2 more missile-mountable gunboats delivered to Philippine Navy

The two Israeli-made gunboats were delivered at East Commodore Posadas Wharf in Cavite City on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (Photo from the Philippine Navy)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy acquired two additional Israeli-made gunboats designed to mount missiles in another addition to its arsenal bolstering the country’s capability against external attacks.

In a statement on Sunday, the Navy said the fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms were delivered from Israel at East Commodore Posadas Wharf in Cavite City on Saturday.

“It marks another milestone in the Fleet’s resolve of reinforcing the country’s littoral/coastal defense with modern fast patrol combat vessels that have proven to be highly reliable in addressing current and emerging threats, and transnational crimes,” the Navy said.

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In response to these evolving threats, the Armed Forces of the Philippines previously said it would be looking to conduct more exercises in the country’s littoral or coastal areas and these FAIC platforms would be a regular fixture of such drills.

Capable of delivering precision strikes due to its remotely stabilized weapons and short-range missiles, the 32-meter-long FAIC platforms are currently in the wharf to undergo mandatory enhancement and maintenance.

The Navy’s fifth and sixth gunboats are expected to be commissioned soon under hull numbers PG906 and PG907, joining the other four which are under the Philippine Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force.

The Acero-class patrol vessels were also named after Medal of Valor awardees and the newest patrol vessels could also follow the pattern of being named after the recipients of the highest military honor.

The Navy commissioned these FAIC platforms as BRP Nestor Acero, BRP Lolinato To-ong, BRP Gener Tinangag, and BRP Domingo Deluana.

In total, the government acquired nine FAIC platforms from Israel, with the remaining three still under construction.