Radio, 20W HF/SSB Manpack (Phase II) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

With the transition of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps to use the modern and new Harris 5800 Falcon II family of manpack radios by 2004, it was clear that any follow-on requirements will place the Falcon II system as priority.

A follow-on order was indeed made, with Harris Corporation directly contracted to supply additional units under the Radio, 20W HF/SSB (Phase II) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines).

The Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II manpack secured communications radio.

===============

Project Summary:

Radio, 20W HF/SSB Manpack (Phase II) Joint Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 23 November 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) (multiple units)

* Quantity: 246 units (231 units for Philippine Army, 15 units for Philippine Marine Corps)

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

* Project ABC: Php338,500,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement (Direct Contracting)

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

* Winning Proponent: Harris Corporation (USA)

* Product for Delivery: Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II

* Contract Price: Php324,960,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php13,540,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBC

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAPMCRadio20WMPPhaseIIJointAcquisition

* Status: Follow-on order and underwent direct negotiation with Harris Corporation, which was contract to supply a similar requirement in 2003. Awarded to Harris Corporation USA in 2004, with Contract approved as of 19 August 2004. Completed delivery as of 01 June 2005, declared completed by DND as of June 2005. PROJECT COMPLETED.

===============

Overview:

As modernization of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines start to proceed, it was determined that tactical communications should be given top priority as the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been using legacy military radios from the 1970s and early 1980s, many of which have become difficult to sustain, and difficult to replace.

Many of the frontline units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been supplanting the lack of tactical communication systems with commercially-available handheld and manpack radios, which are easily intercepted by civilians and insurgent groups which are also using similar systems.

Until the early 2000s, the PA and PMC were still using old military radio systems from the 1970s and 1980s including the American-made AN/PRC-77 (top) and Filipino-made VETRONIX Patrolfone series (above). Photo credits to Wikipedia.

This resulted in the enemy gaining knowledge on movement and information of the PA and PMC units that may have been used to either ambush government forces, or escape from their movement.

It was also recommended by the Joint Military Assistance Group - Philippines (JUSMAG-P) that this should be given utmost attention.

With these, a decision to procure modern tactical communication systems have been prioritized, with several projects meant to provide base, manpack, and hand held secure communication radios have been raised.

Priority was given on acquisition of new tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Philippine Army.

Two earlier contracts were made with US company Harris Corporation for the supply of both the Harris RF-5800H-MP manpack and RF-5800V-HH handheld radios, and it would be reasonable for the DND to just order the same equipment for commonality.

For the Radio, 20W High Frequency (HF) / Single Side Band (SSB) Manpack Phase II, an additional 246 units of new manpack radios was ordered, with231 units destined for the Philippine Army, and 15 units for the Philippine Marine Corps. 

The Harris 5800H Falcon II was then the prevailing model that is also being used actively by the US Armed Forces. The Falcon II family consisted of base, manpack and handheld radios, all of which the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps will ultimately acquire.

The RF-5800 Falcon II family of tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Rallce.com.

The Department of National Defense confirmed that deliveries to both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps were completed by 01 June 2005, with the DND declaring the project completed as of June 2005.

===============

With the Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II radios already delivered and formally activated with different units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, as well as the declaration from the Department of National Defense of project completion as June 2005, MaxDefense / Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Radio, 20W HF/SSB (Phase II) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

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===============
First posted and released on 23 November 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Radio, 2W VHF/FM Handheld (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

In the early 2000s, the Philippine Army (PA), together with the Philippine Navy on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) raised the acquisition of new tactical military secured communication systems as a high priority to start the modernization of its forces.

Several projects were raised related to this, to replace many of its ageing tactical communication systems. 

One of the first projects of the AFP Modernization Program - Capability Upgrade Program, the Radio, 20W VHF/FM (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) called for the purchase of 1,956 units of new handheld secured communication radios.

The RF-5800V-HH Falcon II handheld secure communication radios. Photo credits to Rallce.com.

===============

Project Summary:

Radio, 2W VHF/FM Handheld (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 23 November 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) (multiple units)

* Quantity: 1,956 units (1,853 units to Philippine Army, 103 units to Philippine Marine Corps)

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

* Project ABC: Php408,070,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Harris Corporation (USA)

* Product for Delivery: Harris RF-5800V-HH Falcon II handheld

* Contract Price: Php391,747,200.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php16,322,800.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBC

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAPMCRadio2WHHPhaseIJointAcquisition

* Status: Awarded to Harris Corporation USA in 2003, and Contract approved as of 04 June 2004. Harris provided 8 additional handheld radios as complement. All radios were delivered as of 21 March 2005, with the tactical headsets delivered by 21 April 2005. Completed delivery as of May 2005, declared completed by DND as of May 2005. PROJECT COMPLETED.

