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Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)

The Austal Philippine Navy OPV is based on a proven platform that has demonstrated success operating in tropical environments and conducting border patrol and maritime operations. The Austal Philippine Navy OPV features an aviation deck enabling helicopter and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) missions. The vessel is arranged with a starboard boat deck and stern well for the safe and rapid launch and recovery of RHIBs. The Austal Philippine Navy OPV is fitted with a mission bay and large aft storage area to facilitate the embarkation of containerised mission modules. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the proposed offshore patrol vessel (OPV) project, consisting of six ships worth PHP30 billion, will definitely go through government-to-government procurement. “Yes, it will be on a G-2-G (Government-To-Government) mode of procurement,” he said during an interview late October 2019. Government-to-government is an advantage as it does not require a large capital outlay and has sovereign guarantee aside from the equipment being acquired much easier and faster.

And when asked if Australian defense contractor and shipbuilder Austal will be awarded the contract for the OPV project before the end of the year, the DND chief said negotiations are not yet finalized. “We have not yet finalized the negotiation. Both sides are still discussing the details. No definite decision yet,” he added.

The OPVs are part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and expected to replace the World War II corvettes and minesweepers still in PN service as of this time. Six OPVs are expected to be acquired for the Navy once the contract is approved and Austal is planning to build the ships on its Balamban, Cebu shipyard. The company is offering a larger version of its 80-meter Cape-class patrol vessels being used by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

The US Naval Sea Systems Command issued a Request for Information (RFI) number N00024-11-R-2217 on 06 May 2011 for market research to determine the existence of a general purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) in anticipation of a potential future procurement program for the Republic of the Philippines. The Philippine Navy was potentially interested in having this vessel built in the Philippines, which would require the prime contractor to use a shipyard in the Philippines as a subcontractor for vessel construction. As such, it is requested that each response address whether this would be a viable option.

All information, data, and drawings submitted in response to this announcement will be considered "open source" and available for unlimited public distribution. The Naval Sea Systems Command will be forwarding all information, data, and drawings submitted in response to this announcement to the Government of the Philippines. As such, all information must be received without restrictive markings. Do not submit proprietary data with the information provided. Concept of use and support includes; performing ISO and TDO missions, conducting fleet-marine operations, conducting naval gunfire support, supporting joint operations with Philippine Army and Air Force, conducting contingency operations and conducting humanitarian assistance and relief operations.