ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 Rifle 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army has raised for a requirement for more 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR), many of which are needed as the service moves to improve its firepower capability, while also replacing older DMRs.

With the success on the procurement of more than 800 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles under the 2nd List of Horizon 1 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, the Philippine Army is now in the process of relying less on the AFP Modernization Program for procurement of small arms, especially with allocation for capital expenditures under the annual budget has increased over the past few years.

In this resource page, we discuss the ORD PABAC2-046-09-22 Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle Acquisition Project which was opened for public tender on September 2022. We expect more similar projects in the future which will have their own resource pages as well.

A SIG Sauer SIG716 G2 DMR.

Project Summary:

Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 22 September 2023.

* Project Number: ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 (formerly ORD PABAC2-046-09-22)

* End User: Philippine Army (multiple units)

* Quantity: 100 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifles with ILS

* Modernization Phase: GAA2022 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php39,338,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA for Fiscal Year 2022 - RA11639

* SARO Release/s: Not applicable (included in Philippine Army's FY2023 budget.

* Winning Proponent: TBC

* Product/s for Delivery: TBC

* Contract Price: TBC

* Residual Amount: TBC

* First post by MaxDefense: 23 April 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PA762DMR2022Acquisition 

* Status: Invitation to Bid released on 19 September 2022. Bidding failed. A new bidding process was initiated in 2023 with a new project number ORD PABAC2-046-08-23 with SOBE scheduled on 31 August 2023, moved to 07 September 2023. The bidding failed again, and now awaiting what the Philippine Army will do.


Overview:

The requirement for 100 new 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle appears to be a continuation of the Philippine Army's need for more of such weapons, as it plans to provide DMRs to more units considering it has already provided enough for the Special Operations units like the Light Reaction Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and the Scout Ranger Regiment.

This is especially needed as many regular infantry units are still using converted M14 7.62mm battle rifles as designated marksman rifles, and are in need of replacement.

Based on the Technical Specification of the 7.62mm DMRs, the requirement is for an AR-15-based gas piston-type platform, with a heavy match-grade barrel chambered to fire 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. 

SIG Sauer through its local representative Intrade Asia Pacific is believed to have won the tender with the SIG 712G2 DMR. Photo credits to Ricardo Torres @ Pinterest.

It appears to be similar to the previous requirement under the previous project from Horizon 1, which is not surprising to keep standardization.

According to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, its source from the defense industry pointed that it is highly likely that the same company and product won the tender for this project, which is Intrade Asia Pacific, which represent SIG Sauer in the Philippines, and that the SIG 716 G2 DMR may was offered.

If correct, this means that the Philippine Army will be getting the same rifle as before, and keeping its rifles standard.

The Philippine Army's SIG 716 G2 DMR, 800+ units which were procured as part of 2nd List of Horizon 1. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines.

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10 March 2023:

The Philippine Army has confirmed that the bidding for the Rifle, 7.62mm Designated Marksman Rifle project has failed, and a new bidding process would be started at a later date.

It appears that there was a proponent who made it to certain level of discussion but an agreement was not reached, thus the bidding failure only happening in 2023.

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20 August 2023:

Another bidding attempt was raised by the Philippine Army's PABAC2, this time with a submission date of 31 August 2023, and later moved to 07 September 2023.

The specifications and budget remains the same, but the project number was renamed to reflect it being done in 2023.

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22 September 2023:

The Philippine Army has confirmed that the re-bidding attempt for the project has failed, and the announcement was made only a few days after closing the tender.

This means that nobody submitted a bid, and we expect the Philippine Army to review its bidding requirements to and see if adjustments are needed especially with regards to target dates, document requirements and package inclusions.


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First edit and release: 23 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ISAFP Project Lot 1 - Unmanned Aerial Systems Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

 The Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has embarked on the procurement of new systems that would enable them to conduct intelligence work, being the main intelligence arm of the AFP.

The ISAFP Project was raised as part of the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Project, with a budget of Php1.2 billion covering 5 lots. 

