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Philippines Selects South Korea’s LIG Nex1 for Supply of AT-1K Raybolt Anti-Tank Missile Systems.
The Philippine Army has awarded LIG Nex1 the contract for a "test purchase" of AT-1K Raybolt anti-tank missile systems, set to be delivered by 2025, as reported by PHDefense Resource on November 11. This acquisition, formalized in October 2024 under the Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon (MMAW) with Precision Guided Munition (PGM) Acquisition Project (ORD-PABAC-025-24), marks a critical step forward in enhancing the Philippine Army’s capabilities in coastal defense and countering armored threats.
The Raybolt missile, with a range exceeding 2,000 meters, infrared-guided precision, and both direct and top-attack modes with a hit probability over 90%, meets the Philippine Army's requirements for effective anti-armor and coastal defense against amphibious threats (Picture source: South Korean MoD/ LIG Nex1)
The Philippine Army has awarded LIG Nex1 the contract for a "test purchase" of AT-1K Raybolt anti-tank missile systems, set to be delivered by 2025, as reported by PHDefense Resource on November 11. This acquisition, formalized in October 2024 under the Medium Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon (MMAW) with Precision Guided Munition (PGM) Acquisition Project (ORD-PABAC-025-24), marks a critical step forward in enhancing the Philippine Army’s capabilities in coastal defense and countering armored threats.
The selection of the AT-1K Raybolt, a missile system recognized for its fire-and-forget capability, comes as the Philippine Army reassesses its armament needs. Initially, the focus had been on unguided, lightweight anti-tank weapons; however, strategic priorities and a reassessment following recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have shifted the focus toward more advanced systems. Unlike traditional anti-tank weapons, the Raybolt provides advanced precision guidance via an infrared seeker capable of targeting both light armored vehicles and main battle tanks. With a tandem warhead designed to defeat explosive reactive armor, the Raybolt offers a robust solution against fortified targets.
This project is funded by the Philippine Army’s 2024 Capital Outlay budget, rather than the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, as initially planned. This shift reflects a broader strategic approach within the Philippine Army to incorporate small arms and specialized equipment into its annual expenses, ensuring a steady procurement flow and potentially enabling annual acquisitions to reinforce its arsenal continually.
The AT-1K Raybolt from LIG Nex1 was chosen through a public bidding process. The project began with the publication of a tender in May 2024, with the Raybolt emerging as the sole qualified bidder after a rigorous evaluation in June. This missile system surpassed other contenders, such as Rafael's Spike MR and Raytheon's FGM-148 Javelin, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and competitive technical specifications, including its direct-attack range and maneuverability. The acquisition will include five launchers and ten missiles, totaling PHP 205.3 million and resulting in a cost saving of PHP 3 million from the initial budget allocation.
The Raybolt's technical specifications align closely with the Philippine Army’s requirements. The missile offers a range of at least 2,000 meters and uses an infrared sensor for enhanced targeting precision. It is designed for both direct and top-attack modes, engaging targets from a minimum range of 65 meters in direct attack and 150 meters in top-attack mode, with a hit probability above 90%. These characteristics make it an effective choice for both anti-armor engagements on land and coastal defense against amphibious incursions, providing a versatile capability suited to the Philippine Army's evolving operational needs.
This acquisition is not only a step forward in the Philippine Army’s modernization but also highlights its adaptability to the requirements of contemporary warfare. Choosing an advanced, guided anti-tank missile system with fire-and-forget capability represents a strategic improvement over the previous generation of unguided RPG-7-type weapons, which the Philippine Army has traditionally used. Introducing the AT-1K Raybolt, with its enhanced lethality and adaptability, addresses emerging threats and regional dynamics, underscoring the importance of ready, deployable, and precise anti-armor capabilities.
As the Philippine Army’s first acquisition of this type, the Raybolt’s deployment will serve as an evaluation or "test" purchase. If results prove favorable, similar acquisitions may be made in the coming years as part of the Philippine Army’s capital investment plans, ensuring continuous enhancement of its defense arsenal with advanced weaponry.
By integrating advanced anti-tank technology into its arsenal, the Philippine Army not only strengthens its defensive strategic posture but also lays the groundwork for future modernization efforts. The Raybolt’s deployment will bolster the country's coastal and anti-armor defenses and set a precedent for integrating high-precision guided systems into its regular inventory, reflecting a forward-looking approach to national security.