PH, US military to conduct maritime strike drills using WWII corvette as target

The Philippines and the United States military are conducting maritime strike drills under the 'Balikatan' exercises in San Antonio, Zambales, using the decommissioned World War II corvette, the former BRP Miguel Malvar, as a target.

The target vessel will be engaged approximately 30 to 40 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales in the West Philippine Sea.

Modern weapon systems from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military will be showcased during the exercise.

The AFP will deploy its FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft, fast-attack interdiction craft armed with Spike Non-Line of Sight missiles, and the guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) with its C-STAR cruise missile system.

The US military will utilize its air assets, including bombers, F-16, and F-18 fighter jets.

This exercise follows the sinking of the decommissioned World War II corvette Pangasinan in 2023 and the retired naval oil tanker Lake Caliraya last year.

The AFP is awaiting confirmation if President Marcos will attend the event.