First missile-firing warship for Phl Navy due to arrive
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy will have its first missile-firing capable warship with the scheduled arrival of BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a decommissioned United States Coast Guard cutter the government has bought.
Defense and military sources said yesterday the Alcaraz (PF-16) is due to arrive in the country either by July or August. It has been fitted with anti-ship harpoon missiles.
“Her weapon system is heavier and more sophisticated compared to her sister ship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar,” sources said.
Aside from harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, Alcaraz is armed with 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, two 25-bushmaster guns and heavy machineguns.
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is only armed with 76mm Oto Melara gun when it was acquired in 2011, with the defense and military leadership spending more to enhance its capabilities.
Alcaraz has already completed its three-day sea trial off South Carolina where it underwent major engine repairs and refurbishment for several months before it was turned over to the Philippines last year.
“With the arrival of our second Hamilton-class cutter, converted into a frigate, the Navy will have its first missile-firing warship,” a military official said.
Alcaraz weighs 3,250 tons, has a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.
When deployed, Alcaraz, with a total of 167 officers and men complement, will have a cruising range of 14,000 miles and can stay in the high seas for 45 days.
New Phl warship to have anti-submarine gizmos
MANILA, Philippines - The country's newly acquired Hamilton class-cutter warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) will be equipped with an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability that can track and destroy enemy submarines, a Philippine Navy official said Wednesday.
Navy spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said that plans have been drawn to equip the Alcaraz, currently undergoing sea trials off North Charleston, South Carolina, with a weapons and technology for anti-submarine warfare.
"ASW capability will be installed on the ship and the helicopter will be assigned to it," Fabic said, explaining that a chopper will widen the warship's monitoring and detection coverage.
The anti-submarine technology in modern warfare typically includes different types of sensors, depth charges, mines, torpedoes and missiles.
The Alcaraz, formerly known as USCGC Dallas (WHEC-716) of the United States Coast Guard since 1968, was acquired by the Philippines in March and is being refurbished to set sail for its new home in mid-June.
"As an additional asset, (the warship) will greatly improve our maritime domain or situational awareness (capability) because it is capable of long-range deployment," the Navy official added.
Besides these given capabilities, Fabic said the watercraft's platform can also be mounted with radar equipment for wider range data-gathering.
"All of these will be linked in a shore facility for better command and control for effective decision making," he added.
The new combat ship is also believed to be carrying a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon, two 25 Bushmaster guns, assorted machine guns.
Besides having defense against submarines, the Alcaraz may also be carrying a harpoon anti-ship missile system will also defend it from enemy surface vessels, according to previous reports.
Fabic added that the Alcaraz will boost the Navy's maritime domain awareness, or the effective understanding of things, vessels and areas within the country's coastal borders.
Together, the Alcaraz and another newly commissioned warship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar which arrived late last year, comprise the country's "first step" toward having the ability to detect and engage intruders in high seas, Fabic said.
Upon arrival, the Alcaraz will already be "fully mission capable," the official said.
__._,_.___
as of today there are news posted that brp ramon alcaraz has been/will fitted with harpoon missile. but i can't find articles or press release by voltaire gazmin/dnd that this ramon alcaraz is fitted with harpoon missile before sailing to manila. so i have doubts and this reports could be speculation only. added to that a new photo of ramon alcaraz may 20 2013 looks nothing added because harpoon missile is expected to be installed in front deck of the ship. i hope DND will clear this up
ReplyDeletecalling the attention of the author. Jaime Laude. Could you please explain, where did you get those information rgearding this. According to your report, this ship (PF-16 ALcaraz) is fitted by harpoon missile. instead, The real story is that, Alcaraz is capable or can be fitted with harpoon missile. There's no report or words form DND officials regarding the HARPOON missile fitted on Alcaraz. Your source only said “Her weapon system is heavier and more sophisticated compared to her sister ship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar,”. SO how come you made this speculation of having harpoon on Alcaraz. Please answer.. Thank you.
ReplyDelete