Yesterday, Feb. 11, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Officer-in-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Eduardo D Fabricante, and Israel's Defense Attaché, Mr. Raz Shabtay, presided over the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) Capability Demonstration off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan.

Six PCG Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) took part in the test-firing of the newly installed state-of-the-art weapons system. BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402), BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) were some of them.

The RCWS can track targets during the day and at night. The weapon and optics have been stabilized, allowing for better target observation, positive target recognition, on-the-fly fire and tracking, and moving target targeting. The use of a dedicated array of gyros and electronics allows for stability.

The Automatic Target Tracker helps in the acquisition of targets for the operator. This provides exceptional fire-on-the-move capability against both marine and land targets. Fast ships and boats, as well as aircraft like helicopters and low-flying planes, are typical targets. The day camera and night vision camera are connected to the operating console under deck via one of the video channels.

Target tracking can be automated using thermal channels and a camera with a restricted field of view. These capabilities, which are implemented on completely stabilized platforms, allow the operator to execute accurate targeting, firing, and achieving high FRHP (First Round Hit Probability) on marine, shore, and even various types of aerial targets, as well as on maneuvering vessels in rough seas.

CG Vice Admiral Fabricante stated his satisfaction with the functionality of the newly installed RCWS during the capability demonstration. He also mentioned the PCG's aim to equip all of its capital ships with the same weapon system.

“This state-of-the-art weapon system will significantly enhance our performance of maritime law enforcement operations in the country’s waters. This will also allow us to better support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other government agencies that are addressing terrorism, illegal drugs, and smuggling,” the PCG Officer-in-Charge furthered. 

The PCG and Israel's Ministry of Defense coordinated the purchase of RCWS in December 2018 through government-to-government transactions. Secretary Arthur P. Tugade of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) backed the project wholeheartedly.

In August 2020, the pre-delivery inspection was placed. After that, in November 2020, the 24 units of.50 caliber heavy machine guns were delivered. In October 2021, the PCG began installing eight RCWS on eight PCG vessels alongside officials from Israel Military Industries (IMI) – Elbit Systems Ltd. The project was completed in December 2021.

The system, which is the first of its kind in PCG history, intends to strengthen the Coast Guard's public service delivery, particularly maritime security and law enforcement operations in the wide waterways of the Philippines, in order to combat piracy and the expansion of criminal elements at sea.

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