Navy missile boat gets battle system upgrade

Troops manning the Philippine Navy’s fast attack interdiction craft BRP Nestor Acero test the vessel’s upgraded “battle net”  system during a sea trial in this July 4, 2024 photo.

MANILA, Philippines–One of the Philippine Navy’s most capable surface combatants, the fast attack interdiction craft BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901), became more potent as its “battle net” (BNET) system received a significant upgrade from Israeli defense manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

“This upgrade was validated through a comprehensive sea trial near Manila Bay and Cavite City, involving PG-901 and five other ACPGs (Acero Class Patrol Gunboats),” the BRP Nestor Acero said in a Facebook post Monday night.

It added that the sea trial, held on July 4, tested the connectivity and communication range of the upgraded BNET system, focusing on voice, chat, and video feed relay. No other details on the system upgrade were provided for security reasons.

“The results exceeded baseline specifications, confirming the upgrade’s success. This enhancement significantly boosts the ACPG fleet’s operational capabilities, ensuring improved connectivity and real-time communication for modern naval operations,” the post read.

The PN now has six Acero-class gunboats in service, with the BRP Nestor Acero as the lead ship.

The first two Acero-class gunboats, the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), were delivered in September 2022 and commissioned two months later.

The third and fourth FAICs, the BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), were delivered in April 2023 and commissioned the following month.

The fifth and sixth were named the BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), respectively, and were commissioned on May 21 this year.

All six Acero-class gunboats were named after Medal of Valor awardees.

The remaining three Acero-class gunboats are expected to be constructed and delivered within the next two years.