Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy (PN) has embarked on the acquisition of the Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System (SBADMS) Acquisition Project  as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase projects of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

It was not originally among those approved in the Horizon 2 phase Priority Projects given in-principle approval by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte during the AFP Command Conference last June 2018. But the Philippine Navy found the importance of such project in support of their objectives and other acquisition projects that they are planning to implement. 

The Kongsberg Defense-Raytheon NASAMS system, which is among those offered to the Philippine Navy. Photo from Contact Magazine.

Project Summary:

Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 15 December 2023.

* End User: Philippine Navy (unspecified unit/s)

* Quantity: TBA, most likely 3 batteries.

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

* Project ABC: Php9,800,000,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Most likely Government-to-Government deal.

* Source of Funding: TBA

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: June 2019, as part of MaxDefense's List of PN Modernization Projects

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PNSBADMSAcquisition

* Status: Pre-procurement phase ongoing. Senior Defense Leaders provided approval to proceed. Technical Working Group evaluation and selection process ongoing.  Moved to Horizon 3 phase of RAFPMP.

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Overview:

The Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System (SBADMS) acquisition project was intended to provide the Philippine Navy with an air defense capability to protect its assets on shore or on port. This includes naval or marine bases, and naval or marine shore-based assets like anti-ship missile batteries and Marine units.

The preferred system is a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system, mobile/self-propelled preferably on a wheeled platform rather than tracked. The choice on mobility requirements would allow the system to move faster and more efficiently over road networks, with partial off-road capability, without the need for tank transporters.

Range is said to be at least 40 kilometers, although a longer range is expected to have stronger preference.

Being medium-ranged, the Air Defense Missile System would enable to defend high value assets and units under a larger umbrella, with future short range missile systems possibly added later on to provide better coverage in all range brackets.

An air defense system protecting the Philippine Navy's main base at Sangley Point, Cavite also means partial protection of the southern part of Metro Manila and Manila Bay due to proximity.

The PN SBADMS would also be protecting future shore based anti-ship missile systems. Photo above for reference only, and credited to original poster.

MaxDefense’s initial information suggests that the budget allocated for the SBADMS acquisition project is around Php9.8 billion, which is more than the PAF’s own GBADS acquisition project. But this is still subject to changes considering the Philippine Navy is now having problems on getting enough funding for other projects like the Submarine Acquisition Project which is expected to be the most expensive naval project in Philippine history to date.

In comparison, the PAF GBADS only has a budget worth Php6.846 billion, or 30% less than that of the Philippine Navy's budget for SBADMS project.

It is highly possible that the PN SBADMS project would involve either more firing units, or more ammunition compared to the PAF's GBADS project to justify the Php3 billion difference in budget.


Options for Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System:

The Philippine Navy actually received the same offers made as the Philippine Air Force for their Ground-Based Air Defense System (GBADS) acquisition project, considering the requirements are almost similar for both the PAF GBADS and the PN’s SBADMS projects.

Among those that made their pitch or were included in the evaluations made by the Philippine Navy were:

* Rafael Advance Defense Systems with the SPYDER Air Defense System from Israel;
* Diehl Defence with the IRIS-T Surface Launched (SL) from Germany;
* LIGNex1 KM-SAM Cheolmae-II from South Korea;
* OKB TSP Buk-MB3K from Belarus;
* Almaz-Antey Buk M3 from Russia;
* Kongsberg Defense – Raytheon NASAMS from Norway;
* Roketsan HISAR-O from Turkey;
* Bharat Dynamics Akash Mk.1 or Mk.2 from India

 So far, the most likely in the shortlist are the offers from Rafael, LIGNex1, and Kongsberg Defense-Raytheon, based on feedbacks from sources that have knowledge on the project.

Among those most likely in the shortlist includes the Rafael SPYDER Air Defense System (top), and the LIGNex1 KM-SAM Cheolmae-2 Air Defense System (above). Photos credited to original sources.

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02 December 2019:

MaxDefense reeased a blog entry first discussing the Shore Based Air Defense Missile System acquisition project, including a background, the options, and the updates on the project as of writing. It can be accessed through the link provided below:

"Philippine Navy plans to acquire Shore Based Air Defense Missile System" - first posted 02 December 2019.

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15 December 2023:

The project was among those moved by the DND to the Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP.

