Proponent for Batch 4 Assault Crafts Now in Post-Qualification Phase

11 Juli 2018

MPAC Mk III (photo : Wiki)

MANILA -- The proponent for Batch 4 of the Multi-Purpose Assault Craft (MPAC) project is now undergoing the post-qualification phase, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Friday.

"(The proponent for) Batch 4 of the MPACs are now subject to post-qualification. (These MPACs) have (almost) the same specifications (as the Batch 3) and will be armed each with the (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd) Spike-ER (surface-to-surface missiles)," Andolong noted.

This project will consist of three boats, Andolong disclosed.

Batch 3 MPACs, which consists of three boats, were constructed by the Subic-based Propmech Corporation and activated on May 22, 2017.

All of the above-mentioned MPACs are being fitted with the Spike-ER launchers and missiles as of this posting.

Once these Batch 4 MPACs are constructed and activated, the Philippine Navy (PN) will be operating a force of 12 MPACs, with six of the vessels armed with the Israeli-made missile system.

The latter is the first missile system acquired by the PN and is capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a range of eight kilometers.

(PNA)