MANILA — The Philippine Navy announced that its frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), successfully test-fired two launchers of the Mistral 3 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in the waters west of San Antonio, Zambales.
According to the Navy, “the live SAM firing is a Philippine Fleet activity designed to validate existing doctrines and further enhance the Navy’s warfighting capabilities.”
“During the exercise, FF150 hit with pinpoint accuracy both drone targets provided by the US Indo-Pacific Command’s Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability and Threat Systems Management Office,” it said in a statement.
Navy described the Mistral 3 as “a versatile combat-proven short-range air defense missile system with a ‘fire and forget’ capability developed by MBDA of France.”
It added that Mistral 3 boosts its frigate’s capability with an advanced weapon system, which is “a critical part of modern defense systems that ensure airspace security, strategic deterrence, and optimum operational readiness” in upholding “territorial integrity” and “protecting the country’s maritime interests.”
Other Philippine Fleet capital assets present during the exercise were RP Antonio Luna (FF151), MUARS Flight Bravo’s Scan Eagle ISR UAS, missile gunboat BRP Albert Majini (PG909), and BRP Rafael Pargas (PG379).
Officials present during the firing were Philippine Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe and the Commander Offshore Combat Force and concurrent Naval Task Force Commander for the warfighting exercise, Commo. Raul Regis, among others. (Faith Argosino Philippine Daily Inquirer)
