Navy improves operational capability to protect PH EEZ

 

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) has improved the operational readiness of its warships and marine units, making it more capable of conducting operations in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In an interview Friday, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said this capability is needed for the naval service to effectively perform its mandate under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

The CADC seeks to defend all Philippine territories including its 200-nautical mile EEZ.

“In order for the PN to effectively perform its active role under the CADC, (the) Navy has been tirelessly improving the operational readiness of our units, specifically our warships and marine units, so that we can project naval power up to the EEZ,” Alcos said.

While not giving specific numbers for security reasons, the PN spokesperson said there are now “record numbers of operationally ready warships and aircraft that have the capability to conduct naval and maritime operations up to the EEZ.”

To further improve its capabilities, Alcos said the PN will be focusing on the conduct of sustained maritime operations to ensure the country’s maritime security.

Under the ongoing modernization program, the PN is expected to receive two brand-new guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels from South Korean defense contractor HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and two landing dock platforms from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL within the next two to three years.

Three batteries of the Indian-made Brahmos anti-ship missiles, which will be operated by Marine units, are also expected to be commissioned anytime soon.

The PN is also expected to acquire additional brand-new anti-submarine helicopters to beef up the capabilities of the soon-to-be-delivered guided missile corvettes.

He added the PN will pursue its ongoing modernization program and leverage partnerships with like-minded navies.