===============

Overview:

As modernization of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines start to proceed, it was determined that tactical communications should be given top priority as the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been using legacy military radios from the 1970s and early 1980s, many of which have become difficult to sustain, and difficult to replace.

Many of the frontline units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been supplanting the lack of tactical communication systems with commercially-available handheld and manpack radios, which are easily intercepted by civilians and insurgent groups which are also using similar systems.

Until the early 2000s, the PA and PMC were still using old military radio systems from the 1970s and 1980s including the American-made AN/PRC-77 (top) and Filipino-made VETRONIX Patrolfone series (above). Manpack radios were used for longer-ranged communication while civilian handheld and manpack radios were used for short-range / squad or platoon level communications. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

This resulted in the enemy gaining knowledge on movement and information of the PA and PMC units that may have been used to either ambush government forces, or escape from their movement.

It was also recommended by the Joint Military Assistance Group - Philippines (JUSMAG-P) that this should be given utmost attention.

With these, a decision to procure modern tactical communication systems have been prioritized, with several projects meant to provide base, manpack, and hand held secure communication radios have been raised.

Priority was given on acquisition of new tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Philippine Army.

For the Radio, 2W Very High Frequency (VHF) / Frequency Modulation (FM) Handheld Phase I, an acquisition for 1,956 units of new manpack radios was made, with 1,853 units to be delivered to the Philippine Army, and 103 units to the Philippine Marine Corps. 

Despite a public tender, preference for American systems was obvious since interoperability was being eyed. This led to the winning of Harris Corporation in 2003, which will deliver tactical secure radios, including providing logistics support and training for the operators.

The Harris 5800H Falcon II was then the prevailing model that is also being used actively by the US Armed Forces. The Falcon II family consisted of base, manpack and handheld radios, all of which the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps will ultimately acquire.

The RF-5800 Falcon II family of tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Rallce.com.

Deliveries of the handheld radios were completed as of 21 March 2005, although the tactical headsets were delivered separately on 21 April 2005. 

In addition, Harris Corporation provided 8 additional handheld radio sets as a complement.

The Department of National Defense confirmed that deliveries to both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps were completed by May 2005.

The Harris RF-5800V-HH Falcon II radio.

===============

With the Harris RF-5800V-HH Falcon II radios already delivered and formally activated with different units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, as well as the declaration from the Department of National Defense of project completion as May 2005, MaxDefense / Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Radio, 2W VHF/FM (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

===============
===============
First posted and released on 23 November 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Radio, 20W HF/SSB Manpack (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

In the early 2000s, the Philippine Army (PA), together with the Philippine Navy on behalf of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) raised the acquisition of new tactical military secured communication systems as a high priority to start the modernization of its forces.

Several projects were raised related to this, to replace many of its ageing tactical communication systems. 

One of the first projects of the AFP Modernization Program - Capability Upgrade Program, the Radio, 20W HF/SSB (Phase I) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) called for the purchase of 325 units of new secured Manpack radio.

The Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II man-portable radio.

===============

Project Summary:

Radio, 20W HF/SSB Manpack (Phase 1) Joint Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 23 November 2024.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) (multiple units)

* Quantity: 325 units

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

* Project ABC: Php445,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

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

* Winning Proponent: Harris Corporation (USA)

* Product for Delivery: Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II

* Contract Price: Php427,432,320.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php17,567,680.00

* First post by MaxDefense: TBC

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAPMCRadio20WMPJointAcquisition

* Status: Awarded to Harris Corporation USA in 2003. Completed delivery as of 19 May 2004, declared completed by DND as of May 2004. PROJECT COMPLETED.

===============

Overview:

As modernization of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines start to proceed, it was determined that tactical communications should be given top priority as the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been using legacy military radios from the 1970s and early 1980s, many of which have become difficult to sustain, and difficult to replace.

Many of the frontline units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps have been supplanting the lack of tactical communication systems with commercially-available handheld and manpack radios, which are easily intercepted by civilians and insurgent groups which are also using similar systems.

