Navy receives 2 more Israel-made missile boats

Two fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) from Israel were delivered to the Philippine Navy in South Harbor, Manila on Tuesday.

The Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO) said the two fast craft from Israel arrived onboard a cargo ship. With hull numbers PG-908 and PG-909, the yet unnamed units are the seventh and the eight patrol gunboats of the Acero-class. A total of nine vessels are planned.

“Similar with their predecessors, the newly delivered platforms are designed for high-speed operations, featuring advanced missile systems and sophisticated onboard technology, which enhances the Philippine Navy's capability to conduct rapid and effective maritime interdiction operations,” NPAO deputy director Commander James Reyes said.

“The arrival of these vessels underscores the continued modernization of the Philippine Navy and represents a crucial step toward bolstering the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program of the country,” he added.

The two 95-ton FAICs are equipped with the Israeli Spike-NLOS (non-line of sight) surface to surface missile system, bring the navy’s total of such armed vessels to four. Four other vessels of the class do not have the missiles but are armed with a 30mm autocannon and several heavy machine guns although these too can be retrofitted with missiles in the future.

The patrol gunboats are based on the Shaldag V design of Israel Shipyards Inc. All have a top speed of 40 knots (74 kph) and have a range of 1,900 km at 17 knots (28 kph). 

All of the Acero class fast attack crafts are all assigned to the Navy’s Littoral Combat Force.

The new vessels are the latest additions in the country’s attempts to bolster its military inventory amid rising tensions in the region.

Last August, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippines has started soliciting offers as it plans to procure 40 new multi-role fighter aircraft to boost its territorial defense.

Bidders must submit a proposed financing package where payment can be spread out, Teodoro told a congressional budget hearing.

“This is because also we have decided that acquisitions shall be for capabilities that can make a real difference,” Teodoro said.

“Just to get, for example, multi-role fighters, one dozen of those will not make any difference at all. So, the minimum for us will be 36 aircraft, which only a squadron and a half. But that would be credible. Plus four in reserve because 80 percent in service rate is a good standard,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has approved "Re-Horizon 3," an acquisition plan for new military weaponry and equipment worth 1.89 trillion pesos ($33.64 billion) to boost defense.
—RF, GMA Integrated News