By Priam Nepomuceno
March 15, 2026, 11:43 am Updated on March 15, 2026, 11:47 am
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MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday said one of its drone operators finished among the top placers in the final round of the Military International Drone Racing Tournament (MIDRT AS 26) in Sydney, Australia on March 14.
Reservist Pfc. Rex Froilan Gil (codename: RezFVP) finished 11th overall out of 76 drone operators who took part in the MIDRT AS 206, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement.
Gil’s victory, he said, highlights the growing competence of the PA’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operators.
“Competing in high-speed first-person view (FPV) drone events that tested piloting agility, precision targeting and tactical maneuvering, the feat highlighted the organization’s commitment to keeping pace with the rapidly evolving field of drone warfare,” Dema-ala said.
The five-member PA contingent, composed of an officer, two enlisted personnel and two reservists, was invited to the competition as part of the Australian Army’s 125th founding anniversary.
Dema-ala said Gil’s performance builds on the PA’s drone team’s fifth place finish in the 2025 Military International Drone Racing Tournament at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
As UAS plays an increasingly critical role beyond the traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Dema-ala said the PA continues to capacitate its regular forces and reserve units to meet the demands of the fast-changing global security landscape.
NVG training
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) modern helicopters conducted night vision goggles (NVGs) training over Metro Manila on March 9.
In a Facebook post, the PAF said its aircrew used two Bell-412EP and one S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for NVG drills.
NVGs are optoelectric devices that enhance human vision in low-light or total darkness.
“The training, held from sunset to midnight within designated areas, was fully coordinated with and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,” the PAF said.
The PAF said the NVG exercise simulated real-world nocturnal conditions to enhance aircrew capability in low-visibility operations — skills vital for missions such as territorial defense, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian assistance. (PNA)