Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines)

 The Philippine Marine Corps, through its parent armed service branch the Philippine Navy has embarked on the acquisition of a new fleet of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) which would allow them to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as provide targeting data for artillery or fire support, all to improve the force's overall firepower capability.

The Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project was among those proposed for acquisition as part of the Horizon 1 Priority Projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program approved in 2013.

This resource page will discuss the project's history and provide relevant information
all the way to its induction into service with the Philippine Marine Corps.

Project Summary:

Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 14 February 2026.

* End User: Philippine Marine Corps

* Quantity: 6 sets UAVs, Target Acquisition Device Systems, Tectical Sensor Integration Subsystems and ILS

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php685,230,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding 

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* SARO Release: TBC

* Winning Proponent: Triton Communications Corporation

* Product for Delivery: MAG Aerospace Super Swiper II unmanned aerial vehicles, associated 

* Contract Price: Php638,888,880.00

* Residual Amount: Php38,635,635.45

* First post by MaxDefense: 10 December 2013

* Searching Hashtag: #PNMITSSAcquisition #PMCMITSSAcquisition

* Status: Several tenders have been attempted since 2013, with failures due to different reasons. Final attempt was made in 2016, with the Notice of Award released in favor of Triton Communications Corp. Contract was signed and Notice to Proceed was released on 03 October 2016, with delivery completed as of October 2017, commissioned into the Philippine Marine Corps thereafter. PROJECT COMPLETED.

The MAG Super Swiper II UAV readied for launch during Exercise BALIKATAN 2025. Photo credits to DVIDS.

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Overview:

The introduction and use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military applications has opened the mindset of military leaders in the Philippines including those from the Philippine Marine Corps to consider having them to aid in improving its situational awareness, rapidly-available and mobile to provide visual and electronic intelligence without relying on manned aircraft or other means.

The PMC as well as the other service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines started experiments on using small civilian hobby-grade UAVs for reconnaissance, including actually employing UAVs during the Zamboanga Siege in 2013, which gave the AFP an idea on the importance of such asset.

With this, the PMC has given importance on the acquisition of proper unmanned aerial systems, prompting the inclusion of the acquisition of the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS) as part of the Horizon 1 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program approved for implementation in 2013. 

The system provides the PMC with an aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset that can be used for both land and maritime applications, and has sufficient range and endurance to allow search and transmission of information to its base station, said to be in excess of 150 kilometers.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are suppose to be compact enough for rapid mobilisation and movement, without relying on proper airfield for launch as it would be using a rail launching system or catapult for takeoff, and employing a parachute for landing.

A MAG Super Swiper II UAV shown here with its parachute deployed as it softly lands on the ground, during Exercise BALIKATAN 2025. The UAV was designed to land in this way. Photo credits to DVIDS.

Aside from combat use, it can also be used during peacetime emergency for search and rescue operations.

The MITSS will be composed of 6 unmanned aerial systems, each with 4 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground control station, Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) equipment and communication systems that are interoperable with existing ones.

The project was pursued through Public Bidding with an Approved Budget of Contract (ABC) worth Php68.2 million, with the tender opened as early as 2013, although it took several attempts before a re-tender scheduled on mid-2015 became successful, with a Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) scheduled on 10 August 2015.

Filipino company Triton Communications Corp. was declared the winning tenderer, with a Notice of Award released to their favor on 14 December 2015, and the Notice to Proceed released on 01 March 2016. 

The company utilized the MAG Aerospace Super Swiper II small tactical fixed wing UAV as its flying component, integrating it with communication systems from TrellisWare Technologies, and was able to deliver the entire package to the PMC by October 2017.

Since then, the MITSS have been operational and participated in several military training exercises including Exercise KAMANDAG, as well as for performing maritime patrols in near-coast areas in support of maritime domain awareness, as well as during disaster response operations.

Testing of the MITSS after repairs in 2021, showing the MAG Super Swiper II UAV and a command vehicle. Photo credits to Philippine Marine Corps.

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23 December 2017

During the celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' founding anniversary, the Philippine Marine Corps displayed their new Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System (MITSS), with the MAG Super Swiper II UAV being the most prominent component of the system.

Photo below shows Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana among those viewing the new UAVs.

