Navy to acquire 30 more

missile-equipped ships
By: Julie Alipala - Reporter / @alipalajulieINQ
Inquirer Mindanao / 08:06 PM March 07, 2019

The Philippine Navy shows off its three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) MKIII,
its first-ever missile-firing vessels. INQUIRER.net/Frances Mangosing

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy will acquire around 30 more ships
equipped with missile system and automated 50 caliber machine guns that can
sink ships at a distance as far as two kilometers.

Navy’s Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad confirmed

Thursday morning that three Navy vessels called Multipurpose Assault Craft
(MPAC), which were acquired recently, are armed with missiles.
ADVERTISEMENT

“We have MPAC equipped with missile system. Each MPAC costs P270 million, iba
naman ang presyo ng missiles. We have three with missile system but in the
future, magkakaron tayo ng 30 more ships with missile systems so that if we are
invaded by another country, we can protect our maritime nation by using our
system,” Empedrad said in an interview after the ceremonial turn over at Tangan
Gym, inside Naval Forces Western Mindanao command here.

Empedrad said a single missile round costs about P10 Million.

He clarified that those missiles are not intended to counter violent extremism or
Abu Sayyaf Group. He said “it is dedicated for external defense, kung gamitin natin
for Abu Sayyaf, lugi tayo, pero meron syang 50 caliber na automated that even in
the high seas with big waves, the automated guns can wipe enemy’s craft to as far
as 2 kilometers away. We have already tested these weapons.”
However, if an enemy’s ship is carrying a number of high value targets, a
commander can order to fire the missiles.

There are three MPAC vessels that are already modified and upgraded with Rafael
Advance Defense Ltd. Spike ER (extended range) surface to surface missile system.

All three MPAC vessels are docked in Manila.

“We are preparing for a support system. The Navy is looking for a safe place where
we can park these vessels. We cannot easily dock it at any pier, baka mamaya,
pasukan ng kalaban makuha ang mga missiles, we have to build a infrastructure
that can accommodate it, where we can safely hide it,” Empedrad noted.

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1093293/navy-to-acquire-30-more-missile-

equipped-ships#ixzz5hUd4toYi
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook