Multipurpose Assault Craft Explained

The Multi-Purpose Assault Craft (MPAC) is a type of fast attack assault craft developed for the Philippine Navy. Originally designed to transport troops at a high speed and then land them on the beach, they have since expanded their roles to include interdiction, surface warfare, and search and rescue.

A total of 42 boats are planned to be built by the Navy[1] of which 12 have been completed as of September 2019. The Mk 3 version of the MPAC are the first boats in the history of the Philippine Navy to be officially armed with missiles.[2]

Design

The MPAC's hull is made out of aluminum alloy[3] and is powered by water jet engines. It has a range of, a maximum speed of 40–47 knots, and carries a crew of 5–7 plus 8–16 fully equipped soldiers.[4]

The Mk 1 and Mk 2 can deploy an assault ramp at their bow while in later versions this feature was removed.[5]

Construction

In 2009, the Philippine Navy ordered the first batch of three ships from Taiwanese company Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. These first three ships were commissioned into service during the Philippine Navy's 111th Anniversary on May 22, 2009. These boats are designated the Mk 1 version.[6]

In 2011, an additional three MPACs were built that were slightly bigger than the previous three ships. These ships this time were built by the Filipino company Propmech Corp. Designated as Mk 2. The first of these second batch of MPACs was commissioned into service during the Philippine Navy's 114th Anniversary on May 22, 2012.[7] The next two ships were commissioned on August 6, 2012.[8]

In 2016, Propmech was again contracted to build another three ships for US$1.86 million (PHP 90 million) each and delivery was set for April 2017.[9] The ships, designated as Mk 3 versions, arrived without their armaments and were commissioned into service on May 22, 2017 as part of the Philippine Navy's Third Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet's Littoral Combat Force.[10] The armaments for the Mk 3 were initially set to be delivered by December 2017,[11] but were only actually delivered in May 2018.

In September 2017, the Department of National Defense (DND) released a tender to procure an additional three MPAC vessels based on the Mk 3 platform which will be fourth batch. The budget is set at US$1.77 million (PHP 90 million) each for the hulls only,[12] but these will be armed similarly as the Mk 3 version.

In May 2018, the DND revealed that they are studying a plan to arm the Mk 1 and Mk 2 versions of the MPAC with the same Spike ER missiles that are used on the Mk 3 version.[13] However this plan was changed by February 2020 as the Philippine Navy announced that the Mk 1 and Mk 2 versions will instead be armed only with the Mini Typhoon remote weapon station.[14] At the 2018 Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defence exhibition, it was revealed that the 4th batch would be the same design as the prior Mk. III version of the third batch.[15]

The bidding for these boats underwent Post-Qualification (PQ) in July 2018[16] while construction started in November 2018.[17] These were then delivered in August 2019 and commissioned into service the following month in September 2019.[18]

This fourth batch has also been designated as part of the Mk 3 version[19] and are scheduled to be armed with Spike-ER missiles by the last quarter of 2020.

Operational history

2010

In May 2010, the MPACs first saw combat when they were used to extract Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in Basilan under heavy mortar fire from rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attempting to sabotage the election.[20]

2013

In September 2013, the MPACs led the search and rescue operations for the passengers of the ill-fated MV St. Thomas Aquinas owned by the 2GO Shipping Company. It collided with M/V Sulpicio Express Siete in Cebu resulting in more than 100 casualties.[20]

In the same month of September 2013 during the Zamboanga City Crisis, four MPACs were among those used to patrol the coastal villages of Zamboanga City and prevent the sympathizers of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Basilan and Sulu from reinforcing their troops in Zamboanga.[21]

2015

In September 2015, an MPAC participated in the 2015 PAGSISIKAP Fleet-Marine Amphibious Exercise in Ternate, Cavite by landing Philippine Marine Corps personnel into the beach.[22]

2016

In March 2016, two MPACs of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NAVFORWESM) were used to intercept the M/L Fatima Radz-Auna off the coast of Arena Blanco, Zamboanga. The Radz-Auna was found with 1,500 5 kg sacks of smuggled Sugar with an estimated worth of PHP 3.15 million, and was immediately escorted to the Zamboanga Port and turned over to the Bureau of Customs.[23]

