Missiles for MPACs

A gunboat with Spike-ER installed

The Philippines will buy additional sea vessels worth P270 million to improve territorial protection operations, an official said Saturday.

The Spike-ER Anti Tank Guided Weapon (ATGW) is the extended long-range version of the Spike family, capable of defeating tanks at a range of up to 8 kilometers. This missile is designed for installation on land vehicles, helicopters and naval platforms. Spike-ER uses a day seeker or day/night seeker, tandem warhead, and retains the dual operation modes of Spike- Fire-and-Forget & Fire-Observe and Update.

In a statement, Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said they are already accepting bidders for the acquisition of three more Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) which has the ability to launch missiles.

“The winning bidder must be able to deliver the MPAC within 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit,” said Manalo, chairman of the DND special bids and awards committee.

Sadral Missile System mounted on a Navy vessel...

Once the sea crafts are delivered, another separate contract will be given to the supplier for the missile launch system and remote weapon installation.

The Philippine Navy is currently utilizing its two sea war vessels, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Gregorio del Pilar, and three peacock-class gun boats in patrolling and protecting areas, including the disputed West Philippine Sea.