Changes are expected in this project including budget and total requirements, and probably the technical specifications and terns of references as well.

PDR will edit this page as soon as new information becomes available.

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First post and edit: 14 December 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

 

Rocket, 2.75" with Guided Advance Tactical Rocket (GATR) Guidance System (Phase 1) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force has decided to acquire a new capability, the guided air-to-ground rocket system to improve its strike capability. 

The system is not yet available in PAF service, and a selection process was made. In the end, it was Elbit Systems-ATK Guided Advance Tactical Rocket (GATR) system that was selected.

A test buy-was made to allow the PAF to introduce itself to the system, which resulted to the Rocket, 2.75" with Guided Advance Tactical Rocket Guidance System acquisition project.

For now, MaxDefense called the test-buy as Phase 1 since MaxDefense received information that acquisition of more units are planned.

The GATR is an economical alternative to guided missiles since they are cheaper to acquire and carries a smaller warhead which would be enough for certain targets. Photo taken from Elbit Systems' website.

Project Summary:

Rocket, 2.75" with Guided Advance Tactical Rocket (GATR) Guidance System (Phase 1) Acquisition Project 

Note: Edited as of 27 November 2019.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (15th Strike Wing)

* Quantity: undisclosed due to OPSEC reasons

* Modernization Phase: Special Projects outside Horizon 2 phase (standard munitions acquisition using PAF operational funds)

* Project ABC: Php156,785,590.00

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

* Source of Funding: Philippine Air Force 2018 GAA Funded 

* SARO Release: TBC

* Winning Proponent: Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)

* Product for Delivery:  
   - unspecified number of ATK Orbital 2.75" rockets
   - unspecified number of ATK Orbital-Elbit Systems GATR guidance systems
   - unspecified number of rocket launchers

* Contract Price: Php156,785,590.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 30 November 2018

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFGATRAcquisition

* Status: Project awarded in early 2019. Delivery confirmed as of October 2019. PROJECT COMPLETE as of November 2019.

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30 November 2018:

The Philippine Air Force is now in the process of negotiating the acquisition of laser-guided air-launched rockets, with Israel's Elbit Systems selected by the PAF with its Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR). The ABC for the project is Php156,785,590.00 (around US$2.95 million). MaxDefense and its contributors believe that the PAF may only be after kits instead of all-up rounds, as the GATR can be used to upgrade standard NATO 2.75" unguided rockets, and launched from standard 2.75" rocket launchers.

The GATR can be used against moving and stationary targets up to 8 kilometers away (depending on base rocket used, with the range based on Orbital ATK's own 2.75" rockets), and supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation.

The acquisition of the GATR would allow the PAF to use an affordable precision munitions onboard its current attack platforms with EO/IR turrets like the AW109E armed light helicopter, and the upcoming OV-10G+ Combat Dragon and A-29B Super Tucano attack aircraft. This would be added to a growing number of air-to-ground guided munitions being employed by the PAF.

This acquisition appears to be another solution that was born our of the PAF's experience in the Marawi conflict, which also brought the decision to acquire a purpose-built attack helicopter.

The PAF previously released this Notice of Negotiated Procurement in their website.

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23 September 2019:

MaxDefense has released a blog entry discussing the Elbit Systems GATR 2.75" guided air-to-ground rocket system, as well as the Philippine Air Force's order and impending delivery.

The blog entry can be accessed from the link provided below:


"Philippine Air Force to receive test-buy of Guided Advance Tactical Rockets soon" - first posted on 23 September 2019.

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27 November 2019:

MaxDefense received confirmation that the delivery of the GATR guided rocket kits, rocket launchers, and the base 2.75" unguided rockets were already delivered to the Philippine Air Force's 15th Strike Wing as of October 2019.

The rockets were integrated with the PAF's AgustaWestland AW109E Power armed helicopters, which has the capability to provide targeting using its FLIR turret, an asset no found on the smaller MD-520MG Defender armed helicopters.

With this new asset, the 15th Strike Wing now has a guided propelled munition added to its capabilities that was only previously something the 5th Fighter Wing has with its AGM-65G2 Maverick air-to-ground missiles.

The Elbit GATR guidance system on an ATK 2.75" rocket.