2017

In December 2017, an MPAC Mk 2 (BA-485) was revealed to be assigned to guard the island province of Tawi-Tawi which lies near the Philippines' maritime border with Malaysia.[24]

2018

In February 2018, two MPAC Mk 3 boats formed part of the 3rd Boat Attack Division under the operational control of the Joint Task Force - Malampaya of the Palawan-based Western Command (WesCom) where they will conduct patrol and rescue operations in the waters off Palawan, particularly around the Malampaya gas field area.[25]

In April 2018, the MPAC Mk 2 (BA-485) participated in the interception of the Mongolian registered M/V Diamond 8 vessel near the Olutanga Island in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay which was later found to be attempting to smuggle Php 67 million worth of rice. The sailors of BA-485 were later given the Bronze Cross Medal for this accomplishment in May 2018.[26]

In July 2018, the MPAC Mk 1 (BA-482) participated in the second leg of the 4th Combined Maritime Security Activity (MSA) with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the waters around Tawi-Tawi along with the BRP Anastacio Cacayorin (PG-387) and BRP Felix Apolinario (PG-395) Patrol Crafts. The RAN sent the patrol vessels HMAS Ararat and Wollongong for the activity which consisted of meeting procedures, maritime patrols and ship drills.[27]

In December 2018, an MPAC Mk 1 (BA-484) together with the BRP Waray (LC-288), BRP Agta (LC-290), BRP Juan Magluyan (PC-392), Philippine Marine Corps and Naval Special Operations Group units conducted an Amphibious Operation on Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu that resulted in the neutralization of seven Abu Sayyaf bandits, apprehension of 10 individuals and the recovery of several firearms and other war materials. The crew of BA-484 were later given the Military Merit Medal (Philippines) with Spearhead Device for their participation in the operation.[28]

2020

In April 2020, MPAC Mk 3 (BA-493) delivered relief goods for Patients Under Investigation (PUI) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) for the coronavirus pandemic in the remote Towns of Mapun and Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi.[29]

In September 2020, MPAC Mk 3 (BA-492) spotted and rescued 4 Fishermen who were standing over their capsized Boat, the M/B Elsa 3 off the Coast of Zamboanga City.[30]

On November 3, 2020, two MPAC Mk 3 (BA-491) and (BA-493) were involved in a high speed intercept of a boat carrying seven Abu Sayyaf terrorists off the coast of Parang, Sulu. The operation led to the killing of all seven terrorists. An AgustaWestland AW109 Light Attack Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force provided air support during the operation.[31] [32]

2021

In February 2021, the MPAC Mk 3 (BA-494) intercepted and caught the F/B Princess Arlyn off the coast of Sulu which was carrying 360 Cases of smuggled imported cigarettes worth Php 17.3 million on its way to Cotabato City from Indonesia.[33]

In July 2021, the MPAC Mk 2 (BA-485) rescued 17 People from the Jungkung-type Boat named Friendly off the Coast of Patikul and Luuk in Sulu after it capsized due to big Waves and strong Winds from the bad Weather in the area.[34]

In November 2021, MPAC Mk 2 (BA-485) with Government Troops onboard intercepted the M/B Francis Kane which was found with 203 cases of Cigarettes smuggled from Indonesia worth Php 7.4 million off the Coast of Kalingalan Caluang in Sulu.[35]

2022

In early June 2022, the MPAC Mk 3 with Hull Numbers BA-492, BA-493 and BA-494 which comprises the 4th Boat Attack Division of the Littoral Combat Force (LCF) of the Philippine Navy arrived in its new Area of Assignment in Davao City as part of the Naval Forces Eastern Command (NFEM).[36]

Subclasses

Ships in class

Hull numberCommissionedDecommissionedStatus
Mk 1
BA-48222 May 2009Active
BA-48322 May 2009Active
BA-48422 May 2009Active
Mk 2
BA-485 22 May 2012Active
BA-4866 Aug 2012Active
BA-4876 Aug 2012Active
Mk 3
BA-48822 May 2017Active
BA-48922 May 2017Active
BA-49122 May 2017Active
BA-49223 Sep 2019Active
BA-49323 Sep 2019Active
BA-49423 Sep 2019Active

