PH brand new frigates’ armaments will be procured separately

From AngMalaya (Aug 12): PH brand new frigates’ armaments will be procured separately

“There will be two [projects]. The acquisition of armaments will be treated as a separate project,” Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said to philstar.com. According to Velez the the armaments of two brand new frigates the government is acquiring will be procured separately.

This means that the Philippine government will be able to choose what armaments will be fitted to these two warships as per what the country needs.

Many are afraid that this latest development on frigate acquisition project may cause delay. But, this may also fast track the project. We must take note that not all shipbuilders are weapon specialist or arms dealer.

The DND is expected to start the procurement process for the said armaments before the year ends. The DND may enter into a negotiated procurement or opt for a 2 stage bidding process.

As reported last month by Philippine News Agency, the state-of-art frigate specification is already forwarded to Philippine Navy’s leadership to get their comments and approval. The report added that these warships will be fitted with variety of weapon systems capable of dealing with surface, sub-surface and air threats.

Approximately PhP2.5 billion will be allocated for the armaments and PhP15.5 billion for two frigates.

Six firms including Navantia Sepi of Spain, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding of South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. of South Kores, Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc. of South Korea, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, and STX France SA are bidding for the said project.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/08/12/3056-ph-brand-new-frigates-armaments-will-be-procured-separately