Modern AFP, U.S. weapon systems to be featured in ‘Balikatan’ maritime strike

Photo courtesy: Philippine Navy

By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency

Modern weapon systems from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their United States counterparts will be showcased on Monday, May 5, during the “Balikatan” maritime strike drills that will call for the sinking of the decommissioned World War II corvette, the former BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19).

The target ship will be engaged beyond 12 nautical miles, approximately 30 to 40 nautical miles off the Zambales coast.

“Tomorrow (Monday), we will be sinking (the) former Miguel Malvar. This is the third ship [that] we will be sinking,” Balikatan 2025 spokesperson Brig. Gen. Michael Logico said in a news release.

The first ship sunk during the history of “Balikatan” took place in April 2023 and involved the decommissioned World War II corvette, the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31).

The other was the retired naval oil tanker, the BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), during last year’s exercises.

The AFP will use its FA-50PH fighter jets and A-29B “Super Tucano” attack aircraft and its fast-attack interdictor craft, which will be firing its Spike Non-Line of Sight missiles.

Meanwhile, guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) will also be taking part in the drills with its LIG NEX 1 C-Star sea-skimming surface-to-surface cruise missile system.

“(The) US will also be firing, using their air assets, their bombers, their F-16 and F-18 fighter jets,” Logico said. (PNA)

Popular

‘Time for Teves to face justice’ — PBBM

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, stressed that it is now time for expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face the...

Back from ASEAN Summit, PBBM highlights PH stance on WPS, cooperation

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. came back to the Philippines from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after attending the...

PBBM to BIMP-EAGA: Synergy, innovation, and political will key to success

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for stronger collaboration, innovation, and political will to sustain...

PBBM meet Vietnam and Laos leaders to strengthen bilateral ties

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to boosting relations across various sectors in a bilateral meeting with the prime...