Two additional fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-M) platforms from Israel have been delivered to the country as the Philippine Navy (PN) continues to modernize its fleet, a ranking-official disclosed on Monday, Sept. 23.
The FAIC-Ms arrived last Sept. 17 at Pier 15 of South Harbor, Manila, according to Rear Adm. Renato P. David, commander of the PN's Philippine Fleet.
The two missile-capable patrol gunboats will be designated with bow numbers "PG908" and "PG909", and will be the seventh and the eight fast boats under the Acero-class patrol vessels.
“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 Philippine Navy's capability to conduct rapid and effective maritime interdiction operations,” David said in a statement.
The Philippine Fleet commander stressed that the arrival of the vessels underscored the continued modernization of the navy.
He said it also represents a “crucial step toward bolstering the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program of the country,” referring to the military’s program that seeks to enable the country to produce small sea craft, weapons, small arms and ammunition, tactical communications equipment, and basic land vehicles using local materials.
In 2019, the Philippine government approved the acquisition of nine fast craft as part of the second “horizon” of the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program. The notice of award for the P10-billion project was issued in 2021.
In Sept. 2022, the first two FAIC-Ms were delivered to the country by its manufacturers. They were christened as BRP Nestor Acero (PG901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG902) — both named after two members of the Philippine Marine Corps who received the highest award for combat, the Medal of Valor.
After that, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), the third and fourth FAIC-Ms, were delivered in April 2023 and commissioned into service the following month.
The fifth and sixth FAIC-Ms, BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), were delivered in November 2023 and commissioned last May 22, 2024.
That leaves one more fast boat that shall be delivered by the manufacturer to the PN.