The Philippine Navy (PN) said on Tuesday the installation of the Mark 38 Model 2 "Bushmaster" 25mm autocannons on the two Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigates will greatly increase the surface warfare capability of the vessels.
Surface warfare refers to the capability to detect, engage, and, if necessary, sink naval ships or unidentified vessels that may intrude in the country's vast territorial waters.
"Per available information, the PN's (Gregorio Del Pilar-class) frigates will be installed with (the) 25mm Bushmaster autocannons that will complement the 76mm Oto Melara main gun. It will allow the vessel to handle targets coming fast and that are too close for the ship's 76mm to engage," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said.
Aside from this, the Bushmaster autocannon will increase the frigates' firepower, making them more capable of protecting themselves and Philippine waters.
"PF-15 (BRP Gregorio Del Pilar) has the priority in getting these weapons. These will be fitted before the end of the year. After this, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), will be fitted next," Domingo added.
The weapon, commissioned by the U.S. Navy following the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in 2000, was designed to counter high-speed maneuvering surface targets and will be installed in almost all
The remotely controlled chain gun system can fire as many as 180 25m rounds per minute at targets as far as two kilometers.
These weapons will be fitted by a U.S. Coast Guard team after the PN found out that having a private shipyard install the guns is extremely expensive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=676685
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