Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy
To replace ageing assets of the Littoral Combat Force (LCF) with assets that can protect restricted sea lanes of communications (SLOC) within the Philippine archipelago, the Philippine Navy has embarked on the acquisition of Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAIC) which are fast moving, light and small, and are armed with surface-to-surface missiles with up to 25 kilometer range.
The project, now known as the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile Capable (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project, is a special project that was not included in the Horizon 2 phase Priority Projects, but was approved for implementation after an urgent requirement.
They are said to be replace the Tomas Batilo-class PKM fast attack crafts, some of which were already retired and the rest on track for retirement in a couple of years.
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| The PN represented the FAIC-M project with the Shaldag Mk. V fast attack craft from Israel Shipyards. Photo taken from PN Institutional Video for 2019. |
Project Summary:
Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile Capable Acquisition Project
Note: Edited as of 23 May 2024:
* End User: Philippine Navy (Littoral Combat Force)
* Quantity: 8 + 1 units
* Modernization Phase: 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase of RAFPMP
* Project ABC: Php10,000,000,000.00
* Acquisition Mode: Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense - SIBAT
* Source of Funding: AFP Modernization Trust Fund, to be paid via Multi-Year Contractual Allocation (MYCA) through General Appropriations Act (GAA) starting FY2020.
* SARO Release:
- SARO-BMB-D-20-0022334 dated 28 December 2020 worth Php1,000,000,000.00, released on 28 December 2020 (10% initial payment)
- SARO-BMB-D-21-0006940 dated 12 August 2021 worth 1,996,161,972.00 (2nd milestone payment)
- SARO-BMB-D-22-004603 dated 03 June 2022 worth Php114,172,245.00, released on 03 June 2022 (covering foreign exchange differential)
- SARO-BMB-D-22-002654 dated 15 March 2022 worth Php2,245,682,219.00 (3rd milestone payment)
- SARO-BMB-D-23-0020316 dated 28 July 2023 worth Php4,740,884,684.00 (4th and final milestone payment)
* Winning Proponent:
- Lot 1 Platform: Israel Shipyards Ltd.
- Lot 2 Weapon Systems: Rafael Advance Systems Ltd.
* Product for Delivery:
A. Lot 1 - Platform
- 8 + 1 units Shaldag Mk. V Fast Attack & Interdiction Craft (platform)
- Integrated Logistics Support Package
- Assistance in rehabilitating Cavite Naval Yard
- Technology Transfer (license to produce or owning design rights)
B. Lot 2 - Combat Systems and Missiles
- 8 + 1 units Rafael Typhoon 30mm MGS
- 16 + 2 units Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm RCWS
- 4 units Rafael Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launchers
- Unspecified number of Spike NLOS missile rounds
* Contract Price: Php9,980,809,860.00 total:
* Lot 1 - US$127,900,000.00 (Php6,161,838,300.00)
* Lot 2 - US$79,379,995.00 (Php3,818,971,559.45)
* Residual Amount: Php19,190,140.55
* First post by MaxDefense: 16 August 2016
* Searching Hashtag: #PNFAICMAcquisition #PNShaldagVAcquisition
* Status: Pre-procurement phase negotiations completed with Israel Shipyards Ltd. and Israeli Ministry of Defense as of December 2020, with an additional boat with complete set of remote weapon system included on top of the original plan. SARO for initial 10% payment released on 28 December 2020. NOA released in 04 January 2021. Contract signing on 09 February 2021, and NTP released on 27 April 2021. Deliveries are expected to start by September 2022, with the first 2 units. First 2 boats launched 27 June 2022, delivered August 2022 and commissioned on 06 September 2022. Second batch of two boats delivered on 12 April 2023, and commissioned on 08 May 2023. Third batch of two boats delivered on 18 November 2023, and commissioned on 21 May 2024.
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The Project - Fast Attack Interdiction Craft:
Based on the approved plan, the Philippine Navy will procure eight (8) Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) based on the technical requirements they submitted to the president. The budget will be Php10 billion (around US$193 million).
This was changed in late 2020 to nine (9) units after negotiations between the DND, Philippine Navy and Israel Shipyards.
MaxDefense was informed by sources to not post the technical specifications, but based on what we have already seen, it appears that it was designed to suite the proposal made by Israel Shipyards Ltd to the Philippine Navy based on the company's Shaldag Mk V fast patrol boat.
