By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
The ongoing “Balikatan” exercise provides the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a chance to train on the use of its newly acquired weapons systems or capabilities similar to the platforms used by its U.S. counterparts.
This was stressed by Col. Doug Krugman of the U.S. 1st Marine Expeditionary Force when asked why the NMESIS (Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) would be used for this iteration of the “Balikatan” exercise.
“I think it’s in the exercise because the purpose of the exercise is to ensure we are advancing capabilities. The AFP has recently acquired BrahMos, a coastal defense cruise missile system and the NMESIS is (of a) similar capability. So, as we are working (to) ensure interoperability, I think it’s natural that we will bring a (similar) capability to exercise alongside AFP,” Krugman said in an interview with PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Wednesday, April 23.
The NMESIS was earlier described as a mobile anti-ship missile system with a range of 100 nautical miles.
Krugman’s views were shared by Brig. Gen. Michael Logico, assistant exercise director of the “Balikatan” for the Philippines.
“I agree because we are also looking at the capabilities that we did not have before. So, with the presence of the NMESIS, we are also intending to train that in conjunction with our BrahMos system—these are capabilities that will expand our reach beyond our territorial waters,” said Logico, who is also the “Balikatan” exercises spokesperson.
The BrahMos is a cruise missile that is capable of being launched from a ship, aircraft, submarine, or land; has a top speed of about Mach 2.8 (about 3,400 km per hour); and is capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 kg to 300 kg. It has a range of 290 km–300 km.
Logico also stated that the joint training between Filipino and U.S. forces are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the interoperability and combat readiness of the two services.
The “Balikatan” drills began on April 21 and will end on May 9. This is the 40th iteration of the annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States. (PNA)
