In a live firing exercise spearheaded by the Philippine Fleet (PF) on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) successfully test-fired two launchers of the Mistral 3 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) in the waters west of San Antonio, Zambales.
During the exercise, FF150 hit with pinpoint accuracy both drone targets provided by the US Indo-Pacific Command’s Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) and Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO). This historic firing which validated the effectiveness of a new capability for the Philippine Navy and the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines was witnessed, in real-time, at the Philippine Fleet Headquarters in Subic where Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, along with his unit commanders and staff were monitoring and communicating with participating units through the aid of various Command and Control Systems.
The Commander Offshore Combat Force and concurrent Naval Task Force Commander for the warfighting exercise, Commo. Raul Regis was onboard the ship executing the actual scenario-based test firing by FF150 which also participated a day prior in a simulated Integrated Air and Missile Defense exercise together with other participants of Balikatan 2025. Moreover, also observing on board was the Commander of the Army Artillery Regiment and the rest of the TWG for the Short-Range Air Defense Project.
Providing vital support during the exercise were other Fleet capital assets BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), MUARS Flight Bravo’s Scan Eagle ISR UAS, missile gunboat BRP Albert Majini (PG909) and BRP Rafael Pargas (PG379).
The MISTRAL 3 is a versatile, combat proven short-range air defense missile system with a “fire and forget” capability developed by MBDA of France. This significantly bolsters the Jose Rizal Class Frigate’s capability with advanced weapon system which is a critical part of modern defense systems that ensure airspace security, strategic deterrence, and optimum operational readiness as the Fleet carries on with its mandate to uphold territorial integrity and protect the country’s maritime interests.
This successful firing demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to forging modern and mission-ready personnel, assets, and systems toward strengthening this maritime nation’s archipelagic defense. It likewise provides a remarkable prelude to the celebration of the Philippine Navy’s 127th Anniversary this May 2025.