Philippines completes Thitu landing ramp; next up is airstrip
A recently upgraded landing ramp on Thitu Island (referred to as Pag-asa Island by its owner the Philippines) in the South China Sea was turned over to the government on 9 June.
Funded by the Department of National Defense, the facility is expected to improve accessibility to the island 451km from the mainland, and will allow landing craft and small ships of the Philippine Navy (PN) to land and dock there. Indeed, a first PN vessel arrived there in May.
Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and the armed forces’ Chief of Staff Gen Felimon Santos attended the formal reception ceremony
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.