PH Navy’s first ever surface-to-air missiles delivered

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy has received its first ever surface-to-air-missiles for two of its newest warships, bolstering the country’s capability to defend its sovereignty.

The missiles were delivered at the Subic Bay International Airport on Friday (Oct. 8), the Navy said in a statement.

France’s MBDA is supplying Mistral 3 short-range air defense systems for the new Jose Rizal-class warships—BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).

The Navy said the missiles will bolster air warfare capability and will boost maritime operations of the two warships.

“Surface-to-air missiles are among the primary weapons of FF150 and FF151 that bolster the PN’s air warfare capability,” Navy public affairs chief Cdr. Benjo Negranza said.

“The arrival of these missiles will greatly capacitate our JRC frigates in the conduct of their maritime operations,” he said.

The Rizal-class warships were built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and were delivered to the Philippines in 2020 and early 2021.

The Navy is also expecting surface-to-surface missiles from South Korea’s LIG Nex 1 in early 2022.

TSB