Philippines may buy grenade launchers, ammo from Russia

MANILA, Philippines — Grenade launchers and ammunition, including special warheads for urban warfare, are being eyed as the first batch of weapons that the Philippines would purchase from Russia, according to Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta.

In a post on his Facebook account on Friday, Sorreta said Philippine and Russian representatives worked out and signed an amendment to the agreement for the procurement of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers and ammunition.

“The amendment settled the issue of bank charges which will now be shouldered by Russia without any changes in price and quantity,” wrote the ambassador.

“This is the first procurement of Russian weapons. Both sides had to get a better appreciation of each other’s procurement laws, rules and practices. These RPG launchers and ammunition will soon be in the hands of our soldiers,” he added.

His post was shared by the official Facebook account of the Russian embassy in Manila.

According to Sorreta, he was told by representatives from the Philippine military that there will be a variety of ammunition for the weapon.

“One of particular interest in urban warfare is the ability to unleash an anti-personnel thermobaric warhead through a concrete wall and into a room without necessarily injuring those in nearby rooms and also without bringing down the house or building,” he wrote.

“Any future procurement from Russia will be based on what was learned through this first contract. Procurement will only be made if the terms and conditions are the most favorable that the Philippines can get from any supplier,” added the ambassador.

In a separate post, Sorreta said a team from the Philippine Coast Guard also went to Moscow last week to take a closer look at Russian equipment and weapons.

“The Coast Guard had previously examined Russian equipment and weapons and are now deep in discussions for a first set of possible procurement,” he said.

“Any procurement will be made only if it is the best deal that the Philippines can get. It will be under an agreed legal framework and pursuant to our procurement laws and regulations,” added the ambassador.

President Duterte earlier bared plans to procure submarines from Russia.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last week said that the Philippines is also looking at procuring other military hardware from Russia and other countries.