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28 November 2019:

As a follow-on to our earlier news yesterday on the delivery of the first order of Elbit Systems GATR guided air-to-ground rocket systems, MaxDefense received information that the 15th Strike Wing is preparing to order another batch of GATR guidance kits, 2.75" unguided rockets, and rocket launchers for the GATR system from Elbit Systems.

This time, the order is said to be larger than the initial batch.

No specifics yet on how much the new order is worth though, but deliveries are expected to be made by late 2020.

This new order will allow more aircraft of the unit to have such launching capability.

It still remains to be seen though if the PAF will give priority to their recently delivered Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters since these helicopters will become the primary rotary strike assets of the unit.

A full scale mock-up of the GATR 2.75" guided rocket was displayed by the PAF during a previous event. Photo shared exclusively to MaxDefense. 

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With all the rockets, guidance systems, and rocket pods delivered to the end user, MaxDefense believes we can now consider the Rocket, 2.76" with Guided Advance Tactical Rocket (GATR) Guidance System (Phase 1) Project of the Philippine Air Force as COMPLETED.

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First posted 27 November 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ORD PABAC-21-18 Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project (2018) of the Philippine Army

 In line with the Philippine Army's requirement to acquire additional rifles to meet growing needs, the branch service conducted the acquisition of 2,702 new rifles in 5.56x45mm NATO caliber under the Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project.

The SIGM400 5.56mm carbine. Photo from SIG Sauer website.

Overview:

The acquisition of additional 5.56mm Assault Rifles was needed as the Philippine Army expands in size, while also replace damaged, lost, or unrecovered rifles from engagements with enemy forces.

Instead of going through the AFP Modernization Program, the Philippine Army instead used its own annual budget to acquire more than 2,700 units of M4/AR-15 platform rifles.

Public Bidding was made on the rifles despite the Philippine Army already using several similar rifles like the Colt M4 and M4A1, Remington R4A3, among others. The decision to undergo public bidding  allowed several local and foreign companies competing.  So far MaxDefense can confirm that SIG Sauer USA through its local representative Intrade Asia Pacific Inc, and United Defense Manufacturing Corp. were among those who competed for the project.

SIG Sauer USA was confirmed the sole compliant bidder after all other bidders were disqualified for failing to meet document requirements. This is despite SIG Sauer not being the lowest bidder.

MaxDefense sources confirmed that SIG Sauer USA will deliver their SIGM400, which is one of their best selling rifles in 5.56x45mm NATO caliber. The SIGM400 is an air-cooled, direct impingement gas operated, magazine-fed carbine, with the Philippine Army preferring the use of 14.5" barrel length.

SIG Sauer USA offered to deliver the SIGM400 5.56mm carbine. Credits to original source of photo.

Due to our poor relations with UDMC due to them being a sore loser after receiving negative comments from us, we do not know exactly what they offered for this project. But we can assume that its possibly one of their bread and butter M4 copies like the F5 DGIS. Photo taken from UDMC's website.

Project Summary:

Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 21 May 2020.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC-21-18

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified units including TRADOC)

* Quantity: 2,702 units

* Modernization Phase: N/A, Philippine Army procurement outside RAFPMP for 2018

* Project ABC: Php126,540,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA 2018

* Winning Proponent: SIG Sauer USA through Intrade Asia Pacific Inc.

* Product for Delivery: SIG Sauer SIGM400 SBR 5.56x45mm 14.5" Direct Impingement rifle

* Contract Price: Php125,994,989.54

* First post by MaxDefense: 8 October 2018

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAAssaultRifle5562018Acquisition

* Status: Awarded to SIG Sauer USA, NTP released April 2019. Delivery ongoing, with first batches seen with Philippine Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) used with the Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS). Delivery deadline as per contract is February 2020. PROJECT COMPLETED as of February 2020.

The SIG M400 SBR, although the Philippine Army ordered the one with longer 14.5" barrel. Photo credits to Ricardo Torres @ Pinterest.

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08 October 2018:

As posted in our social media community page:
A certain local rifle manufacturer is crying foul that they and another well established local arms company were disqualified in a bidding for the Philippine Army's acquisition of 2,702 units of 5.56mm M4/AR-15 type Assault Rifles, which MaxDefense believes to be the under bid reference no. ORD-PABAC-21-18. ABC for the said acquisition project is Php126,540,000.00.

Apparently, the local companies were disqualified due to deficiency in the bid documents they submitted, and for this certain company crying foul, its specifically the No Pending Deliveries certificate from the AFP which they admittedly incorrectly submitted.

