The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has test-fired its newly-acquired state-of-the-art weapon system that were installed on six Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs).
In a statement, the PCG said the activity was held off the waters of Mariveles, Bataan on Friday, Feb. 11.
"The weapon system aims to improve the agency's public service delivery, precisely the conduct of maritime security and law enforcement operations in the vast waters of the country," the statement read.
Vice Admiral Eduardo D Fabricante, officer-in-charge of the PCG, and Israel's Defense Attaché Raz Shabtay led the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) Capability Demonstration.
Among the six vessels with newly-installed weapons were BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402), BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411).
"The RCWS has target tracking capability for day and night applications. The stabilized weapon and optics enable enhanced target observation, positive recognition of targets, fire, and tracking moving targets. Stabilization is enabled by using a dedicated array of gyros and electronics," PCG said.
Fabricante expressed his satisfaction with the RCWS and discussed his plan to install the weapon system in all PCG capital ships during the event.
"This state-of-the-art weapon system will significantly enhance our performance of maritime law enforcement operations in the country's waters. This will also allow us to better support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other government agencies that are addressing terrorism, illegal drugs, and smuggling," he said.