Zambales: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday conducted a live-fire unilateral missile exercise west of San Antonio, Zambales, marking a significant milestone with the first-ever aerial launch of a Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missile. The PN reported that its AW159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter successfully executed the aerial launch, effectively destroying its designated target.
According to Philippines News Agency, the successful missile launch demonstrated the capability of launching missiles from both air and surface assets, enhancing operational flexibility and logistics. In addition to the aerial launch, the missile boat BRP Tomas Campo (PG-908) participated in the exercise by conducting a separate coordinated Spike NLOS missile launch against another target.
The Spike NLOS is a precision-guided, multi-purpose missile system developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is designed for engaging targets beyond visual range with high accuracy, utilizing advanced electro-optical and real-time video guidance. This system provides operators with full control from launch to impact, significantly enhancing the PN's standoff strike capabilities, maritime defense, strategic deterrence, and operational effectiveness.
The live-fire exercise is a component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), focusing on distributed lethality, domain awareness, and joint force integration across the nation's extensive maritime domain. The exercise was observed by PN acting flag officer in command, Rear Admiral Alan Javier, Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, and other senior naval officers at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City.
Critical support for the drill was provided by other PN capital assets, including BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), ScanEagle UAV, fast attack interdiction craft missile-capable BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), and multi-purpose attack craft BA-492 and BA-488. Units from the Philippine Marine Corps' Coast Defense Regiment and the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) also contributed to the exercise.