But they questioned the passing of 3rd company SIG SAUER USA, using the argument that while they do not have a pending delivery for the AFP, they do have a pending delivery for the Philippine National Police. They also questioned the government's policy on SRDP and Filipino First, which they believe did not apply in this tender.

This local rifle company also questioned SIG SAUER's bid amount, which is Php200 less than the ABC, as they believe SIG SAUER knew that they would be the last company to remain and would surely be considered as the only qualified bidder, which MaxDefense believe is pure BS.

First of, the Philippine National Police is not the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The requirement was very clear: No Pending Deliveries with the AFP, not PNP. There was no contract awarded to SIG SAUER USA or SIG SAUER in general for several years now. It is unfair to use the PNP issue when it is very clear that the requirement is specifically saying AFP.

Secondly, SIG SAUER's contract with the PNP was already cancelled after the US government confirmed that they cannot provide export licenses for the M4-type rifles ordered by the PNP. With the contract officially cancelled, there is no more pending deliveries to be expected. So even if the Philippine Army's requirement included the PNP, technically SIG SAUER doesn't have any pending deliveries too.

Third, it is not the fault of SIG SAUER if the US government decides against releasing export licenses. Why put the blame on SIG SAUER for not being able to deliver their commitments to the PNP if the US government was the one that placed the restrictions? SIG SAUAR, like any other company, would want the contract to push through since it means profit for them. The local company crying on its disqualification should place its feet on SIG SAUER's shoes. If for example they got another contract to export rifles to, lets say Myanmar, and the Philippine government imposed export license restrictions, would this company be blamed for not being able to release the rifles for export?

Fourth, while SRDP is the best way to go, this does not mean that the local companies should be given priority or special treatment. This is a competitive bidding, and it is unfair to put preferential treatment to local companies, especially if the other local company that was disqualified was actually offering rifles made by a foreign partner. Based on this logic, in effect, this local company complaining of disqualification is also complaining on allowing both SIG SAUER and the other local company (which they are proud to say was their partner in the past) to join this tender, since they are the only one actually offering a locally-made rifle model!

And lastly, having a bid that is Php200 less than the ABC doesn't mean that SIG SAUER is confident of being the last man standing. I'll give an example.

Since MaxDefense has been researching about the PNP's recent acquisitions, we found 1 contract won by the other disqualified local company wherein their bid for Enhanced Combat Helmet Level III was actually the same as the ABC, and while they were the highest bidder, the lower bidders were all disqualified, prompting the PNP NHQ BAC to award the contract. Does it mean that other local company was confident of being the last man standing in that tender?

Instead of crying over its disqualification, they better shut up and just file a Motion for Reconsideration if they think they were unjustly disqualified. And if the Army's BAC rejects their MfR, then they better accept it fair and square instead of hitting on their competitor. This same company always whine every time they are disqualified or their products criticized, yet is very good in attacking their competitors and critics, even going down to making lies and being unprofessional.

MaxDefense believes SIG SAUER offered their SIG M400 5.56 rifle, which is currently their basic milspec 5.56x45mm rifle. Should the MFR of the 2 local companies be rejected, SIG SAUER will advance into Post Qualification Inspections which they need to pass before a Notice of Award is provided. MaxDefense hopes that the Philippine Army will move fast on this project, although we are surprised that Remington Defense did not submit a bid considering their R4A3 5.56mm rifle is the current standard issue rifle of the Philippine Army.

Taken from the bid documents which shows the project's Pre-Bid Conference date and SOBE date.

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04 August 2019:

As posted on our social media community page:
The Philippine Army has awarded a contract for the supply and delivery of 2,702 units of M4/AR-15 type 5.56mm rifle to US arms manufactuer SIG Sauer, with the Notice to Proceed released last April, with a delivery deadline by 9 February 2020.

The rifles are said to fill in the gaps in the inventory, to be provided to newly formed units as the Philippine Army expanded in the last few years in terms of manpower.

MaxDefense believes that SIG Sauer will provide a derivative of their SIGM400 5.56x45mm rifle, which is similar to the Remington R4A3 used by the Philippine Army as its standard rifle.

