Rafael Advanced Defense Systems inaugurated the Philippines SPYDER Defense Systems Simulation and Training Center at a ceremony at Blanca Air Force Base, Florida, Philippines.
“This is another milestone for the ongoing project of ground-based air defense systems, and it is definitely a very important milestone. Of course, launchers and missiles are valuable assets, but without air defense systems, these supplies are worthless. The best system is not enough, we have to train hard to maximize the potential of us and the system. This training center is to train the next generation of Filipino air defense personnel with determination and professionalism.” – Executive Vice President, Commodore (Ret.) Pinhas Yungman, Director, Air and Missile Defense Directorate, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
During a ceremony on April 26, 2022, RAFAEL Executive Vice President Pinhas Yungman assumed the role of Director of the Air and Missile Defense Agency. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Conor Anthony Kanras Sr., SIBAT Asia Pacific Director Itan Levy and other officials attended the official opening ceremony of the training center. During the ceremony, Minister Lorenzana, together with senior leaders of the Pakistan Air Force, witnessed first-hand the missile engagement simulation and training capabilities provided by the center. The SPADS Simulator-Training Center, the Philippine Air Force’s first missile training center, will serve as a training ground for future air defense personnel, preparing them for real-time threats and enhancing personnel knowledge and skills. The training center is part of the Philippine Air Force’s GBADS acquisition program, which will further enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
The inauguration of this facility marks a concrete commitment by RAFAEL to work with the Philippines. The agency illustrates RAFAEL’s unwavering commitment to not only provide systems, but also know-how to its partners. The inauguration of this facility is a practical example of RAFAEL’s global efforts to support its customers so that systems like the SPYDER air defense system can provide their users with the best possible defense.
Executive Vice President, Brigadier General (Res) Pinhas Yungman, Director, Air and Missile Defense Directorate, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
“This is another milestone for the ongoing project of ground-based air defense systems, and it is definitely a very important milestone. Of course, launchers and missiles are valuable assets, but without air defense systems, these supplies are worthless. The best system is not enough, we must train hard to maximize the potential of us and the system. This training center is designed to develop the future generation of Philippine air defense personnel with grit and professionalism. We know and appreciate the Philippine Air Force Pursue excellence and believe that the training center will grow and become an academy, a joint training center operating air defense systems for all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a regional competence center for the rapidly developing and knowledgeable air defense field. RAFAEL is excited and proud of this landmark achievement and will continue to support the Philippine Air Force in strengthening its air defense capabilities.”
For more information and to coordinate interviews, please contact International Media Manager Daniel Tsemach at DANIELT5@rafael.co.il.
