The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday reported the successful conduct of a gunnery exercise (Gunnex) with the United States Armed Forces, highlighting the capabilities of two Philippine Navy (PN) warships as part of the ongoing 40th iteration of the Balikatan Exercises.
The live-fire drills featured .50 caliber gun maneuvers aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS36). Also participating were the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28), dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), and the Philippine Coast Guard’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). The maritime training was conducted on 25 April.
Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, chief of Balikatan’s Combined Joint Information Bureau, said the Gunnex served as a platform for joint forces to refine naval surface warfare tactics, enhance communication interoperability, and strengthen maritime domain awareness in the West Philippine Sea.
On the same day, the Philippine Navy’s guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150) participated in a fire drill, first aid response, and casualty evacuation exercise.
“Held at sea, the activities aimed to enhance the crew’s readiness and coordination in responding to onboard emergencies, with emphasis on fire suppression, immediate medical response, and safe evacuation procedures,” Salgado said.
These drills were conducted as part of the Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) under this year’s Balikatan Exercises.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force’s 960th Air and Missile Defense Group (960AMDG) held a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) with counterparts from the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The training, held at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in San Antonio, Zambales, focused on the operational use and capabilities of the Surface-to-Air Python and Derby (SPYDER) medium-range air defense system.
Participating forces discussed the potential integration of the US Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) and Avenger systems with the PAF’s SPYDER system, aiming to enhance joint air and missile defense capabilities and support interoperability among allied nations.