BRP Jose Rizal frigate test-fires Mistral 3 missiles for the first time

The Philippine Navy's flagship frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), successfully test-fired two MBDA Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles for the first time.

The missile test, which involved hitting two drone targets provided by the US Indo-Pacific Command, took place in the waters west of San Antonio, Zambales.

The Navy described the Mistral 3 as a versatile, combat-proven short-range air defense missile system with a 'fire and forget' capability developed by MBDA of France.

This live SAM firing is a Philippine Fleet activity designed to validate existing doctrines and further enhance the Navy's warfighting capabilities.

Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, along with his unit commanders and staff, witnessed the historic firing in real-time from the Philippine Fleet Headquarters in Subic.

The successful firing demonstrates the Navy's resolve to forging modern and mission-ready personnel, assets, and systems toward strengthening this maritime nation's archipelagic defense.

This event provides a remarkable prelude to the celebration of the Philippine Navy's 127th Anniversary this May 2025.

The live-firing was not part of the Balikatan 2025 and was conducted as a separate activity of the Philippine Fleet.