The Philippines has received two more fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) from contractor Israeli Shipyards.
Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the two advanced naval vessels were delivered at Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor on September 17 and will be designated with bow numbers PG-908 and PG-909 under the Acero-class patrol vessels.
Once they are commissioned into service, the Philippine Navy (PN) will have eight such vessels in its inventory.
A total of nine vessels are part of the deal, with the last one anticipated for delivery this year or in 2025.
“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 PN’s capability to conduct rapid and effective maritime interdiction operations,” Badidles said.
This latest delivery is part of the PN’s ongoing modernization and is in line with the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture program, which allows for the importation of requirements that cannot be locally produced.
Fast Attack Interdiction Craft
The FAIC vessels are based on the Shaldag V design of Israel Shipyards.
Each one can cruise at a top speed of 40 knots (46 miles/74 kilometers per hour) and has a range of 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles) at 17 knots (19.5 miles/28 kilometers per hour).
They are fitted with Spike non-line-of-sight missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), adding to the PN’s two present vessels with the same armaments.
Meanwhile, the navy’s other current four and one incoming FAIC are armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50-caliber heavy machine guns.
The acquisition of the FAICs, worth around 10 billion pesos ($180 million), was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Horizon 2 modernization program and approved in 2019 by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.