The Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) showcased its gunnery capabilities during the Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) Rodeo, a premier live-fire competition conducted as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 off the coast of Hawaii on July 14. Operating alongside 14 allied warships, the vessel served as the fourth ship in the firing line, putting its primary surface armament to the test. The Miguel Malvar, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea and commissioned into the Philippine Navy’s Offshore Combat Force in May 2025, represents the lead ship of its class as Manila continues its maritime modernization drive.
During the exercise, FFG-6 evaluated the system performance and precision of its Oto Melara 76 mm Super Rapid Multi-Feeding main gun mount against designated targets. Engaging a virtual two-dimensional land target positioned more than 3.5 n miles away, the frigate successfully delivered ordnance during both practice and record firing runs. Official performance telemetry and accuracy assessments will be compiled by the Pacific Missile Range Facility, with awards slated to be presented to the top-performing crews during the RIMPAC closing ceremony on July 31.
Beyond the competitive aspect of the rodeo, the firing serial emphasized standardized joint tactics, target acquisition procedures, range safety protocols, and spotter-to-ship communications under an integrated fire plan. The NSFS capability remains a critical operational enabler for amphibious assault operations, providing essential suppression of fortified coastal positions and defensive fires for landing forces. Participation in the multi-national event underscores the Philippine Navy’s effort to refine tactics and ensure interoperability with regional partners in high-intensity combat scenarios.
The successful engagement in Hawaii highlights the growing tactical proficiency of the Philippine Navy’s surface fleet as it integrates newer, higher-capability platforms into joint force maneuvers. By demonstrating operational readiness with modern main gun systems in a complex, multi-national training environment, the service continues to advance its strategic objective of maintaining a credible deterrent and a modern combat-ready naval force. The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. RIMPAC is held biennially during June and July of even-numbered years from Honolulu, Hawaii.
