MANILA – Modern weapons systems from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their United States counterparts will be showcased on May 5 during “Balikatan” maritime strike drills that will call for the sinking of the decommissioned World War II corvette, the former BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19).
The target ship will be engaged beyond 12 nautical miles, approximately 30 to 40 nautical miles off the Zambales coast.
“Tomorrow (Monday), we will be sinking (the) former Miguel Malvar. This is the third ship we will be sinking,” Balikatan 2025 spokesperson Brig. Gen. Michael Logico said in a media interview.
The first ship sunk during the history of “Balikatan” took place in April 2023 and involved the decommissioned World War II corvette, the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31).
The other was the retired naval oil tanker, the BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), during last year’s exercises.
The AFP will use its FA-50PH fighter jets and A-29B “Super Tucano” attack aircraft and its fast-attack interdictor craft, which will be firing its Spike Non-Line of Sight missiles.
Meanwhile, guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) will also be taking part in the drills with its LIG NEX 1 C-Star sea-skimming surface-to-surface cruise missile system.
“(The) US will also be firing, using their air assets, their bombers, their F-16 and F-18 fighter jets,” Logico said. PNA