Photo credits to RTVM.

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23 May 2018:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines posted a photo of a MAG Super Swiper II UAV on display as part of the Philippine Marine Corps' new assets as part of the celebration of the Philippine Navy's anniversary.

All systems were delivered and inducted to service in 2017, although the PMC is still using them for training more operators.

Photo credits to a MDP community member.

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With all systems delivered and commissioned to the Philippine Marine Corps as of 2017, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource can now consider the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy (Marines) as COMPLETED.

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 First edit and release: 14 February 2026
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

 

Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lots 1 and 2 Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy

 The Philippine Navy has embarked on the acquisition of a third batch of three (3) Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) to improve the capability of the Littoral Combat Force in securing coastal / littoral waters of the country.

The Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Acquisition Project was among those proposed for acquisition as part of the Horizon 1 Priority Projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program approved in 2013.

The project will involve only the acquisition of platforms (the boats itself), while other components will be funded separately.

The MPAC Mk. III after delivery to the Philippine Navy. Photo provided to MaxDefense by a source.

Project Summary:

Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lot 1 - Platform Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 10 February 2026.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Littoral Combat Force)

* Quantity: 3 nos.

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php270,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding 

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-16-0000170 dated 21 January 2016 worth Php864,320,000.00 (includes full amount of project)

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation (Philippines) and Lung Teh Shipbuilding (Taiwan)

* Product for Delivery: Lung Teh Multi-Purpose Attack Craft Mk. III

* Contract Price: Php268,880,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php1,120,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: To follow

* Searching Hashtag: #PNMPACBatch3Acquisition

* Status: Delivery completed as of July 2017, commissioned into the Philippine Navy on thereafter. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Lot 2 - Weapons and Ammunition Acquisition Project

Note: Edited as of 10 February 2026.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Littoral Combat Force)

* Quantity: 3 sets

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 1 Priority Projects of RAFPMP

* Project ABC: Php594,320,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement - Government-to-Government (G2G) with Israel Ministry of Defense.

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* SARO Release: SARO-BMB-D-16-0000170 dated 21 January 2016 worth Php864,320,000.00 (includes full amount of project)

* Winning Proponent: Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd.

* Product for Delivery: Rafael Typhoon MLS-ER missile launchers, Spike-ER missiles, Mini Typhoon RCWS mounts

* Contract Price: Php594,320,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php0.00

* First post by MaxDefense: To follow

* Searching Hashtag: #PNMPACBatch3Acquisition

* Status: Delivery completed on April 2018, with sea acceptance tests done after installation on MPAC Mk. IIIs on 09 August 2018. PROJECT COMPLETED.

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Overview:

The Philippine Navy has seen the value of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC), after having several units delivered from earlier acquisitions. The MPACs are used as assault boats for special operations units of the Philippine Navy like the Naval Special Operation Group (NAVSOG) and Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG), allowing for quick insertion and extraction while providing fire support from its machine guns.

Due to lack of assets, the Philippine Navy also used the MPAC as fast interceptors along the busy waters of Western Mindanao. But it was found that the boats were lacking in firepower in this mission.

Further planning by the PN suggested that the Littoral Combat Force may use the MPAC as a platform for "swarm tactics" against a larger naval force, by attacking larger warships in groups and using missiles to do damage.

As part of Horizon 1 phase Priority Projects, the Philippine Navy tendered for a up-armed MPAC variant, which was later won by the Joint Venture of Propmech Corporation - Lung Teh Shipbuilding>

This resulted to what was called the MPAC Mk. III after making changes to the previous MPAC Mk. II and incorporating the need to install the Rafael Typhoon Spike-ER Multiple Launching System (MLS) and Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS).

This would make the MPAC MK. III the first surface vessels of the Philippine Navy to be actually armed with missiles, with the Spike-ER acting as a small short-range surface-to-surface missile.

This resulted in reduced space for assault troops, which were used to provide space for weapon controllers and computers.

Delivery of the boats are expected to be made by July 2016.

