The Philippine Navy has ramped up its defense capabilities, testing anti-missile decoy system in the West Philippine Sea amid escalating tensions with China over the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Guided missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), alongside patrol ships BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), took part in the Navy’s second unilateral drill last month, engaging in warfare simulations off Zambales, Bataan, and the Mindoro Strait.
During the exercises, the Navy showcased various weapons systems. BRP Ramon Alcaraz test-fired its Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff, a decoy system designed to confuse radar-guided or infrared-guided missiles by creating a radar signature similar to the ship.
The BRP Jose Rizal demonstrated its 76 mm gun, while BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Andres Bonifacio tested their 30 mm Bushmaster guns.
The exercises also included an anti-submarine warfare scenario, involving the NV395 maritime patrol aircraft and an AW159 Wildcat helicopter equipped with dipping sonar to locate and neutralize a mock submarine target.
Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the exercise was aimed at enhancing operational readiness, promoting interoperability, and encouraging tactical innovation among the major surface platforms.
Badidles said representatives from the Fleet Operational Readiness Training Evaluation Group (FORTEG) and the Naval Inspector General served as evaluators.
“This kind of naval exercise reflects the complexity and dynamism of modern naval operations,” Badidles said, emphasizing that such drills ensure the fleet remains capable and adaptive for a wide range of operations.
The drills come as Manila continues to hold the line in the West Philippine Sea, where Beijing’s actions, particularly around Ayungin Shoal, Panatag Shoal, and Escoda Shoal, have been perceived as harassment of Philippine maritime operations.
China asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, despite the arbitral ruling in 2016 that invalidated its expansive claims.
Photos: Philippine Navy tests anti-missile decoy system in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine military eyes acquisition more mid-range missiles
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. announced plans to acquire additional mid-range missile systems as part of the country’s strategy to bolster its credible defense posture.
In a press conference, Brawner emphasized the importance of acquiring modern weapons, including mid-range missiles, to enhance the military’s deterrent capabilities.
“Part of that advancement is trying to get in the latest weapon systems that are out there—enough for us to develop a deterrent effect. So, one of the modern weapons are, of course, the missile systems,” Brawner said.
“In fact, we already have the BrahMos mid-range missile systems. We are wanting to get more of the latest weapon systems—that includes the mid-range capability,” he added, noting that these efforts align with the AFP’s Transformation Roadmap to become a world-class armed force.
The roadmap seeks to advance the military’s capabilities, positioning it to better protect national security interests.
Brawner highlighted the Philippines’ acquisition of Indian-made BrahMos medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missiles, which arrived earlier this year. He underscored that this acquisition is part of the country’s broader efforts to build a self-reliant defense posture.
In April, AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad confirmed the delivery of the first batch of the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System from BrahMos Aerospace, under a P18.9 billion (US$339 million) contract signed in January 2022. The missile systems are currently undergoing assessment by the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee.
Brawner also mentioned ongoing familiarization efforts with the US-made Typhon missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, as part of the AFP’s goal to train with strategic allies and enhance soldiers’ defense capabilities through the use of modern weapon systems.
“So as early as now, while we don’t have them yet… we start training already, even if we don’t have them in our inventory. So, the objective is for us to train together with our strategic ally on the use of modern weapon systems,” he said.
All photos credit: Philippine Navy
Top photo: Philippine Navy tests anti-missile decoy system in the West Philippine Sea.
