FFG06 Commences the Conduct of Operational Readiness and Capability Tests (ORACT)

13 Juli 2025

BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) during ORACT (photos: PN)

SUBIC, ZAMBALES -- BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), the Philippine Navy’s newest guided missile frigate is currently undergoing a series of Operational Readiness and Capability Tests (ORACT) as a prerequisite for operational combat deployment.

  

Although formally commissioned into the naval service last 20 May 2025, FFG06 is still required to undergo several tests before it can be fully utilized for deployment. This is to ensure that the warfighting capability of both the vessel and its crew are in accordance with the expected requirements and have met the standards of the Philippine Navy. This is especially paramount given the complex nature of modern naval warfare which demands an understanding of its four dimensions, namely Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Air Warfare (AAW),  Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW). The Philippine Fleet ORACT SOP serves as the system by which newly commissioned PN vessels are evaluated to ensure they are capable and operationally ready before their strategic deployment to the different Naval Operating Areas.

FFG06 ORACT is divided into four phases. The first phase involves the comprehensive testing of all onboard equipment, evaluation of crew qualification and systems integration. This is also where doctrines, tactics, and procedures are validated. The second phase involves the determination of gaps and errors in resources, and equipment, capability. These are determined through the constant conduct of shipboard drills and  warfare evolutions. 

Consequently, the next phase involves addressing the noted gaps and deficiencies. Material issues are addressed by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) while procedural issues are addressed by concerned PN Support Units. Finally, the corrective measures are applied in a holistic and systematic approach to rectify the noted shortfalls with the aim of directly addressing their source and prevent recurring problems.

In practice, the ORACT is carried out through various means with the endstate of full mission warfare capabilities. In port activities comprise of material surveys to determine the current fill-up of shipboard equipment and training surveys to determine the availability of relevant doctrines, manuals, and shipboard procedures. While at sea, equipment and shipboard systems are tested to their designed optimum limits to fully determine the ship’s characteristics and capabilities. Various shipboard evolutions whether operational, emergency, or battle are also carried out to evaluate gaps in procedure and equipment as well as develop crew mastery and response. Moreover, during the duration of the ORACT, the ship may be directed to participate in various naval exercises and maritime cooperative activities. These exercises serve as opportunities for the vessel to not only test and hone its procedures but also develop its interoperability with friendly forces, the most crucial of which is the ASW helicopter integration training with the Naval Air Warfare Force, which is an integral component of the ship’s capabilities in conducting Shipboard Helicopter Operations for ASW and ASuW.

  

Given the scope and magnitude of the whole process, FFG06 ORACT is expected to take over the span of several months. This is to ensure that a thorough evaluation of all shipboard systems for both material and non-material aspects is carried out to ensure that the vessel is at the highest level of readiness to undertake its stated mission and deploy its designed capabilities. It is a systemic approach to address the readiness requirements of newly commissioned vessels of the Philippine Navy while also providing an opportunity for the crew to train as a unit, develop proficiency in their respective assigned duties, equipment, and systems, and gain confidence in their roles.

(FFG 06)