Missiles to go on Navy ships

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Navy is planning to install missile systems on its two Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates to elevate its patrolling and defense capabilities.

The missile systems will also be a “force multiplier” and address the Navy’s limitations, an official said on Sunday.

Earlier, Vice Commander Rear Adm. Caesar Taccad said the two Del Pilar-class frigates would be equipped with missiles and other weapons systems.

Navy spokesman Col. Edgar Arevalo said the new weapons systems would provide the naval branch with a credible defense posture and extend its patrol reach.

“It will extend our patrolling reach, we don’t have to go all the way to an area in our seas to thwart an aggressor if we have a missile system,” he said.

The official did not go into budget details or the time frame for the upgrade, saying these were still being finalized.

“We can engage possible aggressors through our missile systems,” Arevalo said.–Julie M. Aurelio