Philippine Navy to fire 3 missile systems during Balikatan exercises

The Philippine Navy will fire three major missile systems, including the C-Star, Spike NLOS, and Mistral, during the upcoming Balikatan exercises with American forces in late April.

Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, the PN flag officer-in-command, announced the missile firings at the Navy headquarters in Manila.

The C-Star, a South Korean-manufactured surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile, is a primary weapon for the Jose Rizal-class frigates.

The Israeli-made Spike NLOS missile system is the main weapon for the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft.

French-made MBDA Mistral 3 surface-air missiles, which are primary anti-air weapons for the Jose Rizal-class frigates, will also be utilized.

These exercises are deemed instrumental in strengthening interoperability and enhancing the collective response to regional security challenges.