The Philippine Navy eyes long overdue armament, sensor, and communication upgrades for the Tarlac-class landing platform docks.
NAVAL OPERATING BASE SUBIC, PHILIPPINES — Boarding a vessel as large as BRP Tarlac (LD-601) would have been inconceivable to many in the Philippine Navy a decade or two ago. The 7,200-ton landing platform dock (LPD) is a far cry from the Second World War-era landing ship tanks and donated Australian and American landing craft utilized by the service’s Sealift Amphibious Force. However, like many vessels in the fleet, Tarlac came with many spaces that could support future upgrades, which was communicated to Naval News during a tour of the amphibious assault ship.
Since Tarlac’s commissioning in 2016, the vessel has ferried troops and supplies to combat the Islamic State during the Battle of Mawari, conducted Manila’s first-ever port call to Russia, and participated in numerous exercises. Captain Fredie C Parpan highlighted the LPD’s use as a patrol asset for the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, a section of the South China Sea claimed by Manila under its exclusive economic zone, and its role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Compared to the Second World War-era landing ship tanks and logistic support vessels that could support around 150 embarked troops, Tarlac’s facilities can support 500 — roughly the size of a Philippine Marine Corps or Army battalion — and carry eight amphibious assault vehicles or 15 trucks. Unlike other vessels in the fleet, which lack space or modern facilities, the Tarlac-class holds the unique distinction within the Philippine Navy of having dedicated facilities for very important persons, such as high-ranking officers or the President, onboard.
Among the challenges highlighted by Parpan, the captain stressed the change in pace from commanding a relatively small landing craft crew to the many personnel on the LPD. Maintaining the vessel was also a constant concern, although Parpan stated that Tarlac will be traveling to Indonesia for a scheduled maintenance period at PT PAL Surabaya.
The vessel has also been used for experimental efforts, including the embarkation of Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts within its well deck. Armed with Spike – Extended Range missiles and equipped with assault ramps for the rapid disembarkation of Marines, the class of 12 fast attack boats are among the few domestically produced vessels within the fleet. The Philippine Marine Corps has also been eyeing the LPDs for their newly specialized battalions as they shift from internal to external operations.
While the vessel, and its sistership BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), have boosted Philippine amphibious capabilities, the class as a whole lacks armament for self-protection, sensors for detecting threats, and command and control systems necessary to integrate with other warships. Tarlac has no sensors to detect air or surface targets and only has crew-served machine guns for self-defense. Moreover, when asked how the vessel communicated with the other ships in the fleet, Parpan stated that they used normal radios.
A space on the LPD, currently being used for mission planning and conferences, has been designated to contain the planned combat information center. Parpan stressed his aspirations to have basic self-defense, sensing, and communication capabilities to protect the LPD. These include a 76mm gun, deck cannons, decoy launchers, radars and potentially surface-to-air missiles. Regarding this last capability, Naval News understands that VL MICA, a French system produced by MBDA, is being considered, although it is unclear where on the vessel this system could be installed.
VL MICA NG Weapon System
VL MICA NG Weapon System. MBDA slide.
In June 2022, the Philippines ordered two more LPDs from Indonesia. Compared to Tarlac and Davao Del Sur, these vessels will feature several modifications, including a taller side ramp for loading vehicles and cargo. Otherwise, the vessels are one more meter longer and displace the same tonnage as the base vessels according to PT PAL.
Check out our video tour aboard BRP Tarlac: