Philippine Navy unveils new air and sea assets on their 121st Founding Anniversary

One of the major highlights in the celebration of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) 121st founding anniversary this year is the unveiling of its new and modern equipment.

PN’s latest acquisition were two Augusta Westland AW159 Wildcat anti-submarine helicopters purchased from the UK for 5.4 billion pesos.

These anti-submarine helicopters are armed with torpedoes which can be deployed once a submarine is detected loitering illegally within Philippine waters.  

The choppers will initially be part of two Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels of the Philippine Navy and will eventually be assigned to the two new frigates BRP Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna set to be delivered in 2020-2021.

The Philippine Navy also showcased their new Hanwha Defense Systems KAAV- 7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles from South Korea, purchased at 2.42 billion pesos.

These have the capacity to safely transport soldiers at sea to land with their state-of-the-art armor protection system.

Commander of the Naval Air Group (CNAG) Capt. Juario Marayag said this is a good addition to the Philippine Navy.

He added that the acquisition of these new naval assets is very synchronized with the mission of the Navy, “The Navy 2020”, “to be a more credible and stronger Navy”.

These new assets are part of the Part 1 Horizon Phase 1 of the revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the purchase of these naval assets will greatly enhance the Philippine Navy’s capability to defend our territories.