US trains PH soldiers on use of Avenger Air Defense System

LOAD ‘EM UP. Philippine and US troops engage in detailed familiarization with the Avenger Air Defense System, gaining insight into its shoot-on-the-move capabilities and integrated targeting systems at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command in San Antonio, Zambales on Tuesday (April 22, 2025). This activity is part of ongoing “Balikatan” exercises. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Filipino troops were briefed and familiarized by their American counterparts on the capabilities of the Avenger Air Defense System, considered the premier “shoot-on-move” US air defense platform.

In a statement Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this “subject matter expert exchange” (SMEE) took place at the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) in San Antonio, Zambales earlier in the day.

The SMEE focused on familiarization with the Avenger Air Defense System and its primary armament, the FIM-92 Stinger missile.

The Avenger, a highly mobile short-range air defense system, integrates eight ready-to-fire Stinger missiles mounted on a Humvee, a four-wheel drive military transport vehicle.

This provides rapid target engagement against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.

Meanwhile, the Stinger missile, known for its infrared homing guidance and fire-and-forget capability, allows operators to quickly neutralize aerial threats with high precision.

“This exchange strengthens tactical synchronization, enhances combined operational readiness, and demonstrates the enduring interoperability and mutual commitment of both forces to regional security and defense preparedness,” the AFP said.

This year’s Balikatan drills kicked off on Monday and ends on May 9.

It is the 40th iteration of the annual exercise between Filipino and American military units.