Philippine Navy chief bares plans for 30-vessel acquisition

The Philippine Navy’s top official has confirmed the service’s plans to acquire 30 additional missile-capable vessels.

Flag Officer in-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad told local reporters on Thursday, March 7, that the vessels will primarily be used in maritime external defence rather than in internal counter-insurgency operations.

The missile boats will also be armed with remotely-operated 12.7-millimetre machine guns, Admiral Empedrad said.

These will be the second class of missile-capable ships in the Philippine Navy following the introduction of the three units of Mark III Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) in 2017.