The MPAC Mk. III have the following specifications: 

* Length: at least 17 meters long
* Displacement: less than 30 tons (without the weapon systems)
* Maximum Speed: at least 45 knots
* Range: at least 300nmi at transit speed
* Propulsion: 2 diesel engines coupled to water jet system
* Complement: 2 officers and 5 crew members, plus 8 fully equipped troops.
* As-delivered Standard Weapons: 2 M60 7.62mm light machine guns (supplied by the Philippine Navy) in addition to those to be delivered separately under the MPAC Combat Systems and Capability Upgrade Lot 1 project.


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25 February 2016:

The Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk. 3 Lot 1 acquisition project for the Philippine Navy has been awarded to a joint venture of Propmech Corp. Philippines and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corp. of Taiwan for Php 268,880,000.00 for 3 boats.

Propmech and Lung Teh were also involved in the development and successful delivery of MPAC Mk.1 & Mk.2 boats to the PN.

NOA photo credits to PhilGEPS.

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30 April 2016:

An artwork of the MPAC Mk. III was shared at the Timawa defense page.

It shows what appears to be the Spike-ER launcher behind the bridge structure, while the Rafael Mini Typhoon RCWS mount can be found above the bridge. A manually-operated 7.62mm light machine gun mount can also be seen just behind the mast.

Credits to Timawa.net for the photo.

An illustration of the missile-equipped MPAC Mk. 3. Photo taken from the old Timawa.net defense forum.

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28 September 2016:

A report from Shephard Media confirms that Rafael has not only got a contract from the Philippine Navy to supply Typhoon RCWS Spike-ER for the MPAC Mk.3, but also for air-launched Spike-NLOS for the AgustaWestland AW-159 Wildcat anti-submarine warfare helicopters. 

The report also confirmed the previous posts MaxDefense made that Rafael offered the Derby BVRAAM, Litening family of targeting pods, Spice precision guided munitions, and others for the FA-50, and also air defense solutions, which is actually the SPyDer short-medium range surface-to-air missile system.

Rafael is at ADAS 2016, and can be found at Stand 1110.

Shephard Media is the official Show Daily Media Publisher & Media Partner, while MaxDefense is an official Media Partner for ADAS 2016. Photo taken from ADAS 2016 Day 1 Show Daily. 

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19 May 2017:

Turns out that the latest Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) for the Philippine Navy, known as the MPAC Mk.3, are all almost completed, with only minor works remaining. Seen here are 

BA-488 and BA-491, while BA-489 is not shown. The MPACs are displayed as part of the Navy's 

"Run for the Navy 2" programme tomorrow. The Spike ER launcher and Mini Typhoon RCWS will be available only by October 2017 if everything goes according to schedule.

Also appearing are BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-11) and an AW-109E naval helicopter. Thanks to one of MaxDefense Philippines' contributors, who wish to remain anonymous, for the photo.

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21 May 2017:

MaxDefense finally received confirmation that the Philippine Navy will formally receive the 3 brand new Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk. 3 from Propmech Corporation by tomorrow, 22nd May 2017, and will be commissioned into service with the Littoral Combat Force of the Philippine Fleet.

Afterwards, all three new boats (BA-488, BA-489, and BA-491) will head to Davao City. Will tell you all why tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rafael confirmed to MaxDefense that the delivery of weapons for the MPAC Mk. 3, specifically the Mini Typhoon RCWS for 50-calibre MGs and Typhoon MLS-ER launchers, as well as Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles will be made as early as October 2017 if no problems will come up.

In the meantime, here are photos of all three new MPAC Mk. 3 together at Sangley Point Naval Base, taken today. Credit to one of MDP contributors who wish to remain anonymous. 

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A model of the MPAC Mk. III as displayed by Lung Teh Shipbuilding in the Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defense Exhibition 2018. Photo credit to IHS Markit, taken from Jane's Navy International.

With all three boats ships delivered and commissioned to the Philippine Navy as of 2017, MaxDefense believes we can now consider the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (Batch 3) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy as COMPLETED.

All other upgrade works (ie. missile system installation) are covered by a different contract and project, and will be discussed separately.

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 First edit and release: 10 February 2026
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

 

Additional Close Air Support Aircraft (Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force has requested for the acquisition of a second batch of light attack aircraft as it continues to modernize and rebuild its ageing fleet.

With this, the much anticipated acquisition of additional A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft was started under the Additional Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project, also known as the Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2 Acquisition Project, as part of the PAF's Capital Outlay expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024. 

