By Aritra Banerjee
On 9 February 2023, India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, presided over a valedictory ceremony honouring 21 Philippine Navy personnel who completed the Operator Training of the Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASMS). The ceremony, held in India, recognised the successful completion of the training from 23 January to 11 February 2023.
The training focused on the operations and maintenance of critical logistics packages of the SBASMS, which will soon be delivered to the Philippines. The training was viewed as a crucial component of the Philippine Navy’s Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System Project Contract, signed by the Philippines and India in 2022.
As pioneers of the system, each officer, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources (CivHR) demonstrated their capacity as exemplary ambassadors of their country, according to Adm. Kumar. He expressed his hope that the bonds built during the training would be cherished for years.
Colonel 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. He expressed his optimism about the future of the Coastal Defense Regiment with the newly trained personnel, emphasising the importance of retaining the knowledge gained during the training to honour the investment made by the Filipino people.
The induction of the BrahMos missile into the Philippine Marine Corps is viewed as a significant boost to the country’s maritime capability. It will further contribute to collective maritime security within the region. The Philippine Navy’s acquisition of the SBASMS is expected to enhance the navy’s capability to defend the country’s maritime borders. It will complement the efforts of Philippine Navy surface assets in patrolling the Philippine waters.
The successful completion of the Operator Training of the SBASMS marks a significant milestone for the Philippine Navy’s modernisation program, positioning the country to better safeguard its maritime interests in the years to come.
