Spanish firm bags ammo supply deal

MANILA, Philippines — A Spanish firm has bagged the P63.3-million deal to supply ammunition for the Navy’s Jose Rizal-class frigates which are expected to arrive next year.

The Department of National Defense (DND) awarded the contract to Expal Systems SA, which won the bid to supply ammunition for the Oto Melara 76mm rapid guns of frigates.

The project had an approved budget of P77.5 million and Expal’s P63-million bid fell within the approved budget for the contract.

The DND bids and awards committee also found Expal “legally, technically and financially capable to undertake the procurement project.”

Navy spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata said the Oto Melara rapid gun was chosen for the frigates for its rate of fire of around 120 rounds per minute, and ability to shoot down air targets, including missiles.