Philippines to acquire more rocket propelled grenade launchers from Bulgaria

An Russian-style RPG. The Bulgarian ATGL-L is based on this weapon system.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded a project to acquire more than 700 rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, accessories and ammunition to Bulgarian arms manufacturer Arsenal JS Co. 

According to MaxDefense Philippines, the RPGs are to provide a requirement by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) for a light squad rocket launcher to increase firepower for Marine squads, allowing them to conduct assault against bunkers, structures, and armored vehicles without relying on company-level heavy weapons.

The deal, worth PHP473.8 million (US9.3 million) also includes assorted ammunition for the RPGs, training systems, optics, and other accessories. Arsenal JS Co. was said to have offered the ATGL-L series of RPGs.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has only started using RPG-type weapons since 2017, with the Philippine Army (PA) also using ATGL-L RPGs supplied by Arsenal JS Co. It has then acquired RPGs from several sources including RPG-7V from Russia’s NPO Bazalt, and a token donation of several dozen Type 69s from China.

It is expected that the delivery of the RPGs would be completed by 1st quarter of 2021.


[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Philippines to acquire more rocket propelled grenade launchers from Bulgaria Philippines to acquire more rocket propelled grenade launchers from Bulgaria Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 13, 2020 Rating: 5

No comments