DND to spend P7.9 B for new assault vehicles, helicopters

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is spending P7.9 billion for the acquisition of eight new Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and two Anti-Submarine Helicopters (ASH) to hasten the capability upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Defense Assistant Secretary Efren Fernandez, vice chairman of the DND Bids and Awards Committee, said the opening of bids for the eight AAVs worth P2.5 billion will be held on May 15.

The winning bidder is required to deliver the AAVs with Integrated Logistic Support within 910 calendar days from the date of opening of the letter of credit, Fernandez said in a public notice posted on the DND website.

The Bids and Awards Committee will conduct the opening of bids for the two ASHs worth P5.405 billion on July 3. The ASHs should have munitions, mission essential equipment and Integrated Logistic Support.

“The schedule for the second-stage bidding shall be announced later,” said DND Undersecretary Natalio Ecarma, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee.

The DND has also completed pre-negotiations with the Israeli Aerospace Industries to acquire three surveillance radars worth P2.6 billion.

The surveillance radars will be installed to monitor disputed areas in South China Sea in response to China’s aggression in the contested waters.

Moreover, the government awarded defense contracts worth $421.12 million to South Korea for the procurement of a squadron of FA-50 lead-in fighter jets and eight military helicopters from Canada for $106 million.

These defense deals for big ticket items are part of the Philippines’ multibillion-peso military upgrade program, particularly for units tasked to patrol the disputed territories in the South China Sea.