Philippine Navy wishes to get 16 more AAVs, 12 fast attack craft

The upgrade with respect to the use of our very own brand new Amphibious Assault Vehicles(AAVs) and multi purpose attack crafts (MPACs) is very much felt by the Philippine Marines that as early as now, they would like to have there hands on more units.

The Philippine Navy(PN) hopes to get additional AAVs and MPACs in the near future for its continued modernization efforts.

Navy Chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said that they would need 16 more AAVs in connection with PN’s intention to acquire two more strategic sealift vessels in addition to its two existing in the inventory.

Philippine Navy's newly acquired Amphibious Assault Vehicles, during the ceremonial blessing at PN Headquarters in Manila
(photo credit to PDi)

The schedule for the bidding of the two new landing platform docks are scheduled next month and have a budget of P5-billion.

“With the force mix of six AAVs per strategic sealift vessel, we need additional 16 AAVs since we will acquire two more strategic sealift vessels,” Empedrad said in his speech during the blessing of the four new AAVs and 3 MPACs st the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Roxas Blvd, Manila.


The four newly-commissioned AAVs are part of the eight new AAVs from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense. The other four were earlier commissioned last June.

“The versatile AAVs not only enhance by large ship-to-shore capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps but can also provide combat firepower in different types of terrain as well as protection of Marine warriors,” he said.

Hanwha Defense during the blessing also donated to the PN P20-million worth of mission essential equipment for the AAVs.

12 more MPACs

The Navy chief  also hopes for additional 12 MPACs in continuation of the PN’s modernization program.

“We also programmed to acquire 12 more MPAC in the second horizon until we reach our desired force mix of 42 MPAC,” he said.

The new MPACs will be placed under the 4th Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet activated last Sept. 12.

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Report from PDI