The Philippine Navy (PN) will now be better able to track and neutralize hostile submarines if needed, as part of efforts to secure the country's waters. This as a light torpedo LI1 Nex1 "Blue Shark" made in South Korea, which will function as the main weapon of the two anti-submarine Leonardo AW-159 "Wildcat" helicopters obtained by the Navy, is now in the country.
"It was delivered according to the project schedule to support the ability of the anti-submarine AW-159 (anti-submarine helicopter)," the head of the Navy's public affairs office, Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in an interview Wednesday.
Torpedo was sent to the Philippines on July 18, 2019, he said.
Roxas, however, refused to provide specific numbers of torpedoes sent to PN but said there were "sufficient numbers".
Light "Blue Shark" torpedoes are also capable of operating in shallow and deep waters capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 knots. It also weighs 290 kilograms, 324mm in diameter and 2,700mm in length.
It can also be installed on planes and warships aside from helicopters including two newly acquired PN-159 AW ships that were shipped on May 7 this year and commissioned only on June 17.
Two "Wildcat" helicopters will be deployed on two Jose Rizal missile frigates which are now being completed by South Korean shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries and scheduled for delivery in 2020.
AW-159 was obtained for PHP5.4 billion including ammunition, mission critical equipment and integrated logistical support.
AW-159 (previously called Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an enhanced version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter. Helicopters have been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army.
It is capable of speeds of 291 km / h (181 mph), reaching 777 km (483 miles), ferry range 963 km (598 miles) and endurance of one and a half hours (four hours and 30 minutes if equipped with additional fuel tanks).
AW-159 can also be armed with rockets, machine guns, missiles, torpedoes, and deep cargo and is equipped with a modern sonar system to track submarines.
Source: Pna.Gov.Ph.
Hopefully this news is useful to increase knowledge in the field of military defense, especially the Philippines military.
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