Until the early 2000s, the PA and PMC were still using old military radio systems from the 1970s and 1980s including the American-made AN/PRC-77 (top) and Filipino-made VETRONIX Patrolfone series (above). Photo credits to Wikipedia.

This resulted in the enemy gaining knowledge on movement and information of the PA and PMC units that may have been used to either ambush government forces, or escape from their movement.

It was also recommended by the Joint Military Assistance Group - Philippines (JUSMAG-P) that this should be given utmost attention.

With these, a decision to procure modern tactical communication systems have been prioritized, with several projects meant to provide base, manpack, and hand held secure communication radios have been raised.

Priority was given on acquisition of new tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Philippine Army.

For the Radio, 20W High Frequency (HF) / Single Side Band (SSB) Manpack Phase I, an acquisition for 325 units of new manpack radios was made, with majority to be for the Philippine Army, and the rest to the Philippine Marine Corps. 

Despite a public tender, preference for American systems was obvious since interoperability was being eyed. This led to the winning of Harris Corporation in 2003, which will deliver tactical secure radios, including providing logistics support and training for the operators.

The Harris 5800H Falcon II was then the prevailing model that is also being used actively by the US Armed Forces. The Falcon II family consisted of base, manpack and handheld radios, all of which the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps will ultimately acquire.

The RF-5800 Falcon II family of tactical secured communication radios. Photo credits to Rallce.com.

The Department of National Defense confirmed that deliveries to both the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps were completed by 19 May 2004, although it was not clear how the distribution was made between the two services.

===============

With the Harris RF-5800H-MP Falcon II radios already delivered and formally activated with different units of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps, as well as the declaration from the Department of National Defense of project completion as May 2004, MaxDefense / Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Radio, 20W HF/SSB (Phase 1) Joint Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

===============
===============
First posted and released on 23 November 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

WEAPON-PMCBAC-2025-01 - Squad Automatic Weapon (2025) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines)

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of additional new 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW).

This was to improve the overall firepower delivery capability of individual Marine squads, while also replacing older and heavier SAWs.

With this, the Philippine Marine Corps, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invited manufacturers and suppliers of light machine guns to submit a bid for the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Acquisition Project (2025).

Project Summary:

Squad Automatic Weapon (2025) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 13 November 2024

* Project Number: WEAPON-PMCBAC-2025-01

* End User: Philippine Navy (Philippine Marine Corps)

* Quantity: 73 units

* Modernization Phase: Philippine Navy GAA Acquisition for 2024

* Project ABC: Php45,885,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Navy GAA Funds for 2024

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: TBA

* Product for Delivery: TBA

* Contract Price: TBA

* Residual Difference (Savings): TBC

* First post by MaxDefense: 13 November 2024 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PMCSAW2025Acquisition 

* Status: Public tender was opened on 24 September 2024, SOBE was scheduled on 15 October 2024. 

==============

Overview:

The Philippine Marine Corps have recently acquired a batch of 160 units of new MFR56 light squad automatic weapons made by Turkiye's System Defence, as the service starts to replaced damaged or lost squad automatic weapons over the years.

In addition, a follow-on acquisition was made for 73 more SAWs was made in 2023, with the MFR56 light SAW again winning the tender and is scheduled for delivery to the Philippine Marine Corps by 2025.

As the PMC continues to require more new SAWs for its Marine squads, another tender was released on September 2024 for the acquisition of another 73 units, which would allow more Marine units to transition from their exisiting FN Minimi and M60E3/E4 machine guns to a more versatile model.

Prior to the introduction of the first batch of MRF56 light SAWs, typical Marine Squads are using the M60E3/E4 7.62mm machine guns, which are heavier than a 5.56mm SAW at more than 10.5 kilograms for the machine gun alone. In comparison, typical 5.56mm SAWs or even newer 7.62mm light machine guns weight less than 8.5 kilograms.

Providing a lighter SAW helps the automatic rifleman, as shaving a few kilos off the weight of his weapon allows for reasonable comfort and better movement.

The PMC's primary LMG is the M60E3 or M60E4 7.62mm machine guns, as seen here carried by PMC MARSOG personnel during the Battle of Marawi. Photo credits to original source.

It is expected that Turkiye's System Defence and its Filipino partner Topshot Guns International may again win this public bidding, banking on their experience, the technical specifications and commonality with previously-acquired SAWs.

System Defence's MFR56 light machine gun, which is being touted as the "world's lightest dual-fed machine gun" as it weighs only 4.25 kilograms.

