In a noteworthy milestone for the Philippine Navy, 21 of its personnel have successfully completed the Operator Training of the Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASMS) in India. Running from January 23 to February 11, the training focused on the operations and maintenance of critical logistics packages of the SBASMS that will be delivered to the Philippines.
At the valedictory ceremony, the Indian Navy's Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, presented interim missile badges and pins to the personnel. In his speech, he lauded the BrahMos missile's induction into the Philippine Marine Corps, saying that it would enhance their maritime capability and contribute to collective maritime security in the region. He also stressed the bond of friendship between the two countries.
Col Romulo D. Quemado PN(M)(GSC), Commander of the Coastal Defense Regiment (Provisional) and End-User of the system, praised the team for their successful completion of the training and expressed optimism about the future of the CDR with the trained personnel. He also emphasised the importance of retaining the knowledge gained during the training.
The Operator Training of the SBASMS is a critical component of the Philippine Navy Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System Project Contract, signed by the Philippines and India in 2022. The acquisition is considered a significant boost to the Philippine Navy's maritime defence capabilities and complements the efforts of their surface assets in patrolling Philippine waters.
(Views expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial stance of Mission Victory India)
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