PH Navy test-fires missiles from helicopter, patrol gunboat off Zambales

The Philippine Navy’s AW159 Wildcat helicopter test-fires its Spike Non-Line of Sight missile and destroyed its designated target west of San Antonio, Zambales on Tuesday, marking the first time the weapon was launched from the air. — Photo from Fleet Public Affairs Office

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Tuesday test-fired Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missiles from both an antisubmarine helicopter and a patrol gunboat, marking the first time the weapon was launched from the air.

The Fleet Public Affairs Office (PAO) said in a statement on Wednesday that the live-fire unilateral missile exercise took place west of San Antonio, Zambales, and involved an AW159 Wildcat helicopter and the patrol gunboat BRP Tomas Campo (PG908). Both aircraft and vessel hit separate targets in the exercise.

BRP Tomas Campo takes part in a live-fire unilateral missile exercise on Tuesday west of San Antonio, Zambales, supported by fleet assets including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), missile-capable BRP Albert Majini (PG909) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG907), along with units from the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coast Defense Regiment and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan (MRRV4406). — Photo from Fleet Public Affairs Office

Rear Adm. Alan Javier, acting flag officer in command, monitored the launch alongside Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet, and other senior officers.

The Spike NLOS, manufactured by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a precision-guided missile capable of striking targets beyond visual range with real-time video guidance. The weapon has been integrated into both shipborne and aerial platforms, expanding the Navy’s ability to engage hostile forces at sea.

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According to the Fleet PAO, the test forms part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which aims to enhance coastal defense and boost deterrence in contested waters.

BRP Tomas Campo takes part in a live-fire unilateral missile exercise on Tuesday west of San Antonio, Zambales, supported by fleet assets including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), missile-capable BRP Albert Majini (PG909) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG907), along with units from the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coast Defense Regiment and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan (MRRV4406). — Photo from Fleet Public Affairs Office

The tests were also supported by Fleet capital assets, including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), ScanEagle UAV, Fast Attack Interdiction Craft missile-capable BRP Albert Majini (PG909) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG907), and Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts BA492 and BA488. Also supporting the exercise were units from the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coast Defense Regiment (CDR) and from the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Suluan (MRRV4406), the navy said.

The missile firings come as Manila continues to modernize its fleet amid persistent tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea. /das