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PH Navy needs 42 multi-purpose assault craft: Empedrad. https://web.archive.org/web/20200207133049/https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1054596. 2020-02-07.
  2. Web site: Janes | Latest defence and security news. https://web.archive.org/web/20180811135317/https://www.janes.com/article/82289/philippine-navy-completes-sea-acceptance-test-of-spike-er-missile-system. 2018-08-11.
  3. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20191102224806/http://www.lts.com.tw/LungTeh/en/project/54/. 2021-02-18. 15M Multi-Purpose Attack Craft. 2019-11-02.
  4. Web site: MPACs to be transformed into harassment force - balita.ph - Online Filipino News. 22 April 2016. Archive.org. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160422015641/http://balita.ph/2014/02/08/mpacs-to-be-transformed-into-harassment-force/. 22 April 2016.
  5. Web site: FEATURE | Philippine Navy enters the missile age. https://web.archive.org/web/20200805011055/https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/maritime-security-world/naval/ships-naval/feature-philippine-navy-enters-the-missile-age/. 2020-08-05. 15 August 2018.
  6. Web site: Teodoro tells Philippine Navy on its 111th anniversary: "Exceed your achievements". 22 May 2009. Archive.org. 5 March 2016. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012539/http://balita.ph/2009/05/22/teodoro-tells-philippine-navy-on-its-111th-anniversary-exceed-your-achievements/. 5 March 2016.
  7. Web site: Gazmin assures Navy of brand-new gear, assets showcased on Navy Day. 22 May 2012. Archive.org. 5 March 2016. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305015813/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/32580/gazmin-assures-navy-of-brand-new-gear-assets-showcased-on-navy-day. 5 March 2016.
  8. Web site: PH's new patrol boats. 6 August 2012. Archive.org. 9 August 2012. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20120809015650/http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos/ph-s-new-patrol-boats-slideshow/two-coastal-patrol-boats-delivered-philippine-navy-headquarters-photo-065224971.html. 9 August 2012.
  9. Web site: Invitation to Bid for MPAC Mk3. Archive.org. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402155249/http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/Invitation_to_bid/ITB-Multi-Purpose%20Attack%20Craft%20Acquisition%20Project%20(Lot%201).pdf. 2 April 2015.
  10. News: PN commissions first 3 MPACs with missile provisions Monday. 22 May 2017. Philippine News Agency. 22 May 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20170522102924/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/989775. 22 May 2017.
  11. Web site: Navy to have missile system by Christmas. ptvnews.ph. 2017-11-20.
  12. Web site: Philippines to procure additional MPACs from local industry. 15 Sep 2017. Archive.org. 15 Sep 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20170915120009/http://www.janes.com/article/74104/philippines-to-procure-additional-mpacs-from-local-industry. 2017-09-15.
  13. http://ptvnews.ph/dnd-studying-possibility-arming-navy-craft-spike-er-missiles/ "DND Studying Possibility of Arming Navy Craft with Spike-ER Missiles"
  14. Web site: 3 more PN assault craft fitted with Spike-ER missiles this year. https://web.archive.org/web/20200223134855/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094340. 2020-02-23.
  15. Web site: Janes | Latest defence and security news. https://web.archive.org/web/20190415165408/https://www.janes.com/article/83454/kaohsiung-maritime-2018-philippine-navy-s-fourth-batch-of-mpacs-to-inherit-mk-iii-design. 2019-04-15.
  16. Web site: Proponent for Batch 4 assault crafts now in post-qualification phase. https://web.archive.org/web/20190112070046/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040802. 2019-01-12.
  17. Web site: PH Navy to get 3 more multi-purpose attack craft this year. https://web.archive.org/web/20190525002617/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070601. 2019-05-25.
  18. Web site: PH Navy activates 4 more AAVs, 3 MPACs. https://web.archive.org/web/20190923140358/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081222. 2019-09-23.
  19. Web site: "Navy blesses brand-new Fast Attack Craft, Amphibious Vehicles" . 2020-03-08 . 2021-10-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211009030414/https://navy.mil.ph/downloads/1583458586-09%20Sep19.pdf . dead .
