Defense Set to Acquire P700-M Howitzers, Ammunitions

DND set to acquire 12 units of 155mm Towed Howitzer (photo : Elbit)

MANILA - The Department of National Defense (DND) has announced the public bidding for the purchase of P700 million worth of howitzers and ammunitions.

Assistant Defense Secretary and DND-Bids and Awards Committee chairman Efren Fernandez said the acquisition of 12 units of 155mm Towed Howitzer has an approved budget of P438.6 million.

The other project, which has a budget of P303.8 million, requires the purchase of 5,990 rounds of ammunition for 25mm gun, 43,578 rounds of ammunition for 40mm gun, and 4,500 rounds of ammunition for 105mm gun and explosives.

He said the acquisitions will be for the use of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army, which is at the forefront of addressing internal threats.

The military is aiming to defeat the New People’s Army and the Abu Sayyaf on or before the end of the term of President Aquino in July 2016 as provided in the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.

The projects will be via open competitive bidding as anchored on the Government Procurement Act. Local and foreign bidders are welcome.

The howitzers must be delivered within 360 days from the opening of the letter of credit, while the ammunitions will have to be delivered within 210 to 240 days.

(ABS CBN News)