By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said it is imperative for the country’s military forces to be equipped as he witnessed the test fire of the country’s first surface-to-air missile system, the Mistral 3.
The test fire, which involved the destruction of a mock drone target, is among the activities during the Philippine Navy capability demonstration in Zambales on Friday, May 19.
“With the fluid security situation in our region, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 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.
Marcos said the deployment of state-of-the art weapons and defense systems on the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna is a welcome development.
He said strategic acquisitions and asset upgrading will help the AFP to become more effective in defending the nation and its interests.
“With the impressive modern features that it has such as infrared imaging seeker, advanced image processing, the missile system will be a significant boost to the four dimensional warfare capabilities of our naval vessels to make them more effective [and] more formidable in their multi-role operations,” he said.
“Overall, this upgrade in our vessels’ weaponry will further enhance our naval presence within our territorial domain,” he added.
Marcos said the Philippines will continue with its defense modernization efforts including the completion and commissioning of the remaining Philippine Navy’s projects under the AFP modernization program.
He urged the AFP to further train its personnel, particularly those who will maneuver major naval assets. – gb
