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PN to expand training with Italian Navy to surface, air warfare

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
March 19, 2025, 12:44 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it will not be limiting its cooperation with the Italian Navy to just anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training as there are many other capabilities that Filipino naval personnel need exposure to better improve their capabilities.

"One of the main thrusts of the PN is to further develop our ASW capability but that does not mean that we are foregoing with the enhancement of the other warfare capabilities such as anti-surface warfare, anti-air and electronic warfare," PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said Wednesday when asked if the Navy is considering more ASW training with its Italian counterparts.

And since Italy has one of the best navies in the world, Alcos said it is only logical for the PN to continue engaging with its Italian counterparts to beef up its capabilities.

"Italy is one of the best navies in the world and we will continue to engage them for us to be able to ensure that our ships, our sailors, our marines have the knowledge and skills as well as the systems for them to better perform their mandate both on land and at sea," he added.

The PN on March 17 welcomed Italian Navy director for personnel employment and Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, Davide Giglio, during their visit to Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The Italian officials were formally received by PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both navies to enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in shipbuilding, modernization, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues.

"We're looking forward to having my team visit your ships and learn more about the new technology offered by the Italian Navy," Ezpeleta said.

The visit provided an opportunity for the PN to gain insights into Italy's naval capabilities and explore potential partnerships that could support its ongoing modernization efforts.

Strengthening ties with the Italian Navy aligns with the PN's goal of enhancing interoperability, technological advancement, and regional security cooperation. (PNA)