Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project

Sea Eagle

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Technical Specifications:
Budget: Php 18 billion for 2 brand-new frigates.
Capabilities:
- Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW);
- Extended Maritime Patrol with embarked helicopter;
- Operation on up to Sea State 6

Dimesions: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design)
Displacement: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design)
Range: 4,500 nautical miles @ 15 knots;
Endurance: 30 days in tropical condition;
Speed: maximum continuous of 25 knots;
Boats Carried: minimum of 2 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats;

Operating Environment:
- Operation at Sea State 6,
- Non-degradation of warfare mission at Sea State 5;
- Helicopter operation at Sea State 4;
- RHIB operations at Sea State 3

Complement: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design), but will have a non-organic crew of 8 officers, 16 enlisted personnel (embarked Task Force/air crew/1 SEAL team.)

Propulsion: minimum of 2 engines with 2 propellers with reduction gear box;
Power Supply: minimum of 3 diesel generators;
Replenishment at Sea Capable.

Navigation Equipment:
- minimum 2 navigation radars (X-band and S-band), at least 1 in solid state design, capable of Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Automatic Tracking Aid (ATA);
- GPS;
- depth sounding set;
- vessel tracking system compatible to Philippine Navy's system

Communications:
- Standard VHF AM/FM and UHF radios;
- Satelite Communications (SATCOM) system;
- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system;
- "Fitted for but not with" Tactical Data Link (NATO standard), still to be determined which type, supplied by PN;
- Local Area Network (LAN);
-Connectivity to the PN's Littoral Observation Stations and Maritime Research Information Center.

Sensors, minimum requirement:
- Combat Management System (CMS), readily upgradable;
- Fire Control System integrated to CMS, can track and engage surface, air and missile targets simultaneously;
- Fire Control Radar and/or Electro-Optical targeting system;
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM) with Radio Detection and Finding (RDF);
- 2D air search radar for air surveillance and target acquisition, minimum range of 80nmi, can detect sea-skimming missiles with maximum altitude of 10ft., integrated to ESM and CMS;
- 2D surface search radar, can detect anti-ship missile threats minimum range of 40nmi, integrated to ESM and CMS;
- Passive and Active Sonar system;
- Decoy launcher minimum 6 tubes per side or centrally rotating launcher

Weapons Systems, minimum requirement:
- 76mm gun at forward section with target tracking radar and/or electro-optical target acquisition and fire control computer;
- 1 x stabilized secondary gun;
- 4 x 50-caliber machine guns;
- primary and secondary guns shall be integrated to combat management system;
- 4 x surface-to-surface missile launchers, minimum 50km range, active homing seeker and ECCM capability;
- surface-to-air missile launching system, minimum quadruple launcher, minimum 6km range, IR or semi-active homing seeker, with ECCM and/or IR CCM capability;
- anti-submarine torpedoes, minimum range 2km, minimum depth 500m, with acoustic countermeasures capability, 2 x triple launchers (one on each side);

Flight Capability: Hangar and deck facilities for at least 1 helicopter up to 10-tons.
Helicopter Hangar Dimensions: 14.3m L x 9.5m W x 4.5m H, capable of accepting 10-ton helicopter design;

Ammunition:
- minimum 10 rounds each for surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles;
- minimum 6 torpedo rounds and a dummy torpedo;
- minimum 652 rounds assorted 76mm ammunition;
- fragmentation and high explosive rounds for secondary gun;
- minimum 54 rounds for assorted chaffs and decoys;
- minimum of 2 ammunition storage spaces
==================
 

Sea Eagle

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The 1st stage of the bidding process for the acquisition of frigates for the Philippine Navy commenced on December 4, 2013. Out of the 14 entities that bought the bid documents, only 7 submitted their bids, and as follows:


1. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (South Korea);
2. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (India)
3. Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea);
4. Navantia - SEPI (Spain);
5. STX France SA (France);
6. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (South Korea);
7. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany);



Unfortunately, only 4 of the 7 submitted bids were deemed qualified by the DND's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), with the 3 companies said to have been unqualified were India's Garden Reach S&E, STX France, and Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Deficiencies were found on the submitted bids of the said entities, but the DND allowed them to file a motion for reconsideration. The deadline for the said MFR was not publicly known, but it would definitely be soon due to the urgency of the project.

In addition, there were also 7 other entities that bought the bid documents from the DND but did not submit a bid. The following entities are:

1. Damen Shipyards Group (Netherlands);
2. DCNS (France)
3. Fincantieri S.p.A. (Italy);
4. Magazon Dock - Pipavav Ltd. (India);
5. Piriou Naval Services (France);
6. Rouvia Yachts / Rouvia Defense Inc. (Philippines)
7. Stone of David (Philippines).
 

