The Philippine Navy tests the newly-installed Spike NLOS (Non-Line-of-Sight) missile system on one of its Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) platforms in a test-firing at West off Luzon Point in Mariveles, Bataan on April 10, 2024. Photo courtesy NPAO and Fleet PAO/File

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy will hold a live fire exercise involving its Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile system aboard two Acero-class patrol vessels next month.

Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta said the live fire exercise, which will involve the BRP Tomas Campo (PG-908) and BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), will be held in waters off Mariveles, Bataan on April 21.

"These live missile firings represent a significant advancement in our operational capabilities and mark a step in refining and shaping realistic and combat-ready military doctrines," Ezpeleta said in a press briefing at the PN Headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.

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Developed by Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike NLOS missile system is equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors, and offers day and night operational capabilities, enhancing its effectiveness in various combat scenarios.

The weapon system boasts a range of up to 30 kilometers.

Ezpeleta added that the Navy's Spike NLOS missiles, C-Star surface to surface missiles and Mistral surface to air missiles, will also be used in the maritime strike drills of the Balikatan exercises between the armed forces of the Philippines and the United States this year.

"We are equally excited to participate in the upcoming Balikatan exercises this April, a key opportunity to collaborate with our allied forces," Ezpeleta said.

"Our involvement in this combined exercise is instrumental in strengthening interoperability, enhancing our collective response to regional security challenges, and ensuring that we remain ready to confront emerging threats," he continued.

Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said this is the first time the Navy will fire multiple missile systems aboard its various naval assets.