PN to acquire ‘shoulder-launched multi-purpose weapons’ for Marine units

Repacked relief goods from the DSWD aboard Philippine Navy Vessel BRP Dagupan City (LC-551), for transport to LGUs hit by ‘Ruby’ (Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines)

MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is acquiring “shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapons” (SMAW) to give its Marine units the capability to neutralize bunkers and lightly armored vehicles.

“The SMAW (is) to fill the gaps of direct fire support weapons capabilities of the Marines against different bunkers, concrete walls, light armor and other hard and ‘soft’ targets,” PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said.

The weapons will be issued to special Marine units who will accompany fellow Marines in possible encounters with heavily-armed or fortified adversaries.

He added that SMAW is now undergoing evaluation and study by the Defense Acquisition System ad hoc committee.

The weapon can be used for internal security and territorial defense operations.

SMAW is defined as a “rocket weapon with a maximum range of 1,500 meters”, Taccad said.