From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2024): Defense feats in 2024: Better capabilities, stronger ties with allies (By Priam Nepomuceno)
MISSILE STRIKE. The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) fires a C-Star cruise missile during the maritime strike phase of this year's US-Philippine "Balikatan" exercises in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 8, 2024. Following the Philippine Navy's (PN) successful firing of the C-Star anti-ship cruise missile, then PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy was bent on pursuing its modernization programs to better protect the country's vast maritime domains. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – The year 2024 is one for the books in terms of the Philippines' push to improve its defense capabilities, protect territorial integrity and forge stronger partnerships with allies in the midst of evolving security challenges and threats.
With the integration and full operation of the South Korean LIG Nex 1 SSM-700K C-Star "sea-skimming" surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile system to the Philippine Navy' (PN)'s Jose Rizal class-frigates, the country now has the capability to sink enemy ships at long range if needed.
This potent capability was demonstrated when the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) fired its C-Star anti-ship missile at the decommissioned naval tanker BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81) during the maritime strike phase of this year's US-Philippine "Balikatan" exercises in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 8 this year.
Formerly, all PN ships had to deter or sink hostile or intruding ships using naval guns which required Filipino warships to get close to hit their prospective targets.
Effective ranges of naval guns are usually between 3 to 10 km., compared to the C-Star's 180 km.
Incidentally, this is the first time the PN has fired its C-Star cruise missile system since the weapon was integrated into the two Jose Rizal-class frigates acquired and commissioned in 2020 and 2021.
Before the launch of the C-Star cruise missile, fast attack interdiction craft BRP Lawrence Narag (PG-907) fired its NLOS (non-light of sight) missile system weaponry at the decommissioned tanker.
PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos earlier said both missiles "successfully hit the target".
After the PN vessels, Philippine Air Force planes along with those of the US Air Force also tested their missiles and other munitions on the former BRP Lake Caliraya.
Shortly after, the Philippine Army land-based artillery also took a crack at the decommissioned naval tanker.
The C-Star's warhead is known to weigh around 250 kg. and was delivered to the PN along with its launchers some two or three years ago.
Alcos said the test-firing of the missile shows that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program is working, noting that the firing of the C-Star " is not aimed or designed towards any particular threat, country or state."
Navy modernization for maritime security
Following the PN's successful firing of the C-Star anti-ship cruise missile, then PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy was bent on pursuing its modernization programs to better protect the country's vast maritime domains.
"We shall continue our strides to modernize, cooperate with agencies, collaborate with like-minded partners, and recalibrate our response relative to the developments in our security environment. All these actions are tantamount to our relentless commitment to protect our seas and secure our citizens' future now and in the years to come," he said.
Under the ongoing modernization program, the PN is expected to receive two brand-new guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels from South Korean defense contractor HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and two landing dock platforms from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL within the next two to three years.
Three batteries of the Indian-made Brahmos anti-ship missiles are also expected to be commissioned anytime soon.
The PN is also expected to acquire additional brand-new anti-submarine helicopters to beef up the capabilities of the soon-to-be-delivered guided missile corvettes.
Reciprocal access pact with Japan
This year also marked another milestone in the Philippines' defense ties with allies, following the Senate's concurrence to the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan.
The Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed this development, stressing that the move would heighten "our defense and security cooperation with Japan, and enhance the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan through the conduct of more in-depth practical cooperative activities/exercises."
Representatives from the Philippines and Japan signed the RAA on July 8 this year.
The RAA is set to be approved by the Japanese government's National Diet to render it valid and binding upon both the Philippines and Japan, the DND added.
Once implemented, it would enable the two militaries to expand defense cooperation amid shared security challenges.
It said the RAA with Japan was a testament to the Philippines' unequivocal commitment to peace, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.
The agreement is beneficial in enhancing training opportunities, joint exercises and interoperability.
Defending WPS
The PN also said it was undeterred by China's continued use of "grey zone" tactics and persistent to perform its mandate in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
PN spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said Navy and Air Force units under the Western Command and Northern Luzon Command have regular patrol plans for the WPS.
Trinidad said there is no need to respond or react every time China commits "grey zone" tactics, which he added are "illegal, coercive and deception actions."
"Grey zone" tactics are defined as acts committed by a state that are harmful to another state and sometimes considered to be acts of war, but not legal acts of war.
In the WPS, such tactics include the Chinese use of its Coast Guard ships to harass Filipino vessels engaged in its lawful and peaceful mandate. Harassment includes ramming, use of water cannon and blocking against Filipino ships.
More 'Black Hawk' helicopters for PAF
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) also got a capability boost with the arrival of five newly acquired S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters on Dec. 9.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said these choppers were part of the 32 units of S-70i 'Black Hawk' helicopters acquired through a direct contract with Poland’s PZL Mielec under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
She added that the first batch of five helicopters arrived last June 10 and were commissioned shortly after.
Both the first and second batches underwent rigorous Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) procedures conducted by the Department of National Defense, AFP, and PAF to ensure all units meet the required standards and specifications.
She added that the 32-aircraft contract deal with PZL Mielec was signed by then DND secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Feb. 22, 2022 worth PHP32 billion.
Contract includes an initial logistics support package and training for pilots and maintenance crew.
Several 15 S-70i helicopters are expected to be delivered by 2025 while the remaining seven units are expected to be handed over by 2026.
These helicopters would be used for important missions, including internal security operations, medical search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Castillo said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240728