(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)
MANILA – This year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations Fleet Review (AFR) held in Subic Bay, Zambales on Thursday is a testament to the Philippines' "unwavering commitment" to promoting maritime security in the region.
Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., in a statement Thursday night, said AFR participants highlighted their naval capabilities and readiness in the event.
He added that it sends a clear message to the world -- the Philippines is dedicated to safeguarding "our shared waters, countering maritime threats, and ensuring the stability that underpins our economic growth and prosperity."
“As we embark on the ASEAN Fleet Review and the second edition of the ASEAN Multinational Naval Exercise (AMNEX) under the auspices of the PN, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Royal Thai (RT) Navy for setting the stage and spearheading the very first ASEAN Fleet Review and AMNEX in 2017. The RT Navy played a pivotal role in shaping AMNEX into a remarkable platform for addressing common regional maritime problems and enhancing military responsiveness,” Adaci said.
Participating ships in the AFR were the PN's BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17); RSS Supreme (73) from the Republic of Singapore Navy; KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai (332) from the Indonesian Navy; KD Leiku (FF-G30) from the Royal Malaysian Navy; OPV 512 (Patanni Class) from the Royal Thai Navy; KDB Daruttaqwa(09) and KDB Afiat (20) from the Royal Brunei Navy; Trang Hung Dao (015) from the Vietnam People’s Navy.
With the theme “Synergy at Sea: Regional Cohesion for Peace and Stability,” the AFR 2023 provides an opportunity for the ASEAN members to be ambassadors of goodwill and catalysts of ASEAN centrality and cooperation.
Highly successful
Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. who witnessed the AFR with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Andres C. Centino and Adaci called the event a success as two PN ships and another seven from ASEAN navies were able to participate in the event.
“The fleet review that we have witnessed today was indeed a pleasure to behold. More than the thrilling sights and sounds that delighted our senses, we are immensely elated for being able to bring together two PN and seven vessels from other ASEAN navies,” he added.
Galvez also said that even countries with no standing navies like Cambodia, Myanmar and Lao People’s Democratic Republic sent their observers to the event -- a laudable gesture of unity and solidarity to the ASEAN community.
“We are confident that this year’s AFR, conducted alongside the 2nd ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise, will further foster interoperability and cooperation among ASEAN member states in the conduct of responsible maritime security operations,” he stressed.
Galvez also emphasized that this activity was not a show of force, but rather a showcase of the ASEAN centrality and to show the oneness and unity of the different countries.
He added that the ASEAN navies come together to promote rule-based and safe maritime operations with our brothers and family of like-minded nations.
“If all the armed forces are talking to each other, we can prevent war from happening because we are talking about peace and understanding, and we are reaching out to everybody,” Galvez said. “To the Team Philippine Navy, congratulations and carry on! I commend you for graciously hosting the AFR 2023. Indeed, what a way to cap your 125th anniversary two weeks from now… to all our sailors and marines, I and the One Defense- AFP Team-Philippines wish you fair winds, clear skies, and following seas always,” he concluded.
PH Fleet conducts first-ever PFDEX
In a related development, the Philippine Fleet (PF) showcased its modern naval platforms and desired future capabilities of the PN at the first-ever Philippine Fleet Defense Expo (PFDEX) 2023 at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City Thursday.
PFDEX 2023 will run from Thursday to Saturday and is open to all enthusiasts and interested individuals.
This event, in partnership with EXPOASIA as the event organizer, is part of the preluding activities for the 125th PN anniversary later this month.
It gathers maritime and naval defense industries in an exhibition area to showcase their products and technology developments.
Considered as the first of its kind in the AFP, the PFDEX also features lectures/symposium from industry experts, and gives a glimpse of the Navy’s upcoming assets like submarines, offshore patrol vessels, unmanned systems, naval weapons and combat systems, cyber and electronic warfare, ISR systems, naval aviation, force protection, logistical systems, and support systems.
This activity highlights the Navy’s stepped-up efforts to bolster its capabilities in maritime defense while also providing an enabling platform for the defense and security sector to expand networks and explore opportunities for collaboration with policymakers and industry leaders. (PNA)