Sea Eagle

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Updated Analysis on the Bidders and Products:
Possible offers from the qualified bidders

1. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (DSME)
DSME is the world's 2nd largest shipbuilder and was also one of the participants in the Ulsan-class frigate project of the ROKN in the 1980s. They are also known for their recent frigate contracts with the Royal Thai Navy and Republic of Korea Navy with its DW-3000H and FFX-2 designs, respectively. For the Philippine Navy, it is unexpected for DSME to offer these designs exactly as they are due to costs and technical requirements. They might be offering at least 1 of 2 possible designs: a derivative of their DW-2500 frigate design which was originally offered to a neighboring navy before, or a reduced capability variant of the new and larger FFX Batch 2 frigate.

a. DW-2500H derivative - this is a design DSME reportedly offered to Thailand some years ago, and has a full load displacement of around 2,500 tons. It is actually an upsized derivative of the Bangladeshi Navy's Bangabandhu-class frigate which was based on the smaller DW-2000H design. The DW-2500H has a CODAD propulsion and can reach speeds of up to 28 knots and can carry a medium-sized naval helicopter. Based on the photo below, it appears that the ship's length is a little more than 100 meters, and is armed with a 76mm main gun, 2 8-cell VLS in the B-position, 2 x quad AShM launchers and 2 x triple torpedo tube launchers at midships, and 2 x medium caliber secondary guns, probably 40mm guns from Hyundai WIA acting as a CIWS system. Possible changes for the PN may include the absence of the 2 x 8-cell VLS in favor of a simpler, cheaper multiple VSHORAD missle system launcher, reduction of the number of SSM launchers, and the replacement of the 40mm CIWS system with a smaller PN-specific model although the chances of it being retained is also high.

b. FFX Batch 2 derivative - if the PN is luckier, DSME may also offer the new FFX-2 design with reduced capability, only retaining the hull but only meeting the minimum requirements with regards to the sensors, weapons, and EW systems. Unlike the older DW-2500H light frigate design, the new FFX-2 design is physically larger, heavier, has a sleeker stealthy design, and has a larger future growth margin. Possible items for replacement include the LIG Nex1 3D surveillance radar with a 2D variant, the 127mm main gun to a 76mm as specified either the 76mm Super Rapid from Oto Melara or a similar design from Hyundai WIA; the use of a automated 4-shot missile launcher for VSHORAD missile system similar to LIG Nex1's Chiron MMS instead of the KVLS system; removal of the ROKN-specified Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS and replaced by a system similar to the Mk. 38 Mod. 2; and reduction of anti-ship missile launchers to only 4 tubes.
DW-2000H derivative - this is actually a late 1990s design that was constantly updated by DSME for future projects. It is actually another derivative of the late 1970s Ulsan-class frigate design of the ROKN. Although it nearily has almost everything the PN is looking for, but it doesn't have the capability to carry a 10-ton naval helicopter and cannot meet the range and endurance requirements as specified by the PN.
 

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2. Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (HHI)
The world's largest shipbuilder, and is very familiar to MaxDefense readers due to its early involvement in the PN Frigate acquisition project when they reportedly offered the HDF-3000 design (more commonly known as the FFX-1 Incheon-class) at the same time as when the Italians are on talks with the DND for the Maestrale-class frigates.

a. HDF-3000 derivative - this is actually the model name of HHI's FFX-1 offering that ultimately became the Incheon-class frigate. It actually fits exactly on what the PN is looking for, but a reduced capability derivative may be offered instead to be within budget. The only problem with this design is in its growth margin allowances and space availability: it may be unable to accept a VLS system due to its tight space, unless if the PN opt to go for a RAM system in the future. HHI may also make modifications on its helicopter carrying capacity which requires it to take in a 10-ton model.
* Possible systems for replacement are the 127mm gun to a 76mm rapid fire main gun, the RAM system to a 4-shot VSHORAD system, the ROKN-specified Mk. 15 Phalanx with a PN-specified stabilized weapon mount, reduction of number of SSM tubes and missiles, and the downgrade of the radar system instead of using the LIG Nex1 3D surveillance radar system.

b. HDF-2000 derivative - unknown to many, HHI is still currently offering a smaller frigate design known as the HDF-2000, which is smaller, probably cheaper, and is a derivative of the ROKN's Ulsan-class frigate (which was actually built by several shipbuilders, including HHI and DSME). Physically it looks closer to the old Ulsan-class than DSME's DW-2000H design, down from the high position of the bridge, the position of the midship funnel, and the replacement of the aft with a hangar and helideck instead of more weapons stations. Speculatively it may have the same dimensions features and performance as the old Ulsan-class, such as the use of the CODOG propulsion and speeds of up to 33 knots, while also being more automated to reduce crew. Due to its similarity to DSME's DW-2000H design, it is not confirmed if the ship is capable of carrying the required helicopter tonnage as well as the space requirements.
 

