The Department of National Defense (DND) - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an acquisition project that will upgrade light armored vehicles through Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.

LAV-300 of the Philippino Marine Corps following a convoy at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 8, 2018  (Picture source: US DoD / Sgt. 1st Class Carlos J. Lazo)

The acquisition project has an approved budget of PHP711,938,000.00. “Delivery of the Goods is required within 540 calendar days upon Notice to Proceed. Bidders should be Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of V150 and V300 Light Armor Vehicle or OEM Authorized Upgrader who have completed within five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project,” the DND said in its invitation to bid.

“The Philippine Marine Corps has come up with this project in order to enhance the operational readiness of line units. That LAV vehicle has proven effective in the conduct of armor combat support in amphibious and mechanized operations ashore,” says in the bidding documents.

“The importance of light armored assets in urban security operations is clearly manifested in the recent Zamboanga Peninsula and Marawi Siege. However, uncontrollable factors such as old engines, deterioration of major parts/assemblies compounded by the unavailability of spare parts and out-modeled target acquisition systems have resulted to the decrease of its effectiveness,” it adds.