PH frigate tests firepower at RIMPAC exercises off Hawaii

Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151) tests its main guns and other batteries in a series of live firing events during the at-sea phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12 – 16. USN

Philippine Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna tested the accuracy of its main battery and .50-caliber machine gun on targets deployed by Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg at the Rim of the Pacific exercises.

During the Naval Surface Fire Support Rodeo exercise, the frigate’s 76 mm Super Rapid Gun was again tested by targeting 2D virtual land objectives.

Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft, more than 30 unmanned systems and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

The BRP Antonio Luna and other participants held a practice run for gunfire corrections before proceeding with the record firing. 

RIMPAC 2022 helps to gauge and validate the Philippine Navy’s capacity to sustain operations overseas.

The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a training opportunity while building sustained cooperation among participating countries to ensure the safety and security of international sea lanes .

RIMPAC also provides resources and an environment for international participants to achieve their individual and collective training goals.

RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.