Navy will be conducting a combined naval exercise code-named Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 05/12 on 19 - 25 November 2012. This is the fifth in the series of bilateral engagements between both navies, which is held bi-annually. The Royal Brunei Navy will be host to this year's event and all military activities will be conducted in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

This training activity aims to strengthen bilateral security relationship and cooperation as well as to enhance interoperability between the two navies, promote mutual understanding and to bolster the existing long-standing relationship among the officers and men of both navies.

Philippines, Australia Navies Start Joint Training Exercises in LUMBAS 2012

The Philippine and Australian navies will kick-off Monday, October 22, joint training exercises that aim to enhance both countries' capability on anti-terrorism, human and drug trafficking, and disaster response.

Over 300 navy personnel from the Philippines and Australia will participate in the 12th annual Maritime Training Activity (MTA) between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) dubbed "Lumbas 2012."

The five-day exercises will be held aboard HMAS Sydney in South Harbor Manila and will be participated by other agencies such as the  Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Group-Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Philippine spends $15 M on 2nd US Hamilton-class cutter

The military said today that it is spending more than P600 million ($15 million) for the acquisition of a Hamilton-class cutter from the United States.
Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the second US ship costs $5 million more than the first Hamilton-class cutter which the government bought under the US Excess Defense Articles Program.
"We are installing lots of equipment in the (second) ship," said Pama in an interview after the opening of the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013.

Croatia Offers Naval Ship to Philippines

Croatian and Philippines Defence Ministers' talks on cooperation in defence industry

 

RTOP-12 Kralj Dmitar Zvonimir missile boat

Defence Minister Ante Kotromanović and Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Joško Klisović with delegations paid an official visit to the Philippines from 30 September to 3 October 2012. There they held bilateral meetings of defence ministers and political consultation of foreign ministries of the two countries.

During a visit to the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines, Minister Kotromanović met Minister Gazmin Voltaire. During the meeting, both sides pointed out the very good bilateral relations between Croatia and the Philippines as well as opportunities for future development.

In line with the common interest of the two countries for the preservation of global and regional stability through participation in international peacekeeping missions, it was agreed that there was a scope for strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of military-technical cooperation, as well as in cooperation between the two navies. In this context, Minister Kotromanović emphasized the long tradition of Croatia as a naval and shipbuilding country, mentioning the recent decision of the Government on the construction of coastal patrol ships for the Croatian Navy.

The discussions were also about the fight against piracy and the contribution of the two countries, where the Croatian participation in ATALANTA operation led by the EU was characterized as an important contribution to the fight against this global problem. Philippines Defence Minister spoke about the anti-piracy activities on its sea borders, where both ministers drew a conclusion that in this area there was the potential for the exchange of experience between the two navies.

                                          RTOP-21 Šibenik missile boat

Given the identified potential development of bilateral cooperation between Croatia and Philippines in the field of military-technical, defence and security cooperation, and cooperation between navies, education and training and exchange of experience, the interest in finding new possibilities of product placement of the Croatian military industry on the Philippines market was emphasized on the meeting. Particularly, if considering the fact that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the air force and the navy, have been currently in the process of modernization and further equipping. It was also pointed out that, as part of the strategy of the Philippines to increase economic growth and decrease poverty, they increased budgetary resources of the Philippine Ministry of Defence.

The Philippines also intend to open additional opportunities in the shipbuilding portfolio within which an important role has the construction of ships for the Philippine Navy.

Philippine Coast Guard needs 30 more ships

The Philippine Coast Guard needs at least 30 more ships and patrol craft to help secure the country’s maritime boundaries, a PCG official said Saturday.
Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena, PCG fleet commander, said the Coast Guard needed additional vessels since its existing 15 ships were not enough to patrol the seas covered by the 54 PCG stations or outposts across the country.
“We really need more ships and patrol craft. That’s our No. 1 priority,” Isonera said in an interview. “Each station should have a ship so that if something happens in its area of jurisdiction, our unit can properly respond.”
Isonera said the Coast Guard actually needed 60 ships but could settle with half that number due to the high cost of acquiring new vessels.