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3. Navantia - Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (Navantia-SEPI)
Spain's largest and foremost naval shipbuilders is the only non-Korean bidder to break into the qualified list. Navantia is famous with their export of frigates, aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships to Australia, Thailand and Norway. There have been earlier reports that they have offered the Avante 1800 to the Philippine Navy for its other naval requirements (probably as corvettes or offshore patrol vessels), but missed on Navantia's offer of an Avente 2200 derivative for its light frigate requirements.

a. Avante 2200 derivative - this is the closest model from the Navantia's Avante line of patrol and combatant vessels that may suit the PN's requirements. Compared to the smaller Aante 1800 (discussed HERE previously), it has a larger dimension and heavier tonnage, has more spaces, and can meet the range and endurance requirements of the PN. A derivative of the Avante 2200 was also sold to the Venezuelan Navy a few years back.
It is possible that Navantia would make use of European weapons and sensors system, which may probably include missile systems from MBDA (probably Exocet Blk. 2 and Mistral VSHORAD missile systems), MU90 lightweight torpedoes, 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun, and mostly radar and sensors from either Thales or Selex.
 

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4. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (STX)
STX is the 4th largest shipbuilding company in the world, as is actually the mother company of STX France. They may share the same designs and it is possible that they will actually offer a similar design, with STX offering more Korean systems in its offer.

a. HHI HDF-3000 derivative - being one of the appointed builders of the FFX Batch 1 Incheon-class frigate for the ROKN, it is highly possible that STX may be allowed to use the base design of the ship from HHI, with some design modifications coming from STX. It may also have the same systems as the HDF-3000 offer from HHI although it is possible that they will try to undertake HHI in some way or another.
If this pushes through, expect a very similar fit-out of weapons and sensors system as HHI's offer, mostly Korean-made systems.

b. KCG 3,000-ton Patrol Vessel derivative - STX was awarded a contract to build two 3,000-ton offshore patrol vessel for the Korean Coast Guard, which is actually a design shared with one of its competitor HHI. This design, with further design changes to meet naval requirements, may be used by the shipbuilder for its frigate offer to the Philippine Navy.
 

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5. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE)
Although the name sounds more farm than sea, GSRE is actually one of India's more experienced naval shipbuilders and has experience in building frigate-sized vessels for the Indian Navy.


a. Kamorta-class large corvette derivative - This is currently the newest design from GSRE that is within the specified requirements of the PN. Actually considered as an ASW corvette for the Indian Navy, the base design can actually be modified to suit the PN needs. The original Kamorta-class uses a mixture of Indian, Russian and Israeli systems, although it is possible for GSRE to modify their design and remove Russian and even Indian systems from their offer*. At around 109 meters long and a displacement of 2,500 tons, this corvette is actually on the same size category as its frigate competitors from Korea and Europe. A recent grounding during sea trials may also not be helpful to GSRE as it was found that there were mechanical problems encountered that caused the accident.
Russian weapons systems like the AK-630M CIWS, RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, and Klub AShM systems can be replaced by similar systems from Israel like the Typhoon stabilized gun and Gabriel 5 - Advanced Naval Attack Missile. The Barak air defense missile system from Israel may be retained. Radars, sonar, EW, CMS, and other electronic systems from India may also be replaced by either Israeli systems from IAI-Elta or European systems from Thales
 

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6. STX France SA
The European sub-company of Korea's STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, based in France is one of Europe's foremost shipbuilders. Like its Korean mother company, STX France has its share of building frigate-sized naval vessels although it is possible that they would be offering a similar design as their Korean counterparts
 

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7. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH
The German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp is well known for its MEKO series of vessels that has been updated for almost 30 years to suit different requirements of navies around the world. The MEKO series is one of the most successful naval products and new products have been unveiled to make them competitive in an ever-changing world market.

a. Blohm+Voss MEKO A100 corvette series - a smaller derivative of the more expensive MEKO A200 frigate series, this might be the best offer ThyssenKrupp may offer. It may definitely be made to fit the PN's budget, at the same time meet its requirements. It is only around 98 meters long, range and endurance that meet the PN requirement, and has a displacement of around 2,400 tons although these can all be adjusted if necessary. It has the capability to handle 1 or even 2 10-ton helicopters, and can be fitted with the weapon and sensors systems specified by the PN. The Royal Malaysian Navy actually uses the MEKO A100 design as its Kedah-class patrol vessels which are actually neutered corvettes.

All credits to Max Defense
 

Sea Eagle

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May 1, 2014
- The Department of National Defense (DND) accepted the motions for reconsideration of 2 out of the 3 companies that were disqualified during the pre-qualification stage. The 2 companies are Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Ltd. and STX France, SA. The 3rd company, Thyssenkrupp Marine System, remains disqualified from the bidding. The 2 newly qualified companies will be given 5 days each to present their products to the Philippine Navy Technical Working Group and their Private Consultants.
:D

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2...ts-indian-french-shipbuilders-frigate-program
 

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