An A-29B Super Tucano of the Philippine Air Force. Photo credits to PAF.

Project Summary:

Additional Close Air Support Aircraft (Close Air Support Aircraft Phase 2) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 06 February 2026.
 
* End User: Philippine Air Force (15th Strike Wing)

* Quantity: 6 units including ILS package

* Modernization Phase: PAF Capital Outlay under GAA FY2024

* Project ABC: Php6,596,782,570.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Direct Contracting under Sec. 50

* Source of Funding: PAF General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY2024

* SARO Release/s: N/A

* Winning Proponent: Embraer S.A.

* Product for Delivery: Embraer A-29B Super Tucano

* Contract Price: Php6,570,262,912.00

* Residual Amount: Php26,519,658.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 31 December 2024

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFAdditionalCASAAcquisition #PAFCASAPhase2Acquisition

* Status: This was originally part of Horizon 3 but was removed in Re-Horizon 3 due to the change of plans, and instead was initiated outside the Revised AFP Modernization Program's funding and was instead funded through the Capital Outlay funds of the PAF for FY2024. Discussions with Embraer has been ongoing since 2023 but formal procurement only started in late 2024. Notice of Award was released in favor of Embraer S.A. on 19 December 2024, with the Contract signed and Notice to Proceed released on 27 December 2024. Delivery is expected for all aircraft to be completed by 2026. Embraer only confirmed the deal with the Philippines during the Singapore Airshow on February 2026.

Overview:

The Philippine Air Force previously acquired six brand new A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of fixed wing aircraft, specifically the Rockwell OV-10A/C/M Bronco which has been in service with the PAF since the early 1990s.

These light attack aircraft are suitable for use in counter-insurgency and counter terrorism operations, but can also be used for limited strike and anti-shipping roles using small air-to-ground missiles and precision bombs, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions including maritime patrol, and other support roles.

The PAF's existing fleet of A-29B Super Tucanos have been noted to carry and use the GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, as well as the Lizard PGM and APKWS guided rockets.

Orientation of PAF personnel on the Lizard PGM and APKRWS. Photo credits to PAF Flying School.

Due to funding constraints, only six aircraft were acquired back in 2017, with the project also delayed in its implementation by several years, considering it was suppose to have been started in 2013.

In reality, the PAF needed at least 12 aircraft to form a proper attack squadron, although a larger quantity of around 24 aircraft would have been preferred, 

As part of the Horizon 3 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, 18 more aircraft were proposed to be acquired to fill in two squadrons of 12 aircraft each, although this was later on removed from the updated Re-Horizon 3 phase project acquisition list.

Its removal from the Re-Horizon 3 shopping list does not necessarily taking out plans to acquire additional aircraft, and this was proven when the DND raised a requirement to procure 6 more aircraft, but using Capital Outlay funding allocations for the PAF under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, with the project named as the Additional Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project.

The acquisition phase was quick as formalities only took a few weeks until a contract was signed and the Notice to Proceed released in favour of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A.. This made the project as one of the fastest projects to be ever implemented by the DND.

This acquisition not only proved that the DND can actually hasten the process, but also prove the PAF's ability to reduce its reliance on the RAFPMP funds for it to acquire the necessary assets and services it requires. 

Six aircraft will be delivered by Embraer to the Philippine Air Force, all expected to arrive in the Philippines within 2026 according to the DND.

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31 December 2024:

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has confirmed that it received an order for an undisclosed number of A-29B Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft from an undisclosed country, with deliveries expected by 2026.

This goes in line with the announcement made by the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Juliano Llarenas during the decommissioning ceremony of the OV-10 Bronco and AH-1S Cobra fleet that  a contract for 6 additional A-29B Super Tucano has been signed with Embraer recently, which will represent the replacement for the outgoing OV-10s.

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines assumes that Embraer's announcement is actually that for the Philippines.

But it still remains to be seen how this will be funded considering that it was not among those planned for funding under the RAFPMP FY2025 proposal. It also appears to be not part of Re-Horizon 3 procurement plan, and instead could have been awarded as part of the Trainer Aircraft Acquisition of the PAF under Horizon 2 Priority Phase because of Embraer's statement that aligns the procurement with that for advanced trainers.

