The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday highlighted significant gains in fleet modernization and operational reach, crediting sustained government support under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for strengthening the country’s maritime defense capability.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta said recent acquisitions of modern vessels and weapons systems have enhanced the service’s ability to secure Philippine waters, as he outlined key developments during the PN’s 128th anniversary celebration.
Among the newly integrated assets are the guided missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), now considered the Navy’s most advanced surface combat ships.
The service also cited the commissioning of offshore patrol vessels BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) and BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), along with fast attack craft and other newly inducted platforms, including BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910), which entered service in Subic earlier this year.
Ezpeleta said these additions reflect a sustained push to modernize naval capabilities and improve maritime domain awareness amid evolving security challenges in the region.
He also reported the delivery of shore-based BrahMos anti-ship missile systems, describing the development as a major milestone in strengthening the country’s coastal defense posture.
The Navy chief said ongoing programs also include the development of unmanned aerial, surface, and undersea systems in partnership with local academic institutions, aimed at enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
He noted that some locally developed unmanned systems now have operational ranges of up to 120 kilometers, supporting intelligence-gathering missions and maritime monitoring.
Ezpeleta said the modernization efforts form part of the Navy’s broader transformation agenda toward a more capable and responsive maritime force.
Operational data presented during the anniversary program showed the Navy conducted over 6,600 missions from 2025 to early 2026, covering nearly one million nautical miles and thousands of hours of sea patrol operations.
Air and sealift operations were also expanded, with thousands of hours of patrol flights and the transport of military personnel, civilians, and large volumes of cargo across the archipelago, including remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The Navy said these operations reinforce its presence in Philippine waters while supporting humanitarian and logistical requirements nationwide.
Ezpeleta emphasized that sustained modernization and expanded operational coverage reflect both government backing and the commitment of naval personnel to safeguard the country’s maritime domain.
