PH Navy places third in Rimpac multinational live-fire competition
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) placed third among 14 warships in a multinational live-fire gunnery competition during the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) 2026 exercise, matching the service’s finish in the same event four years ago.
The Naval Task Group 84, in a statement on Thursday said that BRP Miguel Malvar placed third in the Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) Rodeo, a live-fire gunnery competition held during Rimpac 2026 in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
The task group said the event measures the accuracy and effectiveness of naval gunfire against simulated targets using the Pacific Missile Range System’s computerized target evaluation system.
“The Philippine Navy exceptionally performed during Rimpac 2026, demonstrating its growing capability to operate effectively in complex and advanced maritime warfare scenarios alongside allied and partner navies,” Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez told reporters in a phone interview.
Martinez said the deployment of BRP Miguel Malvar, together with an amphibious company from the Philippine Marine Corps, allowed the Philippine contingent to take part in complex multinational maritime operations.
The Philippine contingent also joined training on anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare and other multi-domain operations, Martinez said.
According to Martinez, Rimpac 2026 brought together forces from 30 nations, with 30 ships and five submarines participating in this year’s exercise.
“The exercise enhanced coordination, reinforced mutual confidence, and improved interoperability and cooperation, enabling participating navies to operate more effectively,” Martinez said.
In a separate statement on Wednesday, the Naval Task Group 84 said the Philippine contingent aboard BRP Miguel Malvar departed Hawaii on Monday after completing the exercise.
“We leave not only with enhanced operational capability and stronger professional relationships, but also with hearts full of appreciation for the extraordinary kindness and generosity extended to us throughout our stay,” Commodore Ryan L. Bakabak, commander of Naval Task Group 84, said.
Hosted by the US Navy, Rimpac is the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, bringing together forces from around the world for joint training and interoperability. /gsg
