PH Navy to get first missile system from Israel by Christmas
BY THE MANILA TIMES ON NOVEMBER 20, 2017



THE Philippine Navy announced on Monday that it would mount its first missile system on three of its brand new multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) by Christmas time.

Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the Philippine Navy chief, said that there would be a pre-delivery inspection of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.’s Spike ER (extended range) missile systems from Israel on the Philippine Navy’s MPACs.

“A pre-delivery inspection is already scheduled. Then a [Philippine] Air Force plane will go to Israel to transport the missiles to the Philippines. All expenses paid by the proponent,” Mercado told reporters in a text message.

He added that the tentative fitting of the missile system would be in December.

The missile system is capable of penetrating 1,000 millimeters or 39 inches of rolled homogeneous armor and has a maximum range of five miles.Its missile weapons are on anti-ship mode, which means it can engage surface level targets.

It was purchased by the government for P270 million.

The three MPAC ships were activated last May 22. Their hull numbers are BA-488, BA-489 and BA-490. DEMPSEY REYES

http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-navy-g...istmas/363971/