PHL acquires navy missiles

The Philippines is starting to beef up its defenses, as the country gets a maritime deterrent booster with its first-ever purchase of ship-borne missile systems.

The acquisition of these navy missiles cost a total of $11.6 million. It is also part of a military modernization program, according to defense and navy officials.

Arsenio Andolong, Defence Ministry spokesman, said that the Spike ER missiles that were made in Israel will be fitted on three locally manufactured gunboats, otherwise known as multi-purpose attack craft.

It is yet unclear as to when the short-range surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems will become fully operational. However, a senior naval commander said that these would make the country appear more of a force in patrolling the South China Sea.

“It will be a deterrent because this time, we have a credible armament that can strike a punch whether the target is a small or large ship,” said the commander who requested to not be identified as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The government has allocated a total budget of P125 billion to acquire helicopters, fighter jets, frigates, drones, radar systems, and surveillance plans in a span of five years.

via The Straits Times / Reuters