It appears that the PMC has been satisfied with the MFR56 light machine guns which prompted them to procure another batch, despite indirectly through public bidding.

Technical Requirements:

Unlike the previous tenders for SAWs, the Philippine Marine Corps were less specific in the overall dimensions of the light machine gun, and instead focused on specifics or barrel, sight, etc.

Caliber: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO
Barrel: quick changeable, made of high-carbon alloy steel, 1:7 rifling, 6 grooves RH

Design: air cooled

Receiver Assembly Material Composition: High-carbon alloy steel
Rail Interface: MID STD 1913 
Operating System: Gas-Operated or Gas Piston
Feeding: capable of accepting STANAG M16 30-round magazine, or belt-fed with standard 200-rounds ammo box

Major Accessories:
* 2 x 30-round STANAG magazines per SAW
* 2 x 200-round ammunition box/magazine per SAW
* 1 x 2-point Tactical Sling per SAW
* 1 x Reflex Optic Sight per SAW
* 1 x Spare Barrel per SAW

The MFR56, part of the initial 160 units acquired in 2021, during testing conducted in Cavite in 2023. Photo credits to Edwin Ano of Topshot Guns.

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U P D A T E S:
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First edit and release: 13 November 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

ORD-PABAC-025-24 Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon with PGM Axquisition Project (2024) of the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PMC) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of new Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapons (MMAW) with Precision Guided Munition (PGM) capabilities.

This was to provide the service with new anti-armor capabilities, which could also be used in shore and beach defense against enemy amphibious assault vehicles or landing crafts. 

Being the first batch to acquire such capabilities, it is expected to be a multi-year acquisition and we believe more will be acquired by the PA using their annual Capital Outlay funding.

Project Summary:

Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon with Precision Guided Munition (2024) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 11 November 2024

* Project Number: -ORD-PABAC-025-24

* End User: Philippine Army (most likely Special Forces (Airborne) Regiment)

* Quantity: 5 launchers, 10 missiles

* Modernization Phase: Philippine Army Capital Outlay for 2024

* Project ABC: Php208,333,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Army GAA Capital Outlay Funds for 2024

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: LIG Nex1 Co. Ltd.

* Product for Delivery: AT-1K Raybolt antitank missiles and launcher

* Contract Price: Php205,329,160.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php3,003,840.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 21 May 2024

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAMMAW2024Acquisition 

* Status: Public tender was opened on May 2024, SOBE was scheduled on 11 June 2024. South Korea's LIG Nex1 Co. Ltd. was declared the Single Calculated Bidder, with a Notice of Award was released in their favor on 09 Ocrober 2024. LIG Nex1 offered the AT-1K Raybolt anti-tank missile system.

==============

Overview:

The Philippine Army has been pushing to acquire Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapons (MMAW) which was also included in the Horizon 2 phase priority acquisition.

Previously the requirement is for unguided systems, closely similar to light anti-tank weapons or recoilless rifles to replace existing old units.

But changes in priorities have pushed back the acquisition of MMAWs, with the existing RPG-7-type rocket propelled grenade launchers instead fitted with more powerful bunker busting thermobaric rounds for anti-bunker operations, as well as High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds for use against light armored vehicles.

With the changes in priorities, the project was among those that were reviewed by the Philippine Army in light of the War in Ukraine, and it was now decided to revise the requirement to now use anti-tank missile systems, with fire and forget capabilities and able to actually destroy main battle tanks.

It still remains to be seen if the Philippine Army will still acquire light anti-tank/anti-bunker weapons since there have been recent interest in Saab's M4 Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles.

But it now appears that acquisition of anti-tank missile systems will be made using annual Capital Outlay allocations to the Philippine Army ibstead of under the modernization program, no different from any small arms/infantry weapons.

The Philippine Army already gained some baclground on the Javelin missile system as they were used during recent exercises. Photo xredits to DVIDS.

Technical Requirements:

Based on the technical specifications provided by the Philippine Army, the MMAWs shall have the following:

Range: at least 2,000 meters
Caliber: maximum of 130mm
Overall Weight: maximum of 30 kilograms including launch tube assembly, missile and battery coolant, and command /control/observation launch unit

Missile Length: between 900mm to 1,300mm

Seeker: Imaging Infrared (IIR) minimum

Guidance Sysrem: Infrared Homing, Fire and Forget

Warhead: Tandem or Dual Charge, HEAT

Attack mode: Top attack with minimum engagement range of 150m, Direct Attack with minimum engagement range of 65m

Hit Probability: at least 90%

Possible Options:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines believes that possible candidatea could be Rafael's Spike MR, LIG Nex1's AT-1K Raybolt, and Raytheon's FGM-148 Javelin.

