NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippine Navy Enhances Warfare Capabilities with Surface-To-Air Missile System
Photo credit: PCO
San Antonio, Zambales - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his excitement on Friday as he witnessed the Philippine Navy's (PN) demonstration of its latest acquisition, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, aboard the BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602). The President commended the PN for its continuous efforts to strengthen its warfare capabilities.
"I am very happy to be able to join the brave men and women of our Philippine Navy on this important day as we conduct our test fire, our country's first surface-to-air missile system, the Mistral 3, and the other weapon systems that we have demonstrated here this morning," Marcos stated.
With the fluid security situation in the region, President Marcos emphasized the importance of equipping and training the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Navy, to be prepared for any potential threats. He highlighted the administration's commitment to supporting similar naval exercises and completing ongoing 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 emphasized.
President Marcos urged the entire rank of the Philippine Navy to continue their exceptional work, guided by the national interest and the democratic ideals of the Republic of the Philippines.
The demonstration was witnessed by several officials, including Senior Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Andres Centino, and PN Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, along with PN officers and enlisted personnel.
The PN highlighted that the SAM capability demonstration was one of the major events leading up to its upcoming 125th anniversary celebration on May 20.
During the live-fire demonstration, the BRP Antonio Luna showcased its countermeasure, the Bullfighter chaff decoy, further highlighting the Navy's defensive capabilities against hostile aircraft.
The Mistral 3 SAMs, acquired through the PN Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B, are equipped with 90-millimeter high-explosive warheads, have a range of over 3 nautical miles, and can achieve speeds of up to 2.7 Mach. These advanced weapons are deployed on the Jose Rizal-class multi-mission capable frigates, significantly bolstering the Navy's defensive capabilities.
The PN Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B was awarded to MBDA missile systems, based in France, with a budget of approximately P670 million. The acquisition of the Mistral 3 SAM system marks a significant milestone for the Philippine Navy and reinforces the country's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of evolving regional security challenges.
"I am very happy to be able to join the brave men and women of our Philippine Navy on this important day as we conduct our test fire, our country's first surface-to-air missile system, the Mistral 3, and the other weapon systems that we have demonstrated here this morning," Marcos stated.
With the fluid security situation in the region, President Marcos emphasized the importance of equipping and training the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Navy, to be prepared for any potential threats. He highlighted the administration's commitment to supporting similar naval exercises and completing ongoing 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 emphasized.
President Marcos urged the entire rank of the Philippine Navy to continue their exceptional work, guided by the national interest and the democratic ideals of the Republic of the Philippines.
The demonstration was witnessed by several officials, including Senior Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Andres Centino, and PN Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, along with PN officers and enlisted personnel.
The PN highlighted that the SAM capability demonstration was one of the major events leading up to its upcoming 125th anniversary celebration on May 20.
During the live-fire demonstration, the BRP Antonio Luna showcased its countermeasure, the Bullfighter chaff decoy, further highlighting the Navy's defensive capabilities against hostile aircraft.
The Mistral 3 SAMs, acquired through the PN Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B, are equipped with 90-millimeter high-explosive warheads, have a range of over 3 nautical miles, and can achieve speeds of up to 2.7 Mach. These advanced weapons are deployed on the Jose Rizal-class multi-mission capable frigates, significantly bolstering the Navy's defensive capabilities.
The PN Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B was awarded to MBDA missile systems, based in France, with a budget of approximately P670 million. The acquisition of the Mistral 3 SAM system marks a significant milestone for the Philippine Navy and reinforces the country's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the face of evolving regional security challenges.
May 19, 2023
