The Philippine Navy showed off its new combat capabilities in a live demonstration held Friday, May 19 off the coast of San Antonio, Zambales – a major event to prelude the 125th PN Anniversary later this month with the theme, “Guardians of the Seas: Ensuring National Sovereignty, Security and Stability.”
President and Armed Forces of the Philippines Commander-in-Chief, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed it live aboard the viewing ship BRP Davao del Sur LD602. He was joined by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Department of National Defense - Philippines Officer-in-Charge USec. Carlito Galvez Jr., AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, Navy Chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., and other senior defense and AFP officials.
The demonstration featured the capabilities of the Naval Air Wing's AW159 anti-submarine warfare helicopter which launched its Compact-FLASH dipping sonar and the BlueShark torpedo to detect, locate, and neutralize stealthy sub-surface threat.
The Bullfighter chaff decoy – the countermeasure of the Jose Rizal-class frigates – was also put on display, deploying a flare of obscurant agent designed to confuse and defeat radio-frequency and infrared-guided missiles.
Rounding these off was the speed run of the newly acquired fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-M) composing the Acero-class Patrol Gunboats of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Force.
Navy Chief Adaci Jr. underscored in his welcome remarks that these enhanced capabilities manifest the PN’s steadfastness “in protecting our maritime interests, securing our vital sea lines of communication, and contributing to regional security and stability.”
He further attributed the acquisition of these cutting-edge technologies and defense systems to the “government's support and commitment to equipping the Philippine Navy with the necessary tools,” while expressing optimism “to fully realize our vision of a modern and multi-capable navy through the continued support of our government, partners, and stakeholders.”
President Marcos Jr. conveyed in his remarks the continuous effort of his administration to strengthen the AFP as “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.”
He likewise enjoined the PN to ensure the “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.”
This landmark event represented a great stride in the PN's resolve to better protect our seas and secure the Filipino people whose relentless support to the AFP Modernization Program has enabled the Philippine Navy to steadily modernize and improve the capabilities of its assets, systems, and personnel.
(PN)