Price-wise, the Javelin appears to be the most expensive, which will affect its selectability since this procurement is being done by Public Bidding.

The AT-1K Raybolt could have a better chance due to its minimum engagement eange compares to the Spike MR, although Spike MR may benefit from supportability since the Philippine Navy operates the longer-ranged Spike ER and Spike NLOS.

The Rafael Spike (Top) and LIG Nex1 Raybolt (above) are most likely to contend for this project. Photo credita to Rafael and LIG Nex1.

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U P D A T E S:
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11 November 2024:

The Philippine Army has releases the Nortce of Award for the project in favor of South Korea's LIG Nex1 Co. Ltd. last 09 October 2024.

LIG Nex1 is offering its AT-1K Raybolt anti-tank missile system, which has fire and forget capability using an infrared image seeker, capable of direct or top attack modes, and has a tandem warhead to defeat explosive reactive armor.

The AT-+K Raybolt from LIG Nex1.

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First edit and release: 11 November 2024
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Refurbished UH-1 Helicopter Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Department of National Defense (DND) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of 21 refurbished UH-1 Huey combat utility helicopters, which would help bridge the capability gap in providing tactical logistics and transport requirements of the Philippine Air Force, while it builds up its fleet with new helicopters.

Due to the lack of available funding for the procurement of numerous new combat utility helicopters, the DND has decided to include the acquisition of refurbished helicopters to give the PAF the numbers it require with the limited funding available.

This would allow the PAF to meet its short to medium-term capability requirements, as it await for more funding to allow for the procurement of brand new combat utility helicopters that will ultimately replace the Bell UH-1 Huey fleet.

The Dornier UH-1D Super Delta upgraded version while undergoing flight testing at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. The Fastfin system is visible from this angle. Photo by Tim Q. Maceren, taken from his FB page.

Project Summary:

Refurbished UH-1 Helicopter Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 10 November 2024.

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

* Quantity: 21 UH-1 Huey combat utility helicopters

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

* Project ABC: Php1,264,980,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement after two failed Public Bidding attempts

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

* SARO Release: TBC

* Winning Proponent: Rice Aircraft Services (USA) - Eaglecopter (Canada) Joint Venture

* Product for Delivery: 13 UH-1D Delta Huey and 8 UH-1D Super Delta Huey combat utility helicopters

* Contract Price: Php1,263,600,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php1,320,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 29 December 2023

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFRefurbishedUH1Acquisition

* Deliver Status: Involves overhaul and upgrade initially planned for procurement through Public Bidding, but shifted to Negotiated Procurement. Project awarded to the Joint Venture of Rice Aviation Services and Eaglecopter in 2013, with the delivery of 21 helicopters expected to be completed by late 2014. The proponent failed to delivery all 21 helicopters by April 2015, which prompted the DND to cancel the contract and only accept 13 helicopters that have completed acceptance by the PAF. PROJECT PARTIALLY COMPLETED.

One of the UH-1D delivered by Rice Aircraft Services undergoing testing at Clark Air Base.
Photo taken by Tim Q. Maceren, taken from his FB page.

===============

Overview:

This project was specifically for the acquisition of 21 refurbished UH-1 helicopters for the Philippine Air Force. 13 units will be standard models, while 8 will be upgraded models. All are expected to be used and refurbished by the winning bidder before delivery. 

The PAF decided to acquire more UH-1 helicopters as funding to acquire new helicopters are scarce, with the government only providing enough to acquire 8 new combat utility helicopters from 2013 until 2017. With only a budget of more than Php1.2 billion, the acquisition of more UH-1, being the PAF's premier combat utility helicopter model, was still found to be the best solution

This is because despite its age, it was believed by the Philippine Air Force that the platform still have potential for effective use for another 10 to 15 years after proper maintenance and continued refurbishing and modernization. 

Aside from this, there is an urgent need to beef up the helicopter fleet as many of the PAF's UH-1H helicopters have not entered refurbishing works and modernization, ending up as non-flying assets after reaching a certain period.

Although there are plans to refurbish current PAF helicopters, it might take long before this can fully take place. Acquiring readily available units is still considered the fastest way to acquire additional assets.

