GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
The Philippine Navy (PN) celebrated its 126th anniversary on May 24, 2024. This historic event reflects its rich history along with its impressive advancements in fleet modernization and capability development. It is important to consider the Navy’s great strides over the years and the significant steps it has taken to advance the nation’s military, maritime security, and maritime cooperation as we celebrate this milestone.
In his welcome remarks, Flag Officer-in-Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, held in high regard the “forerunners and heroes who stood in the face of struggle–from our seafaring ancestors and the Filipino Revolutionary Navy to the trailblazers who established the foundations and laid the path toward our current endeavors” for they all “guided and inspired every action and advancement of the Philippine Navy that we know today.”
Gracing the event as guest of honor and speaker, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underlined the Philippine Navy’s evolution “as a component of joint defense and military power to create a credible and strong deterrent force in order to protect our sovereign rights, our sovereignty, and our territorial integrity.”
The Navy’s modernization voyage marked a major milestone when two brand-new, multi-mission capable frigates procured from South Korea were placed into service. Commissioned were BRP Jose Rizal on July 10, 2020, and BRP Antonio Luna on March 19, 2021. These frigates are among the most advanced surface combatants in PN history, with cutting-edge features like the first surface-to-air missiles for defense, sophisticated combat management systems and anti-ship missiles (both installed later), and the ability to embark AW-159 Wildcat helicopters (the first for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability). In 2019, the Navy also acquired the former South Korean Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap. This ship has greatly enhanced the ASW capabilities of the Navy. It is intended for coastal defense and anti-submarine missions.
The purchase of Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAIC) from Israeli shipyards is another initiative. Four FAICs were manufactured in Israel while the other four, ready for but not initially armed with missiles will be produced in the country through a technology transfer scheme. Remote gun systems are installed on every craft. The first two units were formally commissioned on Nov. 28, 2022, while the fifth and sixth platforms fitted with NLOS (non-line-of-sight) missile systems have just been commissioned days before the 126th PN anniversary celebration. These FAICs improve the Navy’s capacity to carry out a range of tasks including maritime security and disaster response.
Acquiring the Indo-Russian Brahmos medium-range supersonic cruise missiles as the nation’s first shore-based anti-ship missile system is another major leap. The Navy acquired a coastal defense capability that can reach the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This reinforces the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), the bedrock of the defense of the country. The CADC goal is to safeguard and defend the nation’s territory including the EEZ. Prior to this, the Philippine Marine Corps welcomed the significant addition of Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and fast boats to its advancing capabilities.
Likewise, new corvettes and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVS) are being acquired as part of the continuing implementation of the 2nd Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program (AFPMP). It is anticipated that the PN will have eight or more ships, each outfitted with the newest sensors and weaponry, by 2028.
With the latest approval of the Re-Horizon 3, the revised AFPMP, the PN is anticipated to have more capital ships with the newest sensors and weaponry, as well as other assets and systems to bolster its asymmetric warfare capabilities. Plans also exist to purchase diesel-electric submarines as the ultimate deterrent force of the AFP. These additional resources enable the Navy to continue to meet the challenges of contemporary naval warfare.
Alongside the Navy’s modernization initiatives is its participation in promoting global collaboration primarily shown in its active involvement in the Balikatan Exercise 2024. Building confidence and guaranteeing coordinated responses to regional security concerns are made possible by these exercises. The Navy’s capacity to work with foreign partners was particularly demonstrated in the Multilateral Maritime Exercise. It was the first exercise that was held in our EEZ, and this favors the CADC. These drills improve the Navy’s operational preparedness.
As it commemorates 126 years of service, the Navy is a monument to tenacity, commitment, and advancement as well as a tale of development and change. The Navy is prepared to meet current challenges because of continuing modernization initiatives and a deliberate focus on external defense. It has consistently changed to suit the ever-changing demands of the security environment, from its inception to its transition to a cutting-edge naval force. We honor the accomplishments and key events that have made the Navy a strong defender of the country’s maritime interests as we look to the future.
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)