It is also highly possible that the procurement could have been made outside of the RAFPMP, and may have been done using the Capital Outlay funding of PAF since the order is only for 6 aircraft instead of the expected 12 to 18 units as indicated in the original Horizon 3 plan.

We'll find out more information about this in the next few months.

Embraer's social media post confirming their receipt of an order for 6 aircraft back in December 2024. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines.

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08 December 2025:

The Philippine Air Force defended its decision to procure additional A-29B Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft after Senator Erwin Tulfo questioned the purchase instead of pursuing additional jet-powered combat aircraft.

Senator Tulfo, with his usual lack of knowledge on military systems as he already highlighted years ago when he was still a journalist working together with his brothers, said that the Super Tucanos are "outdated", referring to its propeller-driven propulsion system without knowing that propeller-driven aircraft does not mean outdated and backward.

The PAF confirmed that so far, they only ordered an additional of 6 aircraft, and focus is now more on pursuing multirole fighters. This was despite the PAF originally planning to procure up to 18 more aircraft to add to the 6 already in service, to form 2 squadrons of 12 aircraft each.

It remains to be seen if the PAF will order more Super Tucano aircraft in the future or not, although MaxDefense Philippines believes that the 15th Strike Wing should start considering the acquisition of jet-powered combat aircraft capable of carrying and firing medium-range anti-ship missiles, stand-off weapons and advanced air-launched munitions for strike in support of territorial defense.

The avionics of the A-29B Super Tucano is actually up to modern standards with large glass cockpit displays and advanced sensors. Credits to original photo source.

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06 February 2026:

During the Singapore Airshow 2026, Embraer officials confirmed that the Philippines was the customer of a deal signed in late 2024 for A-29B Super Tucano aircraft.

This was because Embraer did not name the customer when it announced that it signed a contract with an unnamed country for 6 aircraft.

But our parent page MaxDefense Philippines reported as early as 31 December 2024 that these were for the Philippine Air Force, based on information from defense and industry sources.

It was also later on confirmed by publicly-available documents posted by the Department of National Defense as well as statement coming from officials of the DND and Philippine Air Force, and during hearings to lawmakers in 2025 during budget deliberations for the DND for FY2026.

This announcement by Embraer is probably in preparation for deliveries, which are expected to proceed within 2026.

A-29B Super Tucano aircraft being prepared for delivery to the PAF back in 2021. Photo credits to Embraer.

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First edit and release: 06 February 2026
Copyright Philippine Defense Resource / MaxDefense Philippines

IB No. 2025-027 Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sights Acquisition Project (2025) of the Philippine Coast Guard

 The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has raised a requirement for the acquisition of new 5.56mm M4-type rifles as part of its acquisition for Fiscal Year 2025.

This is part of an effort to improve the overall firepower delivery capability of the force, as well as replace ageing or lost/damaged assets.

With this, the Philippine Coast Guard, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invited manufacturers and suppliers to submit a bid for the Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sights Acquisition Project.

A PCG specops operator training with an M4-type rifle with the PNP Maritime Group. Photo credits to DVIDS.

Project Summary:

Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sights Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 24 January 2026

* Project Number: IB No. 2025-027

* End User: Philippine Coast Guard (multiple units)

* Quantity: 1,666 units

* Modernization Phase: Philippine Coast Guard GAA Acquisition for 2025

* Project ABC: Php299,880,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Philippine Coast Guard GAA Funds for 2025

* SARO Release: N/A

* Winning Proponent: Armscor Global Defense Inc.

* Product for Delivery: potentially Armscor RD4P 5.56mm Rifle

* Contract Price: Php296,548,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php3,332,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 24 January 2026 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching  Hashtag:  #PCG556mmM42025Acquisition

* Status: Public tender was opened on 01 July 2025, with SOBE scheduled on 28 July 2025. Notice of Award released in favour of Filipino arms company Armscor Global Defense Inc. on 17 December 2025. NTP and Contract signed on 13 January 2026. Armscor believed to deliver their new RD4P 5.56mm rifle.