Last October, MaxDefense reported that a certain shady company from Paranaque complained on SIG Sauer winning the bidding after the Swiss-American company was declared the single calculated responsive bidder. It turns out their noise has gone nowhere.

The acquisition was made outside the Horizon 2 phase of the RAFPMP, and for purpose of easy identification, MaxDefense will consider this as a Special Project in our AFP Modernization Program portal.

Credits to original source of photo.

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22 October 2019:

Photos shared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the visit of new CSAFP Gen. Noel Clement to Philippine Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) appears to show some of the new SIG Sauer SIGM400 rifles being used as part of the Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS) which is also a new acquisition of the Philippine Army.

It remains to be seen how many were delivered since SIG Sauer is contracted to deliver all 2,702 units by February 2020. Nonetheless their presence this early on is a good sign that SIG Sauer may be able to deliver within their contracted period.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Noel Clement with one of the SIG Sauer SIGM400 rifles as part of the Army's Tactical Engagement Simulation System. Photo taken from AFP's FB page.

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31 October 2019:

As posted on our social media community page:

While the US government has imposed arms export ban on the Philippine National Police starting with the rejection of export license of 40,000+ units of SIG Sauer USA 5.56mm rifles, it is not the case for other armed agencies of the government like the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The only reason the PNP got slapped with an export ban was because it is believed to be involved in EJK and HR issues, while the AFP and other agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and even the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are believed to be cleared from such issues. That's why these services still have access to US arms and equipment.

In fact, the AFP even received and continuous to receive thousands of firearms including assault and sniper rifles (Remington, LMT and Barrett), M134D Gatling guns and other equipment FOR FREE from the US government every year even during the last 3 years when Pres. Duterte was already in power. The US also provided bombs and other munitions, and sold missiles, helicopters, and many other arms and equipment just in the past 3 years.

Another proof can be seen in the photos below, where new AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Noel Clement tests the newly acquired rifles of the Philippine Army bought from SIG Sauer USA, the same rifle company that was not allowed by the US to sell its rifles to the PNP that has become of Pres. Duterte's reasons in hating the US.

The Philippine Army bought 2,700 units of SIG M400 SBR 5.56x45mm rifles from SIG Sauer to arm new soldiers as the service expands its size.

CSAFP Gen. Noel Clement testing one of the new SIG Sauer SIGM400 rifles during his visit to TRADOC on 22 October 2019. Photo taken from AFP's FB page.

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21 May 2020:

MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation that SIG Sauer was able to deliver all rifles as of March 2020.

With all SIG Sauer M400 SBR 5.56mm rifles and accessories already delivered to the Philippine Army, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Assault Rifle 5.56mm M4/AR-15 Platform Acquisition Project (2018) of the Philippine Army as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 03 November 2019

Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource.

Land Based Missile System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army is in the process of acquiring its first long range missile systems to allow it to engage targets beyond the country's shore against enemy warships, or depending on the missiles available, to strike land targets.

The Land Based Missile System (LBMS) Acquisition Project, which is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, is the successor to the cancelled Shore Based Missile System (SBMS) Acquisition Project back in 2015.

Its objective it to provide the Philippine Army a long range tactical capability to defend the country from foreign naval threats especially those directly threatening the Philippine mainland. 

The BrahMos Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) carrying the BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missile.

Project Summary:

Land Based Missile System (LBMS) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 31 October 2019.

* End User: Philippine Army (Army Artillery Regiment)

* Quantity: 2 batteries

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

* Project ABC: Php10,000,000,000.00
     
* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government deal, eyed with Indian government

* Source of Funding: TBA, possibly soft loan

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PALBMSAcquisition

* Status: negotiations ongoing with BrahMos Aerospace and Indian government, consider under pre-procurement phase. Approved for implementation as of 2021, and TWG was discussing with India's BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. Byt the project did not reach an awarding as of end of 2022, and was among the Horizon 2 projects to be moved to Horizon 3 phase.

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31 October 2019:

MaxDefense released a blog entry explaining the LBMS project in detail, including its history and changes from the previous SBMS project.

It can be accessed on the link provided below:

"The BrahMos Supersonic Missile System and the Philippine Army's Land Based Missile System Project" - first posted on 31 October 2019

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01 November 2019:

MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation from a source that the Army's Land Based Missile System Acquisition Project is still being prepared for presentation to Senior AFP Leaders, which means to the AFP Chief of Staff and other senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This means that the other similar project (which we will name later on) is moving ahead first but quietly.

