Major defense upgrades: PH Navy to test surface-to-air missile, anti-submarine chopper
The Philippine Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, the future BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150). File photo / Philippine Navy
ZAMBALES, Philippines —The Philippine Navy is preparing to make a big splash against potential maritime or aircraft attacks.
On Friday, a new surface-to-air missile (SAM) and antisubmarine helicopter will be tested near San Antonio’s coast.
On the observation ship BRP Davao Del Sur, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos would be there for the historic event.
The Navy’s Mistral 3 SAM is set to hit and destroy a drone, which will serve as a mock target.
Equipped with 90-millimeter high explosive warheads, Mistral 3 SAM has a range of more than three nautical miles with a speed of 2.7 Mach. It is among the primary weapons of Jose Rizal-class multi-mission capable frigates.
Article continues after this advertisementAlso, the Navy’s AW159 anti-submarine warfare naval helicopter will demonstrate the utilization of compact-FLASH (folding light acoustic system for a helicopter) dipping sonar.
Article continues after this advertisementCompact-FLASH dipping sonar is noted for its target detection capabilities, with an effective detection range of up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) with a maximum operating depth of 300 meters.
These weapons were acquired through the Navy’s Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2B, with a budget of around P670 million.
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