2 Israeli-made attack boats ordered by Philippine Navy arrive

The Philippine Navy has received two additional Shaldag Mk. V. fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) from Israel, Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci said on Sunday.

The missile-capable patrol boats that arrived in Manila on Saturday are the fifth and sixth units out of nine orders from Israel Shipyards. They will be part of the Acero-class fast patrol boats under the Littoral Combat Force.

The Department of National Defense signed a deal with Israel Shipyards Ltd. in 2021 to acquire nine Shaldag Mk. V FAIC for P10 billion, including weapon systems, missiles, training and transfer of technology.

The remaining three patrol boats are expected to be assembled at the Navy’s Cavite shipyard in the next two years as part of the contract.

The first four patrol boats delivered starting 2022 were BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901), BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905). INQ