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Overview:

As part of efforts to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, a requirement for 1,666 units of new 5.56mm M4-type rifles have been raised for public bidding using the PCG's Capital Outlay funds under the FY2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) funding.

These rifles would be used for different purposes including weapons for special operations and ship boarding units, among others.

The requirement is for a rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO round, using the M4 design, although not much information is available since the Technical Specifications were not provided and was only given to tender participants.

Surprisingly they have been specific on the M4-type design, considering the PCG also uses the Israeli-made IWI Galil ACE with Meprolight optical sights bought a few years ago in bulk together with other Israeli-made firearms.

PCG Special Operations personnel with their IWI Galil ACE 5.56mm rifles with Meprolight optical sights. Photo credits to original source.

It is possible that the Israel is still not in a position to sell firearms in bulk to other countries due to its needs to support the Israeli Defense Force in its military operations and restocking.

The PCG has AR-type rifles in its inventory including M16A1 and CAR-15 rifles but these are starting to show their age and are now used in secondary or less risky roles.


Technical Requirements:

The PCG has not posted the Technical Specifications of the rifles and optical sights as part of the tender documents for security reasons.

This means we do not have any information on its required dimensions, assembly materials, operating system, cycle of fire, etc.

As part of the Supplemental Bid Bulletin, one of the interested tenderers requested for the project tile to be replaced by "Assault Rifle" instead of "M4 Rifle". This would open up the tender for other types of 5.56mm rifles instead of just the AR15/M4 platform, as long as it meets the project's technical requirements.

Potential Competitors:

Since the project is being acquired through public tender, it would be difficult to guess which offer would be accepted as public tender tends to be priced-based especially that most of the tenderers have been participating in similar projects before.

Based on the Supplemental Bid Bulletin No. 1 released on 21 July 2025, there are at least 2 interested tenderers, namely, R. Espineli Trading and Armscor Global Defense Inc.

It was later found during the release of the BAC Resolution No. 2025-146 that other companies participated in the pre-bid conference which includes Nashe Enterprises, Aselsan Electronics and Caballo Negro Industriya Corp.

1. The RD4P rifle from Armscor Global Defense - this could be their first potential supply of the new rifle, only released in 2024, to an armed service branch of the Philippine Government. The rifles are built locally in Armscor's manufacturing facility in Marikina which fits the general overall preference to support the local arms industry.

The RD4P rifle from Armscor Global Defense. Photo credits to Insider.ph.

2. The SIGM400 or the SIG516G2 from SIG Sauer, both of which has already been sold to the Philippine Army in previous AR15-type rifle requirements. The SIG516G2 is the latest variant of the SIG516 short-stroke piston rifle, which is similar to the SIG716G2 7.62mm rifles also already in use with the Philippine Army.

The SIG516G2 (top) and the SIGM400 (above). Photo credits to SIG Sauer.

3. The Taurus T4 rifle from Brazil's Taurus Armas, which have already been delivered in large quantities with the Philippine Army, even becoming one of the M4-type rifles with the highest quantity in the PA's inventory after the Remington R4A3. 

The Taurus T4. Photo credits to Ricardo Torres.

It is expected that other suppliers may offer alternatives from other countries including other models from Israel, US and Europe, but it would be difficult to assess until we actually see a list of submitted tenders.

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29 December 2025:

The Notice of Award was released by the Philippine Coast Guard's Bids and Awards Committee through the Office of Commandant, in favour of the Filipino arms manufacturer Armscor Global Defense last 24 November 2025, although it was only received by Armscor on 17 December 2025.

It is expected that a Contract and Notice to Proceed might be made available in a few months.

Based on the BAC Resolution No. 2025-146 dated 30 July 2025, it was found that R. Espineli Trading was disqualified from the tender after failing the Eligibility Documents and Technical Components, while Armscor Global Defense met the requirements as well as the Financial Component of the tender with a submitted price of Php296,548,000.00.

Photo credits to PhilGEPS.

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23 January 2026:

The Philippine Coast Guard has signed the Contract and released the Notice to Proceed for the project last 23 December 2025 in favour of Armscor Global Defense.

Armscor is given 120 days to fulfill the contract, which is due around late April 2026.

Photo credits to PhilGEPS.

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First edit and release: 24 January 2026
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource