Philippine Navy ships to get arms upgrades

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz. US EMBASSY PHOTO RELEASE

MANILA, Philippines–It looks like Christmas just came early for two of the Philippine Navy’s two lead frigates.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz are set to be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 225 millimeter “Bushmaster” automatic cannons, with the former the first to get the upgrades.

Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief, said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar would have the upgrades installed at the end of the year as support weapons for its main one, the 76 mm Oto Melara automatic cannon.

“Both vessels are programmed for upgrades in terms of sensors and firepower to revive their original capabilities,” Domingo said Monday.

She added that it has been the intention of the Navy to upgrade their ships to protect the country.

“We want to make them stronger, and of course to protect itself and the Philippines against whoever the adversary is,” Domingo said.

He added it’s always better to have more firepower added to the ship.

“We can still add more to make it better equipped in the seas,” Domingo said. “It’s always to maximize, especially if we have the opportunity.”