The Philippine Navy’s (PN) ongoing modernization program has benefitted much from its strong partnership with Israel.

PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. made the remark after the visit of Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs Eliyahu Cohen at the Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on June 5.

“Our Navy has benefitted from the partnership and relationship with Israel as we also increased the level of collaboration for the past years,” Adaci said in a statement Tuesday night.

Among the products of the strong PN partnership with Israel are the installation of launchers and Spike-ER missiles on six of its multi-purpose attack craft; the delivery of four out of nine Shaldag Mark V patrol boats known as the Acero-class gunboats in Philippine service; the refurbishment of the naval shipyard in Sangley Point, Cavite; and the pending delivery and installation of non-light-of-sight (NLOS) missiles and launchers for the Israeli-made patrol craft.

Cohen likewise thanked the PN for its long-established cooperation with Israel and considered it “a priority for us to strengthen our relation.”

“We come with an open heart and open mind to cooperate with you in any field,” he said.

Adaci noted that Cohen’s courtesy call helped further strengthen both countries’ ties, paving the way for future engagements between the two nations. (PNA)