This resource page covers Lot 1, which involves the acquisition of new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

The IAI-Bluebird Aerosystems WanderB-VTOL UAV from Israel. Photo for representation only as there is no confirmation yet on which UAS was selected. Photo credits to IAI.

Project Summary:

Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) Project Lot 1 - Unmanned Aerial Systems Acquisition Project of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Note: Edited as of 22 April 2023

* End User: Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP)

* Quantity: TBD

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

* Project ABC: Php240,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G), believed to be with Israeli Ministry of Defense

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

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-0015964 dated 17 April 2023 worth Php238,827,920.00 (full amount)

* Winning Proponent: TBD, believed to be an Israeli company

* Contract Price: Php238,827,920.00

* Residual Price: Php1,172,080.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 22 April 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag:  #AFPISAFPLot1UASAcquisition 

* Status: Involves procurement of Level 1 unmanned aerial systems. SARO released on 17 April 2023 for the full amount.

Overview:

As part of a broader acquisition project for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has raised a requirement for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) which would enable it to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering flights over areas of interests.

So far we have not seen the requirements set by this project, although the budget of Php240,000,000.00 (around US$4.26 million) is expected to only be enough for either several dozen Level 1 or a few Level 2 UAS, each with around 2 or 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and control system.

Since the ISAFP is not a manpower-intensive service, it is expected that they may opt for UAS models that are sufficient enough to fly at ranges beyond 30 kilometers, and have an endurance of more than 2 hours. This means a Level 1 UAS, similar to the Elbit Systems Skylark 3 UAS acquired by the Philippine Army.

According to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, its sources has confirmed that the DND was negotiating with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) back in 2022 regarding this project, which means that this is being acquired under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with Israel involving IMOD, and will be from an Israeli company.

So far, Elbit Systems already have a strong foothold in the AFP, with the Philippine Air Force operating the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 MALE UAS, and the Philippine Army operating the Hermes 90 THOR mini quadcopter UAS, the Skylark I-LEX mini UAS, the Skylark 3 UAS and the Hermes 450 MALE UAS.

The Elbit Systems Skylark I-LEX. Photo credits to Elbit Systems.

Other Israeli companies actively offering the UAS to the AFP are Aeronautics with their Orbiter series of UAS, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) including Bluebird Aerosystems which is partly owned by IAI.

The IAI-Bluebird Aerosystems WanderB-VTOL small UAS. Photo credits to IAI.

The SARO for the 100% contract price of the project was released by the Department of Budget and Management on 17 April 2023, and it is expected than a contract would be awarded to the selected proponent by mid-2023.

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First edit and release: 22 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

To recapitalize its dwindling number of basic/primary trainer aircraft in its inventory due to retirement of ageing assets, the Philippine Air Force has experienced a backlog of training activities for its new pilots, said to be reaching as far as 4 years.

With the PAF left only with a handful of SF-260MP/TP trainer aircraft, it has been determined that priority would be given for the procurement of more and newer trainer aircraft.

This allowed raising the Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project, which aims to procure 18 new basic/primary trainer turboprop aircraft to increase the number of aircraft in service while replacing retired aircraft that were taken out of service without a replacement coming in to cover their loss.

The project is considered to be the first that involves the acquisition of brand new aircraft for the Philippine Air Force under the old AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act 7898.

One of the 18 SF-260FH trainer aircraft delivered to the PAF. Photo credits to PTV News.

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Project Summary:

Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 15 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (Air Education and Training Command)

* Quantity: 18 units plus ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php622,590,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Asian Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi S.P.A.

* Product for Delivery: SIAI-Marchetti SF-260FH trainer aircraft

* Contract Price: Php621,671,410.00

* Residual Price: Php918,590.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 16 April 2023 (this post) 

* Status: 18 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260F trainer aircraft were delivered. Project Completed as of June 2011. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

As part of efforts to modernize the Philippine Air Force, among the requirement that was in need of immediate concern was the dwindling number of basic / primary trainer aircraft in its fleet.

