BRP Ramon Alcaraz to be fitted with additional weapons during dry-docking period

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): BRP Ramon Alcaraz to be fitted with additional weapons during dry-docking period

To enhance the combat efficiency of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that additional weapons will be fitted to the ship during her dry-docking period.

Dry-docking period of the Filipino frigate, which is now moored at the Alava Pier, Subic Bay, is expected to start this August up to October.

"The additional armaments which will be fitted to the BRP Ramon Alcaraz is part of our enhancement program," PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said during the sidelight of the ship's welcoming ceremony Tuesday.

He declined to specify what weapons would be fitted to the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

But PN sources said this include two Mark 38 Model 2 25mm "Bushmasters" autocannon which would be mounted on the port (left) and starboard (right) side of the ship and between four to six .50 caliber and M-60 machine guns.

"The weapons are already here and it will be installed during her dry-docking period," the Navy source said.

Additional heavier weapons are also on the way to make the BRP Ramon Alcaraz a much combat-capable ship, he added.

The Filipino frigate is presently armed with a quick-firing 76mm Oto Melara main gun which has a range of 20 nautical miles.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552039