  20. Web site: Philippine Defense News: Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Attack Craft or MPAC Led the Rescue Efforts in Cebu. 4 March 2016. Archive.org. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130805/http://www.vjdefense.com/2013/08/philippine-navys-mpac-multi-purpose.html. 4 March 2016.
  21. News: 7 ships, elite teams form Zambo naval blockade. 3 May 2015. Rappler. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20150503233515/http://www.rappler.com/nation/38567-naval-blockade-zamboanga. 3 May 2015.
  22. News: Philippine Daily Inquirer. Navy Kicks Off 5-Day Drill in Ternate, Cavite. 22 January 2016. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160122125939/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/725004/navy-kicks-off-5-day-drill-in-ternate-cavite. 22 January 2016.
  23. News: The Philippine Star. Military Intercepts Smuggled Sugar Shipment Off Zamboanga. 19 August 2016. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160819175734/http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/03/28/1566967/military-intercepts-smuggled-sugar-shipment-zamboanga. 19 August 2016.
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDmvMGraIQg "I-Witness: 'Ang Huling Isla,' Dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (Full Episode)"
  25. Web site: Navy ships deployed in Malampaya area. https://web.archive.org/web/20180924190628/https://www.manilatimes.net/navy-ships-deployed-malampaya-area/381342/. 2018-09-24. 19 February 2018.
  26. Web site: Navforwem honors sailors who intercept P67-M smuggled rice. https://web.archive.org/web/20180620220100/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1742703/Zamboanga/Local-News/Navforwem-honors-sailors-who-intercept-P67-M-smuggled-rice. 2018-06-20. 11 May 2018.
  27. Web site: News. https://web.archive.org/web/20180731194607/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/01/afp-westmincom-through-ph-navy-welcomes-royal-australian-navy/. 2018-07-31.
  28. Web site: Navy fetes Western Mindanao personnel for gallantry, performance. https://web.archive.org/web/20190130053218/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1058233. 2019-01-30.
  29. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1851038/Zamboanga/Local-News/Navy-assists-in-relief-good-deliver-in-Tawi-Tawi "Navy assists in Relief Good deliver in Tawi-Tawi"
  30. Web site: Navy rescues 4 fishermen off Zamboanga City. https://web.archive.org/web/20201101120051/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115493. 2020-11-01.
  31. Web site: Military foils Abu Sayyaf kidnap plot. https://web.archive.org/web/20201103220757/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120569. 2020-11-03.
  32. Web site: 7 Abu Sayyaf men killed in daring operation. https://web.archive.org/web/20201119234454/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1875581. 2020-11-19. 3 November 2020.
  33. http://mb.com.ph/2021/02/25/p17-3-m-cigarettes-seized-in-sulu/ "P17.3-M Cigarettes seized in Sulu"
  34. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147399 "Navy Men, Fisherfolk rescue 17 off Sulu Sea"
  35. https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/22-1m-peso-worth-of-smuggled-cigarettes-seized-in-zambo-sulu/ "22.1M Peso worth of smuggled Cigarettes seized in Zambo, Sulu"
  36. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1930850/davao/local-news/naval-forces-in-mindanao-receive-3-new-attack-crafts "Naval Forces in Mindanao receive 3 new ‘Attack Crafts’"
  37. Web site: LUNG TEH Shipbuilding CO.,LTD.. 4 March 2016. Archive.org. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045519/http://www.lts.com.tw/web/ProductOverview.jsp?productId=7ed18005363806d96d5bf00f3ef59f38. 4 March 2016.
  38. Web site: LUNG TEH Shipbuilding CO.,LTD.. 27 May 2015. Archive.org. 18 April 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20150527075030/http://www.lts.com.tw/web/ProductOverview.jsp?productId=0e31501e06e7238ad53d6d6d2f54f253. 27 May 2015.
  39. Web site: Israeli Missiles, RWS to Equip Philippine Navy Combat Boats. Defense Update. February 27, 2016. February 27, 2016. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20160403203229/http://defense-update.com/20160227_philippine_typhoon.html. April 3, 2016.
  40. News: Manila Bulletin. 2 Philippine Navy MPACs with Missile Armament Provisions to Arrive Soon. 28 March 2017. 21 May 2017. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20170521141318/http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/28/2-philippine-navy-mpacs-with-missile-armament-provisions-to-arrive-soon/. 21 May 2017.
  41. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1127473

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