The PAF is one of the major users of the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 family of light propeller-driven trainer aircraft, and has been using them since the early 1970s with 33 SF-260MP and 16 SF-260W to replace the Beech T-34A Mentor in the training role, and to provide light attack capability to strike units to complement the AT-28 Trojan, respectively. All the SF-260Ws have been retired, while some of the SF-260MPs remain in service although it remains how many are left.

One of the PAF's SF-260MP trainer aircraft, taken in 1979. Photo credits to Aria Deja Vu.

The PAF also ordered another batch of 18 SF-260TP in the training role to replace some of the retired SF-260MPs, with the improved Allison 250-17D turboprop engine, which were delivered starting in mid-1993. Some were transferred to the 15th Strike Wing as light attack aircraft later on to replace the SF-260Ws.

With the PAF lacking in sufficient number of SF-260MPs and TPs for training, the PAF has raised a requirement to procure newer training aircraft, preferably sticking to the SF-260 family to take advantage of their experience in the type.

One of the PAF's SF-260TP in light attack role with the 15th Strike Wing. Photo credits to PAF.

As early as 2003, it was already identified by the Philippine Air Force that it requires new trainer aircraft, although funding appears to have been a problem that did not allow them for such requirement to be met. 

It was only by 2006 that funding commitment has been secured, and the actual funding made available by 2007. This allowed the DND to start a public bidding by early 2007, with the submission and opening of bids held on 27 July 2007 with only 1 bidder, the Joint Venture of Asian Aerospace Inc and Alenia Aermacchi S.P.A, which took over the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 production in Italy.

The company offered their latest SF-260FH, which is an improved version of the SF-260TP with the introduction of fuel-injection technology as well as improved avionics and cockpit design.

Post qualification inspections were conducted from 23 to 29 September 2007 in Milan, Italy, and the DND has released the Notice of Award in favor of the said company on 06 November 2007, and the contract signed by 2008.

Part of the deal was the local assembly of the aircraft, which arrived in the Philippines in knock-down kits and assembled by Aerotech Industries Philippines, and delivered all to the Philippine Air Force by April 2011.

The aircraft were all tested, and final acceptance and induction to the Philippine Air Force's Air Education and Training Command was made by June 2011, in time for the PAF's anniversary by July.

In addition, Aerotech Philippines donated two of its three SF-260MZs, which the PAF leased from 2002 to 2008 to cover the lack of sufficient training aircraft in its inventory. These were ex-Zambian Air Force that were bought and rebuilt by Aerotech Philippines.

The delivery was noted to address the three to four years training backlog in the PAF.

All 18 SF-260FH aircraft are shown after their delivery in 2011. Photo credits to PAF.

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One of the SF-260FH aircraft crashed on 31 January 2015 in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas.

The report from Philippine Star is found below:

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2 PAF pilots die as SF-260 plunges into sea

Jaime Laude - The Philippine Star 
February 1, 2015 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Two pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) died when their training plane crashed in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas yesterday morning.

Reports reaching the PAF headquarters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City identified the fatalities as Capt. John Bayao and 1st Lt. Nazer Jana.

The pilots were conducting air exhibition for the scheduled celebration of Nasugbu’s Liberation Day when their SF-260 plane crashed 150 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Bucana at 9:45 a.m.

Nasugbu police head Chief Inspector Pablo Aguda said the bodies of Bayao and Jana were retrieved about 20 meters deep and brought to Manila.

PAF spokesman Col. Rico Canaya said they have yet to determine the cause of the plane crash.

The PAF leadership, under Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, dispatched a team of air force probers to Nasugbu to conduct an investigation. – With Arnell Ozaeta      

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With this, the total number of SF-260FH aircraft in the PAF's inventory is down to 17 units, plus two SF-260MZs and an unspecified number of SF-260MPs.

