Manila: The country's new fleet of modern naval ships is expected to enhance the Philippine Navy's (PN) reach and patrol to protect the country's vast maritime domain, its spokesperson said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PN spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez emphasized the strategic advantages of acquiring newly-commissioned guided missile frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), along with the soon-to-be commissioned offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20). The guided missile frigates were commissioned on May 20 and December 2 of last year, respectively, and the OPV had a welcoming ceremony on January 20. These vessels reinforce the two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates placed in service in 2020 and 2021.

The Navy expects the delivery of five other OPV sister ships of BRP Rajah Lakandula within the next two to three years. Martinez stated that brand-new naval assets allow the PN to create more "Surface Action Groups" (SAGs) if needed. She explained that SAGs are ad hoc groups organized to accomplish specific missions for defined periods, depending on the threat environment.

For its part, the Philippine Army (PA) announced its efforts to modernize and refine anti-tank or armor tactics and capabilities in light of ongoing global conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala highlighted the PA's established anti-armor capability through existing anti-tank weapons, doctrine, and trained units. The focus is on enhancing this capability by refining tactics through exercises, improving soldier skills, and acquiring more modern systems under ongoing modernization programs.

Dema-ala noted that lessons from recent conflicts, including Ukraine, are being observed to inform training and doctrine. These lessons are applied as capability enhancements to an already existing anti-armor capability. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has showcased the use of various tactics and weaponry to destroy opposing tanks and armored forces, including anti-tank guided missiles, hunter-killer drones, and anti-tank guns. When asked about the PA's specific anti-tank assets or weapons, Dema-ala declined to comment for security reasons.