BRP Antonio Luna joins ASEAN-India drills at-sea-phase in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9, 2023): BRP Antonio Luna joins ASEAN-India drills at-sea-phase in SCS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of the Indian Navy)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy's missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) participated in the at-sea-phase of the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) at the South China Sea (SCS) from May 7 to 8.

"The participation of BRP Antonio Luna in AIME 2023 underscores the PN's commitment to building bridges of friendship, as well as promoting regional cooperation for peace and security in the ASEAN region," Ensign Menoel R. Orpilla, the PN public affairs office chief aboard the ship, said in a statement Tuesday.

He added that the at-sea-phase "comprises numerous events involving ships, conducted with ASEAN member-states' navies and Indian Navy counterparts."

Orpilla said BRP Antonio Luna left Changi Naval Base in Singapore May 5 for the exercise.

This year's AIME will run from May 2 to 8. The BRP Antonio Luna arrived in Singapore last May 1.

"While entering Changi Naval Base, the Naval Task Group 80.5 and the ship’s crew manned the rail to honor Singapore, the host of this year’s maiden exercise," Navy spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza earlier said.

Navy Capt. Sherwin Respeto, the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, welcomed the 140-strong PN contingent to AIME 2023, he added.

Aside from AIME, the Philippine contingent will also attend the International Maritime Defense Exhibition Asia 2023, which provides an avenue to foster engagements and showcase the latest innovations in naval technology.

"As the PN enjoys the influx of modern assets, its participation in this international exercise will sharpen the skills of its personnel. Likewise, it reiterates the PN's steadfast commitment to promoting regional peace and stability with its counterparts from the ASEAN and Indian navies," Negranza added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201039