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With the  SIAI-Marchetti SF-260FH trainer aircraft already delivered and formally inducted with the Philippine Air Force as of 2011, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Basic Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 16 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

UH-1H Commercial Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

To build up its dwindling fleet of UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters, the Philippine Air Force has undertaken several UH-1H helicopter acquisition projects between 2003 and 2015.

This project is one of them, and is considered the first one that involves acquiring such helicopters from a civilian entity rather than as Excess Defense Article (EDA) from the United States.

This resource page discusses the acquisition of 20 UH-1H Huey helicopters under the UH-1H Commercial Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force, which was started back in 2003.

The project is considered to be the first for the Philippine Air Force under the old AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act 7898.

A UH-1H Huey helicopter of the Philippine Air Force.

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Project Summary:

UH-1H Commercial Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 15 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (205th Tactical Helicopter Wing)

* Quantity: 20 units plus ILS package

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php687,300,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Singapore Technologies Aerospace

* Product for Delivery: UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopter, airframe zero-timed and refurbished

* Contract Price: Php659,810,000.00

* Residual Price: Php27,490,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 15 April 2023 (this post)

* Status: Project Completed as of 26 May 2005.

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Overview:

The Philippine Air Force was in need of more combat utility helicopters as its Bell UH-1H Huey fleet that were acquired from the 1970s and 1980s are starting to reach the end of their service life and are in need of either retirement or major overhaul and rehabilitation works.

Due to lack of funding, the Department of National Defense has no choice but to only acquire refurbished helicopters instead of new ones, especially that the budget allocated worth Php687.3 million will only be enough to buy very few brand new helicopters.

A public bidding was held in 2003, with 4 bidders submitting their bids on 10 September 2003. After the bids were evaluated, the DND has announced that Singapore Technologies Aerospace has been declared the winning bidder.

A contract was signed between the DND and ST Aerospace on 30 January 2004, but the Department of Budget and Management has released the Notice of Cash Allocation on 01 July 2004, and the Letter of Credit was opened on 21 July 2004.

Delivery was made in 7 batches:

* 1st batch of 3 helicopters were delivered on 25 August 2004.

* The ILS package was delivered on 23 September 2004.

* 2nd batch of 3 helicopters were delivered on October 2004, and turned over to the Philippine Air Force by 24 October 2004.

* 3rd batch of 4 helicopters were turned over to the PAF on 01 December 2004.

* 4th batch of 2 helicopters were turned over to the PAF on 17 December 2004.

* 5th and 6th, adn 7th batches with a total of 8 helicopter were turned over to the PAF in 1st and 2nd quarters of 2005.

With these deliveries, the DND has considered the project to be completed as of 26 May 2005.

All 20 helicopters were upgraded variants compared to standard UH-1Huey helicopters, and are said to feature night vision-capable cockpit displays which enables the aircraft to be flown at night with the use of night vision goggles.

As of this writing in 2023, it appears that all the helicopters have been retired, an it remains to be seen if some of them were among those upgraded by the Philippine Air Force to Huey II or Super Huey standards. This can't be determined by us at the moment as we do not have the tail numbers of the 20 helicopters delivered as part of this project.


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Singapore Technologies Aerospace made this press release on 12 February 2004 about this project, with the text taken from the press release in full:

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SINGAPORE --- Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero), the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engg), announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the Philippines Air Force to supply 20 refurbished UH-1H helicopters with an integrated logistics package, worth US$12 million.

This agreement involves procurement and refurbishment within a year.

This agreement is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engg for the current financial year.

"We are pleased with the confidence the Philippines Air Force has in ST Aero's ability to provide cost-effective solutions for their needs" said TAY Kok Khiang, President, ST Aero.

ST Aero provides a full spectrum of maintenance and engineering services through its three business segments. Aircraft Maintenance & Modification (AMM), Component / Engine Repair & Overhaul (CERO), and Engineering & Materials Services (EMS). With international offices and facilities located in key aviation hubs in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, ST Aero has a staff strength of more than 5,000 certified engineers and administrative specialists.