Philippines to procure long-range maritime spy plane

The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing to procure the country’s first long-range maritime patrol and surveillance plane from Spain’s licensed aircraft manufacturer based in Indonesia, a senior defense official said Monday.
Dr. Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesperson, said that the department is also scouting for spy planes and medium lift aircrafts from other European countries at a lower cost.
“On our shortlist is the Indonesian aircraft,” Galvez said, but added that they are also eyeing spy planes manufactured by other European companies.
Once President Aquino approves the planned acquisition, the soon-to-be procured spy plane is projected to strengthen the country’s maritime domain awareness.
For the longest time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been relying mainly on a small number of islander planes for its maritime and territorial patrol requirements.
“The long range patrol aircraft would be devoted solely to conducting maritime surveillance,” Galvez said, without naming the Indonesian-made aircraft.

New Equipment For Philippines Navy Ships

Philippines — A top defense official said the Hamilton-class cutters of the Philippine Navy (PN) will get sophisticated radars and an anti-ship missile system to make the vessels more capable of engaging intruders to Philippine territorial waters.

According to the official, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and the soon-to-arrive BRP Ramon Alcaraz, will be equipped with Harpoon, an anti-ship missile system, and will also be fitted with more sophisticated radars capable of detecting and tracking incoming surface threats and anti-missile and torpedo decoying systems.

The official said the Harpoon is the ideal missile system for Del Pilar and Alcaraz, noting that a sister-ship of the vessels, the USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717), has been fitted with the Harpoon missile launchers and test fired the weapons in January, 1990. Both Del Pilar and Alcaraz were acquired from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

“These upgrades will make our Hamilton-class cutters more capable vessels. It will definitely satisfy our minimum deterrent capability as far as naval defense is concern,” the official emphasized.

Navy Studying if Philippines Needs to Buy Submarine

                   The Philippine Navy is planning to acquire submarine not later than 2020.

President Benigno Aquino III said the Philippine Navy is now conducting a study on whether or not it would be practical for the country to acquire its first submarine.

“That is being studied by our Navy – whether or not it is practical and whether or not it meets our needs,” Aquino said in an interview after touring the Navy’s latest and fastest surface combat-ready vessel, BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

Aquino noted that in 1998, a regional neighbor bought submarines from the Eastern bloc only to find out the vessels were not fit for tropical weather.

Philippines will acquire 4 ASW helicopters for Navy within 2013-2017

MANILA — As part of its efforts to improve the capabilities of the naval service, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will be acquiring four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Philippine Navy (PN) within the period 2013 to 2017.
Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., AFP spokesperson, said the decision to acquire ASW assets for the PN is part of country's Medium Term Defense Acquisition List for the next four years.
The ASW choppers will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and the soon-to-come BRP Ramon Alcaraz and hopefully to the two "Maestrale" class missile-firing frigates from Italy being eyed by the Department of National Defense (DND) for acquisition by 2013.
Burgos declined to identify the manufacturer of the proposed ASW helicopters but said studies are now undergoing to identify the best and most affordable aircraft for the Philippines.
DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be getting 10 brand-new units of Eurocopter attack choppers to boost its fleet.
He added that this contract is worth P3.2 billion.
Gazmin said that the DND has already presented it to the government policy and procurement board for evaluation.

Philippine Navy in Northern Luzon has just concluded the conduct of a small-scale Naval Exercise

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), the operational Command of the Philippine Navy in Northern Luzon has just concluded the conduct of a small-scale Naval Exercise code-named SAGEX 02-12 last August 14 to 16, 2012 at the waters of West Philippine Sea.

The Naval Exercise aims to test the capability of naval vessels under NFNL in conducting naval operations at sea under adverse and heavy weather and sea conditions to accomplish its Territorial Defense Mission in protecting Philippine territorial waters.

The scenario is based on the concept of maneuvers along critical sea lanes of the West Philippine Sea and it involved the conduct of Patrol, Simulated Tracking of Targets and Interdiction and capped by live firing exercises.