By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) will fire three major missile systems in its inventory when its naval units join live-fire exercises for this year’s iteration of the “Balikatan” exercises with American forces in late April.
This was announced by PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta in a press briefing at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.
“We will launch the C-Star surface-to-surface (missile), the Spike (Non-Line of Sight) NLOS (missile), and the Mistral surface-to-air missiles from our Navy assets. Our involvement in the combined exercise is instrumental in strengthening interoperability, enhancing our collective response to regional security challenges, and ensuring that we remain ready to confront emerging threats,” he said.
Formally known as the South Korean-manufactured LIG Nex 1 SSM “sea-skimming” surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile, the C-Star is the primary weapon of the two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates in PN service.
Meanwhile, the Israeli-made Rafael Advanced Defense System Spike NLOS missile system is the main weapon of the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft, which is entering Navy service.
Also to be fired are the French-made MBDA Mistral 3 surface-air missiles, the primary anti-air weapons of the two Jose Rizal-class frigates.
Ezpeleta said the live-fire exercises, scheduled in Mariveles, Bataan on April 21, are part of the “multilateral maritime exercises” where the PN will join the maritime strike component.
“This live-firing or this live-missile firing represents a significant advancement in our operational capabilities and marks a step in redefining, or refining, shaping realistic and combat-ready military doctrines,” he said.
As the PN is about to observe its 127th founding anniversary in May, Ezpeleta reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to building a modern and multi-capable naval force capable of contributing to regional peace and stability.
“We are enhancing our capabilities to serve as reliable protectors of the seas that the Filipino people can be proud of,” he said. (PNA)
