PAF inaugurates training center for SPYDER air defense system from Israel

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the turnover of the Spyder Air Defense System (SPADS) Simulator Training Center in Basa Air Base, Pampanga on 26 April 2022. (Photo from Philippine Airforce Facebook page.)

MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine Airforce (PAF) has inaugurated its first ever training and simulation center for future operators of the  SPYDER missile defense system from Israel.

The PAF and the Department of National Defense (DND) led the inauguration of the SPYDER Philippines Air Defense System Simulator-Training Center at the Basa Air Base, in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Tuesday.

SPYDER missile defense system (Photo from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Facebook page)

The SPYDER (“Surface-to-air Python and Derby”) is an Israeli short and medium range mobile air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with assistance from the Israel Aerospace Industries.

The PAF said the facility is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s “first missile training center which will serve as a training ground for future missile operators to prepare them for real-world challenges as well as to increase personnel knowledge, skills and develop the right attitude for air and missile defense.”

For his part, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said such milestones in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program are among his “happiest and proudest” moments as a Defense chief of six years.

“May this new simulator training center inspire you to look into the Command’s bright future, utilize its capabilities to ensure the success of your missions,” Lorenzana told PAF personnel during the program.

The program was also attended by PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, and other officials from the AFP.

The defense center is part of the Ground Base Air Defense System acquisition project of the PAF.

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