THREE missile systems of the Philippine Navy will be featured in the “maritime strike component” of the “Balikatan” exercises between the US and Philippine armed forces scheduled next month.
The drill be held on April 21 off Bataan which is fronting the contested West Philippine Sea, Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta said in a press briefing at the Navy headquarters in Manila.
The three platforms are the spike non-line-of-sight missile system (NLOS) aboard two Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft, Patrol Gunboat 908, and PG-909.
“This live-missile firing represents a significant advancement in our operational capabilities and mark a step in redefining, or refining, shaping a realistic and combat-ready military doctrines,” said Ezpeleta.
Several countries are expected to join the annual Balikatan exercise. Officials have yet to announce when this year’s exercise will formally open and how many will be participating. Last year’s Balikatan began on April and lasted until May.
“A key opportunity to collaborate with our allied forces and exercise will include multilateral maritime exercises, wherein the Philippine Navy will be part of the maritime strike component,” said Ezpeleta.
“And we will launch the C-Star surface-to-surface, the Spike NLOS and the Mistral surface-to-air missiles from our Navy assets,” he also said.
Ezpeleta said the Navy’s involvement in the Balikatan exercise is “instrumental in strengthening interoperability, enhancing our collective response to regional security challenges, and ensuring that we remain ready to confront emerging threats.”
Ezpeleta also said the military continues to intensify maritime security operations, enhancing support for unified commands and “ensuring the optimum deployment of our naval assets and personnel.”
“Our efforts are focused not only on force capability enhancement, but also on the continuous development of our bases and facilities, as well as improvement of our maritime domain awareness to bring about a holistic and credible defense posture,” he said.
He also said the Navy is “keenly aware” of the “emerging challenges such as cyber security threats, foreign malign influence and weaponization of information.”
To counter such issues, Ezpeleta said, “we are innovating in strategic communication and strengthening our cyber security capabilities to ensure that we remain resilient in this digital age.”
