Photo by Frances Mangosing/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy hopes to get additional amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) in a bid to further enhance its modernization efforts.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said they would need 16 more AAVs as it aimed to acquire two more strategic sealift vessels in addition to its two existing units.
NOW: Commissioning ceremony for Philippine Navy’s new amphibious assault vehicles and multi purpose attack craft pic.twitter.com/BwYJBAdMpU
— Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 (@FMangosingINQ) September 23, 2019
The two landing platform docks have a budget of around P5-billion. Bidding for the project is scheduled for Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.
“With the force mix of six AAVs per strategic sealift vessel, we need additional 16 AAVs since we will acquire two more strategic sealift vessels,” Empedrad said in his speech at the ceremonial blessing of four new AAVs and 3 MPACs at the Navy headquarters in Manila.
The four newly-commissioned AAVs are part of the eight new AAVs from Hanwha Defense. The other four were earlier commissioned in June.
“The versatile AAVs not only enhance by large ship-to-shore capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps but can also provide combat firepower in different types of terrain as well as protection of Marine warriors,” he said.
During the blessing ceremony, Hanwha Defense also donated P20 million-worth of mission essential equipment for the AAVs.
12 more MPAC
Empedrad said they have also programmed the acquisition of 12 MPAC for the second phase of the modernization program.
“We also programmed to acquire 12 more MPAC in the second horizon until we reach our desired force mix of 42 MPAC,” he said.
The three newly-acquired MPAC are in addition to the three missile-fitted fast attack craft of the Philippine Navy.
The new fast attack craft will be placed under the 4th Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet activated last Sept. 12.
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