Over 60 air, naval assets to participate in AFP fleet review

A total of 63 air and naval assets are set to participate in the Fleet Review and Wing Flyby near the coast of Morong, Bataan on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief Captain Jonathan Zata said BRP Jose Rizal, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Emilio Jacinto would lead the fleet followed by the BRP Davao Del Sur, BRP Batak, BRP Abraham Campo, and BRP Ang Pangulo.

Zata said on board the BRP Batak would be the Philippine Army's Simba armored personnel carrier and the Philippine Marine Corps' V-150.

He added that a total of 36 fixed wing and rotary aircraft would be part of the event as well as three FA-50, two AW159, three AW109 and two Blackhawk helicopters.

The event is part of the observance of the AFP's 85th anniversary.

According to Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office acting director Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas, the event would showcase the assets as a result of the military's modernization program.

It will also show the interoperability among the major services of the military, she added.

"Para ano to eh, showcase ng ating modernization na nakuha na natin and of course 'yung ano nito, 'yung jointness gusto [natin] ipakita 'yung joint participation ng lahat ng mga major services into one," Roxas told reporters.

"So parang it's a sort of a training na rin on our part na nagconduct tayo ng ganitong activity then we will [be] able to ano rin 'yung interoperability ng bawat [isa]," she added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is the guest of honor and speaker of the event.

Senior military officials are also set to attend the event. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News