Provide missile systems for PH, Israel urged

From the Manila Times (May 9, 2023): Provide missile systems for PH, Israel urged (By Bernadette E. Tamayo)

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he asked Israel to help the Philippines acquire armaments and missile systems for the Philippine Navy's (PN) new patrol boats.

He vowed to pass the proposed Philippine Defense Industry Development Act to build the country's capacity to locally produce armaments and vessels for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The senator on Monday led the christening of two new PN gunboats and blessing of the upgraded naval shipbuilding center in Cavite City. Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Rear Admiral Renato David and Rear Admiral Mac Raul Racacho, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and Israel Shipyards Chief Executive Officer Eitan Zucker also graced the event.

The two new patrol gunboats, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), are Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missiles originally developed for the Israeli navy.

They are part of a fleet of nine Shaldag MK V vessels commissioned from Israel Shipyards Ltd.

Named after late corporal Gener Tinangag and late sergeant Domingo Deluana, who both died in the line of duty in Marawi and Maguindanao, respectively, the two vessels will join the Navy's Acero-class patrol gunboats.

Along with the christening of the vessels was the blessing of the newly upgraded Naval Shipbuilding Yard, a project also undertaken in partnership with Israel Shipyards Ltd.

Zubiri has called for the development of a credible defense posture for the country amid tension in the West Philippine Sea.

"We're also asking the Israeli government to help us with armaments and missile systems because what good is a brand new boat without armaments?" he said.

The Senate chief also assured the Navy that they have the whole Senate's support. "We still lack state-of-the-art maritime equipment and technology."

"Today the Navy makes up for that in heart, in smarts and in courage, but that is not enough if we will not give you proper equipment," he said.

"Despite the much more advanced technologies of some of the foreign actors — or sometimes I say, the bullies — aggressively circling our territory, the men and women of the Navy never back down from your sworn duty to protect the country and the Filipino people," he said. "I have no doubt that with these two new patrol gunboats, the Navy will be able to beef up our border patrol and maritime defense toward the ultimate goal of protecting our sovereignty."

"This is a giant step forward, as this will empower the Navy to be more self-sufficient in building and repairing its vessels, which will bring us closer to being on equal footing with the maritime technology of our neighboring countries," Zubiri added.

He gave assurances that senators are "committed to providing additional help and equipment to the Navy."

"We're also looking at anti-submarine planes, larger base ships for the West Philippine Sea," he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/09/news/national/provide-missile-systems-for-ph-israel-urged/1890506