ST Engg is an integrated engineering group providing solutions and services in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group reported revenues of S$2.82 billion in FY2003. Its market capitalisation of about S$6 billion ranks it among the ten largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. ST Engg has 12,000 employees worldwide, and over 100 subsidiaries in 15 countries and 22 cities.

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First edit and release: 15 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Minor Sustainment Projects of the Philippine Air Force under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force and all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor Mobility Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force, which are projects classified under Sustainment Projects that are less than Php100 million (approx US$2 million) in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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MINOR SUSTAINMENT PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:
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12. Enhancement of Radio Electrical Instruments (REI) / Precision Measuring Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) Acquisition

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of a new Radio Electrical Instruments (REI) and Precision Measuring Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) which would support in the sustainment of air assets by the 410th Maintenance Wing of the Philippine Air Force.

According to then PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, the new equipment aims to address the current capability gap in attending to aircraft REI components repair, overhaul and calibration, while the PMEL will serve as a facility in which modification, measurement and repair of precision tools and equipment takes place.

With this capability, the PAF can ensure reliability, accuracy, and traceability on its systems, subsystems, and equipment for all its aircraft.

Not much is known about the procurement process of the project, who the bidders were and who won the project contract, as well as the project's Approved Budget of Contract (ABC).

The exact products delivered under this project is also unknown, although it is believed to be multiple products from different manufacturers.

As of the moment, we only know that this project exists, and that it was worth Php35,790,600.00, and was completed on March 2014.

Photo for reference only.

Project Summary:

Enhancement of Radio Electrical Instruments / Precision Measuring Equipment Laboratory Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 07 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (410th Maintenance Wing)

* Quantity: 1 lot of REI and PMEL

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php36,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: Unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php35,790,600.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php209,400.00

* Project Status: Aimed at improving the capabilities of the 410th Maintenance Wing, but products delivered are unknown, as well as who delivered and manufactured the products. Project reported by DND as completed as of July 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.


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17. Medium Lift Aircraft Integrated Logistics Support Project

Overview:

The project involves the procurement of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package to support the Philippine Air Force's fleet of Airbus CASA C-295M medium tactical transport aircraft, of which 3 aircraft were delivered to the PAF from 2014 to 2015.

These ILS package consists of spare parts and service support that are needed for the aircraft's sustainment. It appears that the PAF only allowed for a very limited spares package when it acquired the C-295M aircraft, due to the lack of funding to allow for a reasonable ILS package to be included from the get-go.

The Allowed Budget for Contract (ABC) for the project is said to be worth Php79,000,000.00, and was procured through Direct Negotiations with the aircraft's manufacturer, Airbus Defence and Space. This was allowed by the government's procurement laws without needing public tender.

Airbus was awarded a contract worth Php78,701,924.00 for the project and it was reported by the DND that the project has been completed as of December 2015.

One of the PAF's C-295M aircraft. Photo credits to Juanico Mayoral through Jetphotos.net,

Project Summary:

Medium Lift Aircraft Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 09 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force

* Quantity: 1 lot of spares and service provision

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php79,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Direct Negotiations with Airbus Defence and Space

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

* Winning Proponent: Airbus Defence and Space

* Product for Delivery: Spare parts and service provision for C-295M aircraft

* Contract Price: Php78,701,924.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php298,076.00

* Project Status: For the procurement of spare parts and ILS services for C-295M aircraft. DND has reported delivery as completed as of December 2015. PROJECT  COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 09 April 2023|
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Minor C4ISR Projects of the Philippine Air Force under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force and all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor Mobility Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force, which are projects classified under C4ISR Projects that are less than Php100 million (approx US$2 million) in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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MINOR C4ISR PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:
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7. VHF / UHF Repeater Acquisition

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of a new radio Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Repeaters which would support a variety of handheld and base radios of the Philippine Air Force as well as General Headquarters AFP.

