Philippines strengthens maritime deterrence
(Baonghean.vn) - On May 2, Philippine defense and navy officials announced that Manila has completed the purchase of the country's first missile systems for warships, thereby enhancing its maritime deterrence as part of its military modernization program.
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| Philippine warship. Photo: AP |
Philippine Defense Department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the Israeli-made Spike ER missiles are deployed on locally produced gunboats, known as multi-role attack craft.
It is not yet clear when these short-range surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems will be deployed.
Meanwhile, an unnamed senior naval commander said the Philippines will increase patrols in the East Sea and its southern waters, which are home to pirate groups.
“That operation will have a deterrent effect, because at the moment, we have a reliable armed force that can hit any target, whether it is a large or small ship,” the commander said.
The Philippines spent a total of $11.6 million to buy the system. The short-range missiles have a maximum range of 8 km and will be deployed on three vessels in the country's fleet of small speedboats.
The Philippine warships, including two South Korean-made frigates, will be equipped with advanced long-range missiles. Over the next five years, the Philippines has earmarked 125 billion pesos (equivalent to 2.41 billion USD) to buy frigates, fighter jets, helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft, drones and radar systems./.