The Philippine Army publicly announced their interest in the BrahMos missile system, plus the activation of their 1st LBMS Battery which triggered interest of the public in the plans of the Philippine Army to acquire the Brahmos missile system.

Meanwhile the other branch of service was totally silent, not releasing any public statement or press release, yet have reached an important milestone as it was among those presented to the Senior Leaders Meeting last 30 October 2019.

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06 June 2023:

With the project not reaching awarding stage as of the end of 2022, the project was among those included in the Horizon 3 phase of the RAFPMP which starts officially by January 2023.

As of June 2023, the Horizon 3 phase shopping plans are not yet approved by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and we do not expect any update on this project until 2024.




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First post and edit: 31 October 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mini Mine Detector Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army is in the process of acquiring Combat Engineering Equipment, which includes mine and IED detection capabilities in the wake of increased use of such by terrorists and insurgents.

The Mini Mine Detector Acquisition Project, which is a sub-lot of the Combat Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project, is a Horizon 2 phase Priority Project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

An Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) of Php18,200,000.00 was allocated by the Department of National Defense (DND) for the acquisition of 104 units.

Project Summary:

Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mine Mine Detector Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 15 January 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army (unspecified Army Engineering Brigade)

* Quantity: 104 units + ILS

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php18,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA funded, to be paid via Multi-Year Obligatory Allocations (MYOA).

* SARO Release: TBA

* Winning Proponent: Safer PH Innovations Inc.

* Product for Delivery: TBA
    
* Contract Price: Php18,200,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBA

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PACEEMMDAcquisition

* Status: procurement changed to public bidding, bid docs released 23 October 2019. SOBE scheduled 13 November 2019, moved to 20 November 2019, moved again to 27 November 2019. 1st bidding attempt failed. 2nd rebidding process started on October 2021, with SOBE scheduled on 26 November 2021. 2nd rebidding process failed, new 3rd rebidding process opened on 10 March 2022, SOBE scheduled on 30 March 2022. NOA released in favour of Safer PH Innovations on 29 December 2022.

A mine or metal detector leads a group of US Marines during patrol in 2017. Photo taken from Department of Defense archives.

Overview:

The acquisition of mine detection capabilities has been in the procurement plans of the Philippine Army for some time, but was not given priority due to the numerous materiel in its procurement list despite having limited funds.

But the lack of such capability was exposed during the Battle of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, and after the conflict when unexploded ordnance and mines became a problem that delayed the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

During the Marawi crisis in June 2017, the Philippine Army requested for the emergency procurement of 219 units of MMDs, but none has even been approved when the crisis was over by Octobe 2017.

Originally the Philippine Army planned to acquire only 44 units, but the improvements in technology and availability of simpler and cheaper but equally effective mine detectors allowed the PA to increase the quantity despite the budget not changing.


Technical Requirements:

The following are the technical requirements as indicated on the bid documents:

Specific Requirement: Brand new, NATO standard
Operating Length:
  * Folded: 328cm x 102cm x 56cm
  * Extended: 126.2cm
Operating Weight: max 2.6 kgs with batteries, max 2.4 kgs without batteries
Pulse Induction Transmission: Bipolar Multi-Period Sensing
Output:
  * Audio Output: Internal Loudspeaker or with Earset
  * Visual Output: through 9 LED Display
  * Data Output: RS-232 bidirectional
Temperature:
  * Operating Temperature: -30deg C to 60deg C
  * Storage Temperature: -30deg C to 80deg C
  * Environmental Endurance: to MIL STD 810G
Power Supply and Batteries:
  * Alkaline: 4 x C cell LR14
  * Rechargeable: 4 x NiCad or NiMh cell minimum 4,000mAh
  * Auxiliary Supply: 5-16V DC
Typical Operating Endurance: approx. 7 hours
Detection Ranges: Mine with very small metal content:
    * Test Piece 5cm, 0.15g: greater than 5cm (2 inches)
    * Typical Anti-Tank Mine: 50cm

Based on the values above, it appears that the Philippine Army's Technical Working Group for the project has closely patterned their desired Mini Mine Detector from Schiebel's MIMID Miniature Mine Detector. 

The Schiebel MIMID miniature mine detector was said to be effective that it can also be used for body search like shown above. Photo taken from Schiebel's website.