These repeaters would allow linking existing and future base and handheld radios, and also allow for telephone integration between the Unified Commands and the AFP General Headquarters.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding, with the project only becoming successful at its second bidding attempt. The project has an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php4,820,000.00, and only 2 companies submitted their offers. MS Eleven International Corporation was  declared the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder, allowing the Notice of Award to be released in their favor  on 14 September 2007.

9 VHF and 20 UHF repeaters were said to have been delivered as of July 2008, although we have failed to determine the exact model delivered to the PAF and AFP GHQ.

A civilian-spec repeater system from Motorola, for reference only.

Project Summary:

VHF / UHF Repeater Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 07 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (multiple units), and Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters

* Quantity: 9 VHF Repeaters, 20 UHF Repeaters

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php4,820,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: MS Eleven International Corporation

* Product for Delivery: unknown, most likely civilian-spec repeaters

* Contract Price: Php4,647,752.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php172,248.00

* Project Status: Joint Project with AFP GHQ. Unknown quantity received by Philippine Air Force. Product also unknown although it is believed to be a civilian-spec repeater system and most likely from Motorola.  Project reported by DND as completed as of July 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.


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8. Military Lensatic Compass Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of new military-type lensatic compasses to be used by ground units of the Philippine Air Force, more likely from the 710th Special Operations Wing.

Not much is known about the procurement process of the project, who the bidders were and who won the project contract, as well as the project's Approved Budget of Contract (ABC).

As of the moment, we only know that this project exists, and that it was worth Php3,135,000.00, and was completed on October 2008.

Photo of military lensatic compass for representation only.

Project Summary:

Military Lensatic Compass Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 07 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force

* Quantity: 1 lot, exact quantity undetermined

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Unknown, TBC

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: Unknown quantity and brand of Military Lensatic Compasses

* Contract Price: Php3,135,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Unknown, TBC.

* Project Status: DND has reported delivery as completed as of October 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.


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9. Aerial Surveillance Camera Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of new aerial surveillance camera to be installed on aircraft of the Philippine Air Force

Not much is known about the procurement process of the project, who the bidders were and who won the project contract, as well as the project's Approved Budget of Contract (ABC).

The exact model or type or aerial surveillance camera is also unknown, although it is believed to be installed on the PAF's lone Aero Commander TC-690A surveillance aircraft.

This is due to previous information received by MaxDefense Philippines back in 2013 that the aircraft has received upgrade a few years back including a new surveillance camera that can be used for surveillance and mapping.

As of the moment, we only know that this project exists, and that it was worth Php50,985,000.00, and was completed on November 2011.

The sole Aero Commander TC-690A surveillance aircraft of the PAF. Photo credits to Peter D through Jetphotos.net.

Project Summary:

Aerial Surveillance Camera Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 07 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (300th Air Intelligence and Security Group)

* Quantity: 1 lot, exact quantity undetermined

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Unknown, TBC

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: Unknown quantity and brand of Aerial Surveillance Camera installed on Aero Commander TC-690A aircraft.

* Contract Price: Php50,985,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Unknown, TBC.

* Project Status: DND has reported delivery as completed as of November 2011. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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21 January 2023:

It appears that the Philippine Air Force's sole Aero Commander 690A has been retired from service.

The aircraft, with t/n 11250, appease to be the one now displayed at the PAF's Aerospace Museum in Pasay City.

The aircraft was said to be used by the PAF for surveillance and utility missions and has been with the Philippine Government for more than 30 years.

It remains to be seen as to what happened to its ISR equipment including the aerial surveillance camera, if it can still be used in other aircraft.

Photo credits to PAF Aerospace Museum. Photo edited to protect identity of person.

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First edit and release: 06 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Minor Mobility Projects of the Philippine Air Force under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force and all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor Mobility Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Air Force, which are projects classified under Mobility Projects that are less than Php100 million (approx US$2 million) in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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MINOR MOBILITY PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:

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3. F27-500 Aircraft Acquisition

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of a refurbished Fokker F27-500 Friendship turboprop aircraft, which would be used for troop and cargo transport which includes and may occasionally be used for other purposes including transport of military and defense leaders, and for maritime patrol and surveillance. The aircraft would be assigned with the PAF's 220th Airlift Wing, which handles all fixed wing cargo and mobility assets of the Philippine Air Force.

