One of the country’s guided-missile frigates bagged an award from a regional military exercises competition, according to the Philippine Navy in an announcement on Wednesday, August 5.
The PN said that the frigate BRP Miguel Malvar participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Naval Fire Support Exercise Rodeo multi-national live fire event last July 14.
Malvar secures podium finish
In the event, the ship fired its Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid multi-feeding main gun against a virtual, two-dimensional land target.
The winners of the event are determined by calculating which of the ships had the shortest average distance in hitting the target through five salvos.
“(The) PN earned an impressive third place in the highly competitive NSFS multinational live-fire event, highlighting the professionalism and competency of its personnel,” said Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
“The participation of BRP Miguel Malvar, together with the amphibious company of the Philippine Marine Corps underscored the Navy’s growing capability, expanded operational reach, proficiency in conducting complex multinational maritime operations alongside allied and partner navies,” Martinez added.
According to reports, 14 other ships participated in the competition. South Korean Navy’s ROKS Daejeon was declared the overall winner.
This achievement marked the third time the PH won at the regional gunnery contest after BRP Antonio Luna bagged the same runner-up finish in 2022.
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The country’s most advanced ship
The BRP Miguel Malvar is currently serving as the PN’s lead ship. To date, it is the most technologically advanced frigate of the country.
The vessel has a 3,200-ton displacement, 118.4 meters in length, and 14 m in beam. With a total speed of 25 knots per hour, Miguel Malvar plays a crucial role in patrolling the country’s waters.
Its track and detection suites feature an AESA 3D air/surface search radar system, fire control, secondary radars, and sonars.
For weapons, the ship relies on the Oto Melara naval gun, a closed-in weapon system, four mounted heavy machine guns, torpedo tubes, and 16 cells of a vertical launching system.
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Newsjustnews writers 
Wendellyn Mateo 
Maybelene Marcelino