Navy spokesman Capt. Geronimo Malabanan said the Navy’s gunnery automated mount system is almost complete and is just undergoing minor refinements and adjustments.
The naval project, codenamed "Trident Strike," was conceptualized by the Navy’s Reserve Force Division (NRFD) and developed by technology experts from the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT).
Malabanan said that once the automated mount system becomes fully operational, naval gunners would have an edge over their enemies because they could fire machine guns from their designated decks and thus avoid being hit.
"There is no need for them to scramble above deck in order to fire at the enemies in the open. This project will protect the life of Navy servicemen during gunfire battle," Malabanan said.
He hoped the naval gunnery automated mount system could be fitted onto all gunboats, particularly those engaged in cross-border patrol and interdiction operations.
At present, Malabanan said they are using manual .50-caliber machine guns.
He expects a fully operational automated gun mount system by the end of the year.
Aside from this breakthrough equipment, Malabanan said the Philippine Navy, through its naval research and development branch, is developing a soldier robot for land-based combat.
"A prototype model is finished and is undergoing testing," Malabanan said.
But Malabanan said it would take time before the soldier robot project is perfected.
"Medyo mahirap malayo pa ito. Pero magaling ang Pinoy (There will be difficulties along the way and it might take time but I have confidence in the Filipino’s ingenuity)," he said.
The Naval robotic project is being undertaken via the Navy’s Self-Reliant Posture Program under the overall concept of the Department of National Defense’ Capability Upgrade Program (CUP).