Marcos witnesses PH Navy’s weapon systems demo in West Philippine Sea

Philippine navy ship BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) launches bullfighter chaff decoys during a navy’s capability demonstration, witnessed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (not pictured) aboard the Philippine navy ship BRP Davao del Sur, a Tarlac-class landing platform dock, off Zambales, facing the South China Sea on May 19, 2023. (Photo by YUMMIE DINGDING / POOL / AFP)

Update

ZAMBALES, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday witnessed the demonstration of the Philippine Navy’s weapon systems within the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos’ presidential chopper landed at BRP Davao del Sur’s helipad. The frigate was 10 nautical miles west of Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui here in San Antonio town when the capability testing occurred.

During his speech, the commander-in-chief highlighted the importance of well-equipped armed forces in light of “fluid” regional security.

“With the fluid security situation in our region, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and of course the Navy is substantially equipped, trained, and always on alert to respond to any and all exigencies that may confront our nation, Marcos said.

“It is for this prime reason that we exert a continuous effort to strengthen the capacity of our Armed Forces,” he added.

The chief executive observed as BRP Antonio Luna unleashed bullfighter chaffs, which aimed to deflect the enemy’s anti-ship missile.

This equipment created a cloud of smoke as it released fine lightweight metal fibers, creating a radar signature similar to the ship, which makes it hard for an enemy’s radar to detect which is which.

Also, the Navy’s anti-submarine helicopter called AW159 unleashed a dummy torpedo, which plunged into the sea without a target.

Supposedly the highlight of the event, the Mistral 3 surface-to-air missile, was not employed since its mock target — a drone — did not launch due to technical issues.

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