Philippine Navy demonstrates modern warfare tactics in Unilateral Exercise 2024.

According to information published by the Philippine MoD on September 4, 2024, the Philippine Fleet (PF) displayed its advanced maritime capabilities during the Sea Phase of its Unilateral Exercise 2024, held in the waters off Zambales, Bataan, and the Mindoro Strait.
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PN's Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz. (Picture source: Philippine MoD)

Key participants included the PF’s flagship frigates, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), alongside patrol vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17). These ships coordinated in executing a variety of tactical maneuvers, formations, and communications exchanges. One highlight was an anti-air warfare simulation, where the Naval Air Wing's assets engaged in a mock missile firing scenario.

The opening day showcased a live-fire exercise, with BRP Antonio Luna demonstrating the precision of its 76mm main gun, while BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Andres Bonifacio fired their Mk38 25mm Bushmaster cannons. BRP Ramon Alcaraz also successfully tested its Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff (SRBOC) system, a defensive countermeasure designed to thwart incoming missile threats.

In a nighttime operation, the fleet conducted a Night Steaming in Company (NSIC) drill, patrolling in tactical formation and executing an Emission Control Exercise. This exercise, aimed at detecting and analyzing electromagnetic transmissions, highlighted the electronic warfare capabilities of the fleet, allowing ships to build a comprehensive maritime situational awareness.

The second day saw the Surface Action Group tackle an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) scenario. The NV395 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, together with the AW159 Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter (NH441), deployed its dipping sonar to locate and neutralize a simulated submarine threat.

Comments

The Philippine Navy’s recent unilateral exercises, especially during the Sea Phase, could prove highly valuable in the event of a conflict with the Chinese Navy for several reasons. First, these drills enhance operational readiness and adaptability. China's growing presence and assertiveness in the South China Sea, including its militarization of artificial islands and aggressive shadowing of foreign naval vessels, require the Philippine Navy to be prepared for various conflict scenarios.

Additionally, these exercises improve interoperability and joint tactical capabilities among different naval platforms. Given China's strong emphasis on anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies, which aim to prevent adversaries from entering key maritime zones, the Philippines must rely on coordinated tactics and technology, such as anti-air, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare drills. Exercises like those involving the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna demonstrate the ability to respond to Chinese tactics by integrating surveillance, reconnaissance, and countermeasures into naval maneuvers.