Chinese ships left after PCG radio challenge off Batanes

From GMA News Online (May 8, 2024): Chinese ships left after PCG radio challenge off Batanes (By JOVILAND RITA,GMA Integrated News)

Philippine and United States forces conducted a maritime strike exercise targeting a mock enemy ship on the west coast of Ilocos Norte on Wednesday as part of their Balikatan Exercises, the Philippine Navy said.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy (PN) said its Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAIC) initiated the first strike against the target, the decommissioned vessel BRP Lake Caliraya, using a non-line of sight missile.

BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) followed with its C-Star Surface to Surface anti-ship missile with “pinpoint accuracy,” according to the Philippine Navy.

Other naval and aerial assets participating also attacked the target ship “which highlighted the coordinated and multi-dimensional nature of modern naval warfare,” the Philippine Navy added.

“This maritime strike drill served as one of the main events of what is considered as the largest PH-US Balikatan military exercise to date,” the Philippine Navy said.

“While showcasing the PN’s advancing capabilities, the exercise likewise underscored the commitment of both nations to enhancing joint operational capabilities and fostering regional security cooperation,” it added.

On April 22, the Philippines and the US officially opened the 39th iteration of their annual joint military exercise or Balikatan.—LDF, GMA Integrated News

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/ph-us-troops-assault-mock-enemy-ship-in-ilocos-norte/ar-BB1m1JAs?ocid=financeshimlayer