Israel to deliver missile boats next week

The Philippine Navy will receive the first two of the nine Shaldag Mk. V missile-capable fast patrol boats from Israel next week, according to flag officer in command Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado. Israel Shipyards Ltd. built the boats while their weapons will be procured from another Israeli company, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Co. Ltd. The two boats will be named BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902). Under the contract with Israel, five of the boats would be built in Israel while the rest would be built at a naval shipyard in Sangley Point, Cavite, starting next year. —FRANCES MANGOSING