PH Navy conducts live firing missile exercises in Zambales

The Philippine Navy successfully test-fired two surface-to-air missiles during a live exercise in the waters off San Antonio, Zambales on Monday.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal hit two drones flown by the US Indo-Pacific Command's Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) and Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) with pinpoint accuracy.

“This historic firing which validated the effectiveness of a new capability for the Philippine Navy and the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines was witnessed, in real-time, at the Philippine Fleet Headquarters in Subic where Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, along with his unit commanders and staff were monitoring and communicating with participating units through the aid of various Command and Control Systems,” the statement read.

“This successful firing demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to forging modern and mission-ready personnel, assets, and systems toward strengthening this maritime nation’s archipelagic defense. It likewise provides a remarkable prelude to the celebration of the Philippine Navy’s 127th Anniversary this May 2025,” it added.

The live-firing was not part of the Balikatan 2025, and was conducted as a separate activity of the Philippine Fleet.

“The live SAM firing is a Philippine Fleet activity that is designed to validate existing doctrines and further enhance the Navy's warfighting capabilities,” said the Navy. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News