Two More Israeli-Made Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Join the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy has just taken another step toward enhancing its maritime capabilities, with the delivery of two new Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) from Israel Shipyards. Arriving at Manila’s South Harbor on September 17, the two new vessels will soon be commissioned under the Acero-class patrol vessel lineup, bearing bow numbers PG-908 and PG-909.

This acquisition is part of a broader effort by the Philippines to modernize its naval fleet, enhancing its ability to patrol its waters effectively. These two latest additions bring the total number of FAICs in the Philippine Navy to eight, with one more vessel expected for delivery, either by the end of 2024 or in 2025. In total, nine FAICs are being acquired under a deal valued at approximately 10 billion pesos ($180 million). This procurement is a crucial element of the Philippines’ Horizon 2 modernization program, initiated during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.

Power and Precision: The Shaldag V Design

The FAIC vessels delivered to the Philippine Navy are based on the Shaldag V design from Israel Shipyards. These vessels are not only known for their speed but also for their advanced technological capabilities. The Shaldag V is a high-performance craft that can cruise at a top speed of 40 knots (approximately 74 kilometers per hour or 46 miles per hour). It has an impressive operational range of 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles) when traveling at 17 knots (around 28 kilometers per hour). This makes it an ideal choice for rapid response and patrol missions in the country's vast territorial waters.

What sets the Shaldag V-based FAICs apart is their cutting-edge weaponry. The vessels are equipped with Spike non-line-of-sight missiles, a precision weapon system with a range of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). These missiles provide the Philippine Navy with enhanced maritime interdiction capabilities, allowing it to engage targets with pinpoint accuracy from a significant distance. The Spike missile system is highly regarded for its versatility and accuracy, making it a key asset for the country’s naval defense strategy.

In addition to the missile system, some FAICs are armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm cannons, which are remotely controlled and designed for fast, accurate targeting. These cannons, paired with .50 caliber heavy machine guns, provide the vessels with a powerful arsenal for both offensive and defensive operations.

A Modernization Push Under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture

The acquisition of these FAICs is part of a broader push by the Philippine government to modernize its defense forces. Under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, the country is striving to enhance its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, while also importing high-tech systems that cannot yet be produced locally. The SRDP program aims to reduce the country's reliance on foreign military equipment in the long term while ensuring the military remains capable of addressing evolving threats in the region.

The newly delivered FAICs represent a crucial component of this strategy, as they are equipped with advanced systems designed for high-speed, high-precision operations. The vessels will be tasked with protecting the country’s maritime borders, particularly in disputed areas of the South China Sea, where tensions continue to rise. The ability to deploy these craft quickly and engage in interdiction operations is a significant boost to the Philippine Navy’s operational readiness.

Future Prospects

With one more FAIC on the way, the Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts are far from over. The continued investment in fast, agile, and technologically advanced naval vessels highlights the country’s commitment to bolstering its maritime defense capabilities. These vessels not only contribute to national security but also strengthen the Philippines' ability to assert its sovereignty in contested waters, as regional powers like China continue to expand their naval presence in the region.

As the Philippine Navy looks toward the future, these new FAICs will play a vital role in ensuring that the country remains prepared to defend its territorial waters, protect its interests, and contribute to regional security. The combination of speed, firepower, and advanced technology that these vessels bring will undoubtedly make them a cornerstone of the Philippine naval fleet for years to come. 

In summary, the acquisition of the Israeli-made FAICs marks a significant leap forward in the country’s naval modernization efforts. With the increasing importance of maritime security in the region, these vessels are a timely addition to the Philippine Navy’s growing arsenal, helping to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.