MANILA (PNA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of acquiring improved and enhanced versions of the Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).
The HAWK is a US medium range SAM.
The DND stated that acquisition of this weapon aims to protect the country from air threats its shore-to-ship missile (SSM) launchers which it is planning to acquire for the Philippine Army at P6.5 billion.
The SSM project consists of 12 launchers, trailers and tracking systems and missiles that could be fired to hit naval or sea targets.
It will be carried out through “limited source bidding", a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for the program.
The HAWK is capable of intercepting and destroying any hostile aircraft, drone, or rocket that may be sent to incapacitate or disabled the Army's SSM system.
It was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight.
The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete.
Israel, one of the operators of the HAWK missile, have upgraded the Phase 2 standard with the addition of a Super Eye electro-optical TV system for detection of aircraft at 30 to 40 kilometers and identification at 17 to 25 kilometers.
They have also modified their system for engagements at altitudes up to 24,000 meters.
(PNA)
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