Philippines to acquire new missiles from Israel

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has confirmed that the Philippines will acquire more missiles from Israel.

The Department of National Defense will be purchasing a Surface-to-air Python and Derby (SPYDER) mobile-air defense system from Israeli defense technology firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, according to a report from state-run Philippines News Agency.

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Lorenzana, however, said that he does not yet know the exact number of missile launchers that the government will be acquiring.

Last year, the Philippine Navy also acquired Israeli-made Spike ER (Extended Range) surface-to-surface missiles, which were installed on its multi-purpose attack craft.

The Navy tested the effectiveness of the missiles in a naval drill off Limay, Bataan in August 2018.

The Israeli-Er missile system installed on the navy's gunboat accurately neutralized its target from a distance of six kilometers. — Patricia Lourdes Viray