Philippines begins another attempt to acquire two more LPDs

Manila has begun another attempt to procure two more landing platform docks (LPDs) for the Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) published its latest invitation to bid (ITB) for the project on 30 September. The ITB outlines an approved contract budget of PHP5.56 billion (USD110 million).

Besides two LPDs with a minimum gross tonnage of 5,000 tonnes each, the selected shipbuilder in this open competitive process will also supply four landing craft utility (LCU) vessels, four rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and other “mission-essential equipment”.

These equipment include a platform management system, 12.7 mm machine guns, a downlink receiver system, an electronic chart display, and a helicopter traversing system, according to a schedule of technical specifications accompanying the ITB.

Each vessel must be able to embark a battalion of 500 marines that can be deployed via RHIBs, amphibious assault vehicles, and multipurpose attack craft, and built with flight deck space for two helicopters, which include the AW109 and the AW159 types.

The selected shipbuilder will also have to deliver a two-year integrated logistics support package for the vessels. The first ship must be delivered within 730 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP) from the DND, with the second vessel to be handed over within 1,095 days of this milestone.

As per regulations set out in the country's defence procurement regulations, the vessel proposed for the LPD programme must be in service with the armed forces of the supplying country, or in service with the armed forces of at least two other countries.

Companies seeking to participate in the ITB will have till 26 October to submit their bids.