Originally the project was being procured through Public Bidding, opening the tender to several foreign and local-based companies specializing in the UH-1 Huey family of helicopters.

But two failed public biddings pushed the Department of National Defense to start Negotiated Procurement process with proponents, which includes the Joint Venture of American company Rice Aviation Services and Canadian company Eaglecopter, and Israeli company Radom Aviation Systems Ltd.

The Joint Venture of Rice Aviation Services and Eaglecopter was selected by the DND, which underwent and passed the necessary pre-contract requirements before awarded the project in 2013.

Videos below show the helicopters prior to delivery to the Philippine Air Force:

During tests in the US prior to delivery to the Philippines:

During pre-acceptance testing at Clark Airbase, Pampanga:

Rice Aviation Services opted to supply the Philippine Air Force with former German Bundeswehr Bell-Dornier UH-1D Delta Huey combat utility helicopters, which will be refurbished and upgraded as part of the contract.

Germany was also able to acquire a license to build the Bell UH-1 helicopter by Dornier Flugzeugwerke. This would later be called the Dornier UH-1D, and in spite of having the "D" series label, is actually standard UH-1H. According to online sources, more than 350 units were built from 1967 to 1981,and majority have undergone Service Life Extension Program and upgraded avionics for night capability. 

13 units will be standard UH-1D Delta Hueys, while 8 units will be upgraded to UH-1D Super Delta Hueys, which is said to be almost similar to the Huey II the PAF is already operating. It features a more powerful engine, a fastfin system, night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, and other features not present on the standard UH-1D or UH-1H.

All helicopters are expected to be delivered by late 2014.

By April 2015, the Rice Aviation Services - Eaglecopter JV has failed to deliver all 21 units, with only 7 units, which prompted the DND to cancel the contract and only accept the helicopters already accepted by the PAF.

But our parent page MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation directly from Rice Aviation Services and confirmed by PAF sources that a total of 13 helicopters were actually delivered and accepted, as 5 helicopters were already in the acceptance stage by the time the contract was cancelled.

The 13 helicopters are composed of 9 standard UH-1D Delta Huey and 4 UH-1D Super Delta Hueys delivered to the Philippine Air Force.

A UH-1D undergoing testing at Clark Air Base. Note the fastfin installed at the tail end of the helicopter. This could be one of the UH-1D Super Delta, which is an upgraded version of the UH-1D. Photo taken by Tim Q. Maceren, taken from his FB page.

Rice Aviation Services tried to overturn the decision, claiming the 8 other helicopters are already in Clark and are in different levels of pre-acceptance by the PAF.

Reports surfaced that the helicopters did not come with night vision goggle-compatible cockpits, and did not have self-sealing fuel tanks. But these were countered by the PAF's test pilots saying that the helicopters performed well and met their technical requirements. 

It remains to be seen what are the facts, although in the end the DND's decision to cancel the contract prevailed,  and the remaining 8 UH-1D helicopters were not delivered to the PAF and remained in the hands of Rice Aviation Services.

All 13 accepted helicopters were assigned with the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

Unfortunately, the helicopters were involved in serious accidents during its short service with the PAF. 2 units were involved in separate incidents, crashing and lost. A 3rd incident on July 2020 grounded the entire fleet of UH-1D helicopters, and ultimately the Philippine Air Force decided to retire the fleet by 13 October 2021.

According to PAF sources who were able to talk to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, all 10 remaining helicopters were in good working order when retired, and were placed in reserve, considering the PAF was still operating a few upgraded UH-1H Super Huey and Huey II combat utility and rescue helicopters.

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U P D A T E S:

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14 July 2015

The Philippine Air Force conducted demonstration flights with the media using the controversial Dornier UH-1D Huey helicopters it bought from Rice Aircraft Services Inc. to show to them that the aircraft are airworthy despite claims by a whistleblower that they are sitting in hangars due to problems. 

They brought in 2 Bell UH-1H also to let the media see the similarities and differences of the 2 models, aside from letting to ride the helicopters around the city. 

All photo credits to the Philippine Air Force.

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With 13 Bell-Dornier UH-1D Delta Huey and Super Delta Huey combat utility helicopters delivered to the Philippine Air Force as of April 2015, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the MD-520MG Upgrade Project of the Philippine Air Force as COMPLETED.

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First edit and release: 10 November 2024
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines