MANILA, Philippines — Aboard a Navy frigate off Zambales in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos witnessed yesterday the Philippine Navy’s demonstration of its latest weaponry and defense capabilities.
During live fire drills off San Antonio town, guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna fired Bullfighter Chaff Decoy, a 130-millimeter super-rapid-booming off-board countermeasure against incoming radio frequency and infrared-guided missiles to simulate a defensive action against incoming enemy warheads during the exercise sequence.
The test fire of Mistral 3 surface-to-air missile (SAM) did not push through, however, because the mock drone target failed to take off from the nearby San Miguel town due to technical issues, according to Philippine Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.
The Mistral 3 SAM has a 90-millimeter high-explosive warhead, a range of more than three nautical miles and speed of Mach 2.7.
The weapons were acquired by the Navy from MBDA missile systems based in France for about P670 million.
In his speech on board BRP Davao del Sur, Marcos cited the importance of a well-equipped military in responding to emergencies and security threats.
“With the fluid security situation in our region, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and of course the Navy, is substantially equipped, trained and always on alert to respond to any and all exigencies that may confront our nation. It is for this prime reason that we exert a continuous effort to strengthen the capacity of our Armed Forces,” he said.
Marcos said the administration would continue similar naval exercises while the government is completing and eventually commissioning the rest of the Navy projects in the pipeline.
“We are now working on horizon three of the AFP modernization program. As we do so, let us likewise ensure parallel training and capacity building for our personnel, especially for those who would actually operate and maneuver these major naval assets and with the backing of their highly technical training,” the President said.
Joining the President at the event were Senior Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez, Armed Forces chief Gen. Andres Centino, Navy officers and enlisted personnel.
The SAM capability demonstration was among the major events leading to the Philippine Navy’s 125th anniversary celebration today.
Meanwhile, Adaci said the Navy would seek an explanation from the supplier of the drone that failed to operate.
“We have to talk first with the provider of the drone. It was OK during the rehearsals, but surprisingly, it failed to fly,” Adaci said.
Adaci said that with its live-fire demonstration, the Navy aims to project its capabilities in air defense, electronic warfare and vessel survivability.
“These modern acquisitions not only signify our readiness to defend our maritime domain but also reflect a tremendous progress we have made in reinforcing our naval force,” Adaci said.
“I am proud to say that our Navy remains resilient, continuously transforming into a formidable force to better safeguard our maritime nation,” he added.
The weapons were acquired through the Philippine Navy’s Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B awarded to MBDA Missile System based in France, with a budget of around P670 million. — Jose Rodel Clapano