This was decided as the PAF already operates the Fokker F27 Friendship family of aircraft, being proficient on the type as it has been operating these aircraft since 1959.

The project was acquired via Negotiated Procurement and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php95,000,000.00. 2 companies submitted their offers, and AeroGlobe Limited Inc. was declared the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bid on 29 September 2005. This allowed the Notice of Award to be released in favour of AeroGlobe Limited Inc on 17 October 2005.

For some reason, the AeroGlobe Limited Inc's offer was said to be originally at Php91,200,000.00, but this has changed to Php90,500,000.00 during the contract approval.

The delivery of the aircraft, with tail number 10669 was reported by the DND to have been completed as of September 2006.

The Fokker F27-500 Friendship aircraft with tail number 10669, which was the specific aircraft acquired under this project. Photo credits to Ian San Gabriel through Jetphotos.com.

Project Summary:

Fokker F27-500 Aircraft Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 02 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (220th Airlift Wing)

* Quantity: 1 refurbished Fokker F27-500 aircraft

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php90,500,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement

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

* Winning Proponent: AeroGlobe Limited Inc.

* Product Delivered: 1 refurbished Fokker F27-500 Friendship aircraft

* Contract Price: Php90,500,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php00.00

* Status: Unknown quantity received by Philippine Army, although it is expected to be more than what was received by the Philippine Marines. Product delivery completed as of July 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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02 April 2023:

Upon research, here are some details about F27-500 t/n 10669

* The aircraft was delivered by Fokker on June 18, 1984 to Australian regional airline East West Airlines, with the aircraft readied for operation by 10 August 1984.

* It operated with East West Airlines until it was transferred to UK-based regional airliner Jersey European Airways in 1990, which operated the aircraft until 1999.

* It was again transferred American charter airline Sky Trek International Airlines on March 2000, but the airline filed for bankruptcy on the same year, when it was later transferred to UK-based cargo airline BAC Express Airlines on October 2020. It did not stay too long and again was transferred to Irish short haul airline Euroceltic Airways by February 2001.

* It is not clear on when the aircraft ceased operations with Euroceltic Airways, but by June 2005, open sources reported that it was delivered to the Philippine Air Force. The gap between June 2005 until it was considered completed on September 2006 may have included time to prepare it for military aviation service.

* Fokker F27-500 t/n 10669 is currently the youngest" F27 Friendship aircraft in the Philippine Air Force service, considering the oldest F27 the PAF ever had is still in service as well, F27-200 with t/n 59-0259 which was delivered to the PAF back in 1959!

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4. UH-1H (EDA) Support Acquisition / Upgrade Project

Overview:

The project involves the costs involved in support of the acquisition and upgrade of UH-1H helicopters acquired by the Philippine Air Force via Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program of the United States Department of Defense.

Not much is known about the procurement process of the project, who the bidders were and who won the project contract, and the project's Approved Budget of Contract (ABC).

As of the moment, we only know that this project exists, and that it was worth Php8,630,000.00, and was completed on May 2007.

It is believed that this project included logistics support (shipping and delivery from determined points like pier to airbase, and other logistics requirements.

It is believed that this project involves logistics support and handling of delivery of UH-1H Huey helicopters. Photo for representation only, credits to CONTACT magazine.

Project Summary:

UH-1H (EDA) Support Acquisition/Upgrade Project:

Note: Edited as of 02 April 2023.

* End User: Philippine Air Force (205th Tactical Helicopter Wing)

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Unknown, TBC

* Acquisition Mode: Unknown, TBC

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

* Winning Proponent: Unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: Services involved to support UH-1H acquisition and upgrade.

* Contract Price: Php8,630,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Unknown, TBC.

* Status: Services delivery completed as of May 2007. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 02 April 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource