Philippines shortlists MBDA Mistral, LIG Nex1 Chiron for SHORAD requirements


The MBDA Mistral using the ATLAS mount. Photo c/o Saudi Armed Forces Report 


The Philippine Army (PA) has recently activated its 2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery during ceremonies held at the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province.

The new air defense unit, together with the 1st Air Defense Artillery Battery activated in 2019,  are expected to train PA forces in air defense systems and prepare for the delivery of new Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) missile systems that are programmed for acquisition as part of the PA’s Horizon 2 acquisition program between 2018 to 2023.

The new air defense units will protect PA forces against aerial threats including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and low flying helicopters and aircraft.

According to MaxDefense Philippines, the PA is eyeing the MBDA Mistral air defense system from France, and the LIG Nex1 Chiron air defense system from South Korea, based on PA documents made available to the Philippine defense page.

Both systems were shortlisted by the PA after selecting from a larger pool of similar equipment.

Two batteries worth of SHORAD systems worth Php2,275,200,000 (US$44.6 million) are planned for acquisition, with the PA already evaluating both systems. A decision is expected to be made within the year, with deliveries expected to be completed on or before 2024.

The PA also plans to activate the proposed 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, which will administratively and operationally control both air defense batteries by 2024.


[1] Philippine Army Official Facebook Page
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Inquirer.net

Philippines shortlists MBDA Mistral, LIG Nex1 Chiron for SHORAD requirements Philippines shortlists MBDA Mistral, LIG Nex1 Chiron for SHORAD requirements Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 24, 2020 Rating: 5

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