Schiebel of Austria is a world leader in mine detection equipment, and is famous also for the S-100 Camcopter UAV that is also being looked at by the Philippine Navy.

The MIMID has exactly the same dimensions, operating endurance, detection ranges, power supply, and has operating and storage temperature ranges within the requirements of the project.

Also, it means that the Philippine Army has deviated from its original plan of using a larger but more expensive model, since they were only originally looking at 44 units of Mini Mine Detector for the same budget of Php18.2 million. Now for the same budget, they're looking at 104 units.

Schiebel's MIMID during retracted and folded mode. The compact size is useful and would allow easy carrying by the operators. Photo taken from Defense-Blog website.

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25 October 2019:

The bid documents for the Combat Engineering Equipment - Lot 7: Mini Mine Detector (MMD) acquisition project was released on 23 October 2019. Like the Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge component of the CEE project, the MMD acquisition's Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is scheduled on 13 November 2019.

MaxDefense expects Pre-Bid Conference queries to come out prior to SOBE, which would further clarify issues.

Schiebel remains a favorite for this tender, based on feedbacks we received from sources.

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18 November 2019:


The DND has released a Supplemental Bid Bulletin (SBB) declaring the movement of Submission and Opening of Bids, from 20 November 2019 to 27 November 2019.

The earlier date was already the result of an earlier movement, wherein the Submission and Opening of Bids was moved from 13 November 2019 to 20 November 2019.

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08 August 2020:

After a long wait on the status of this project, it was recently updated to be a failed bid.

Since it took some time before a declaration was made, MaxDefense believes that the reason for failure in the Post Qualification Inspection (PQI) part.

With the Philippine government implementing funding diversion for defense acquisition projects, it remains to be seen if this project would be affected. So far, the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7, as well as Lots 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 were among those that were moved for initial funding starting FY2021 during the DND's Realignment of AFP Modernization Funds that was approved last May 2020.

And with the bid failure, it only gave the DND more reason to delay the project.

With the Philippine economy shrinking in 2020, and a dismal economic performance in 2021, it remains to be seen if the Philippine government would even provide funding for this project and other lots of the Combat Engineering Equipment projects next year.

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18 November 2020:

The DND has posted a rebidding for this project, and has released a new set of tender documents It appears that the project ABC, specs and other requirements remain the same as before.

The new Submission of Bid schedule is on 02 December 2020, although this is still subject to whatever the discussions are during the Pre-Bid Conference scheduled this morning.

It would be remembered that Lot 7 for the Mini Mine Detectors, along with Lot 1 for the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, were the only sublots within the Combat Engineering Equipment Acquisition Project that were provided funding as of 2020.

A copy of the cover of the bidding documents for this project. Note the new submission date. Photo from DND documents.

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14 November 2021:

The Department of National Defense (DND and Philippine Army has restarted the bidding process for the Combat Engineering Equipment Lot 7 - Mini Mine Detectors Acquisition Project after almost a year of hiatus.

The specification remains the same, as well as the budget and the quantity being acquired.

The Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is now scheduled on 24 November 2021, which was already moved from previous posted dates as requested by the bidders.

It remains to be seen if this attempt would be successful, as it is already delayed due to funds previously allocated to it being diverted to COVID response expenses by the Government. So far, the DBM has re-allocated the funds back that allows the DND and PA to restart the tender process.

New ITB released on October 2021. Photo screengrabbed from PhilGEPS.

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16 January 2022:

Based on PhilGEPS' website, it appears that the bidding for the project proceeded and closed on 26 November 2021.

It now remains to be seen which companies submitted their bids, and which one will be declared the lowest calculated bidder.

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15 March 2022:

The 2nd rebidding process appears to have failed, as the DND opened a new rebidding process on 10 March 2022.

The budget and specifications, as well as the quantity to be delivered remains the same, and the new date for Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) is now on 30 March 2022.

If this process fails again, the DND could shift to Direct Negotiations, considering this is already the 4th time this project is being publicly tendered.


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15 January 2023:

As per the DND's Procurement Monitoring Report as of 10 January 2023, it was mentioned that the Notice of Award has been released on 29 December 2022 in favour of Safer PH Innovations.

It remains to be seen what product has been offered as well as the contract price for the project.


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First edit and release: 25 October 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource