DND ready to sign P10-B deal with Israel for missile-capable attack boats
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of National Defense (DND) is preparing to sign a deal that would supply the Philippines with nine missile-capable fast attack boats, worth around P10 billion, this February.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo told INQUIRER.net last week that “the contract for the project is being finalized for subsequent signing and issuance of the notice to proceed” that could take place middle of February.
A notice of award, a written confirmation of the grant of a contract to a chosen supplier, was issued last Jan. 4 by the DND to Israel Shipyards, Inc. and Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd.
The government-to-government deal with Israel’s Ministry of Defense involved the supply of nine fast attack boats, including weapons systems and missiles.
An earlier agreement provided that four of the boats would be built in the Philippines at a shipyard in Cavite province while the rest would be built in Israel. Delivery was expected to start in 2022.
The fast attack craft interdiction craft-missile will be equipped with non-line of sight missiles that can hit targets 25 kilometers away with pinpoint accuracy.