For those who remember, MaxDefense made a previous blog entry on Israel Shipyard's offer based on the Shaldag Mk V as early as August 2016. The offer was made after a Request for Information (RFI) was released by the Philippine Navy to several shipbuilders.
For more on the Shaldag Mk. V, you may refer to an old blog entry, which can be accessed below:
"Israel Shipyard's Shaldag Mk. V Fast Patrol Boat Offered to the Philippine Navy" - first posted 16 August 2016
Weapon Systems:
Also discussed will be the weapon systems installed on these boats - which would be acquired from a different company but would be installed once the boats are delivered.
The Philippine Navy has already selected the supplier, which would be Rafael Advance Systems Ltd (Rafael), which will supply systems mostly already familiar with the PN.
Among them are Rafael's Mini Typhoon 12.7mm navalized Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), the Typhoon 30mm navalized machine gun system, and the Typhoon MLS-NLOS capable of firing up to eight (8) rounds of Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missile.
Each of the eight FAIC-Ms will be armed with one (1) Typhoon 30mm MGS and two (2) Mini Typhoon 12.7mm RCWS. But only four (4)! will be equipped with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS although the four other boats will be "Fitted for But Not With" (FFBNW) with the missile system.
The Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) is an enhanced version and the largest and longest-ranged variant of the Rafael Spike missile family, with a 25 kilometer maximum effective range and a larger warhead than the standard Spike-ER used by the PN's MPAC Mk.3 and soon to arrive Mk.4. It is guided via a radio data link for command guidance, although it has fibre optic link up to 8 kilometers.
While still unconfirmed, MaxDefense believes that the Philippine Navy may also use the Rafael Toplite Electro-Optical System (EOS), which will be installed to complement the Typhoon 30mm MGS as standard equipment. It is usual for Rafael to package it with the rest of their naval weapon system offerings especially those involving the Typhoon MGS.
Other Deal Inclusions:
What was not mentioned on reports is that the purchase of Shaldag Mk. V from Israel Shipyards included a Technology Transfer or License Build clause wherein the Philippine Navy shall be allowed by Israel Shipyards to license-build the Shaldag Mk. V on its own, or share the design to the PN.
To further support this, the requirement also calls for the construction of four (4) of the eight fast attack & interdiction crafts in the Philippines. Yes, local production 50% of the boats. But take note, this only involves the platforms/boats itself, not the weapon systems which would still be imported from Rafael in Israel.
MaxDefense was informed by sources to not post the technical specifications, but based on what we have already seen, it appears that it was designed to suite the proposal made by Israel Shipyards Ltd to the Philippine Navy based on the company's Shaldag Mk V fast patrol boat.
For those who remember, MaxDefense made a previous blog entry on Israel Shipyard's offer based on the Shaldag Mk V as early as August 2016. The offer was made after a Request for Information (RFI) was released by the Philippine Navy to several shipbuilders.
For more on the Shaldag Mk. V, you may refer to an old blog entry, which can be accessed below:
"Israel Shipyard's Shaldag Mk. V Fast Patrol Boat Offered to the Philippine Navy" - first posted 16 August 2016
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| The Shaldag Mk. V from Israel Shipyards. Credits to original source of the photo. |
Also discussed will be the weapon systems installed on these boats - which would be acquired from a different company but would be installed once the boats are delivered.
The Philippine Navy has already selected the supplier, which would be Rafael Advance Systems Ltd (Rafael), which will supply systems mostly already familiar with the PN.
Among them are Rafael's Mini Typhoon 12.7mm navalized Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), the Typhoon 30mm navalized machine gun system, and the Typhoon MLS-NLOS capable of firing up to eight (8) rounds of Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missile.
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| The Rafael Typhoon MGS (top), and the Mini Typoon RCWS (above). The Typhoon MGS can be fitted with up to 30mm naval gun. All eight FAIC-Ms will have a Typhoon MGS armed with a 30mm gun, and two Mini Typhoon 12.7mm RCWS. Photos taken from Wikipedia (top) and Royal Australian Navy (above). |
Each of the eight FAIC-Ms will be armed with one (1) Typhoon 30mm MGS and two (2) Mini Typhoon 12.7mm RCWS. But only four (4)! will be equipped with the Typhoon MLS-NLOS although the four other boats will be "Fitted for But Not With" (FFBNW) with the missile system.
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| The Rafael Spike NLOS MLS will be equipped to only four of the eight FAIC-Ms. This is probably due to budget constraints. Photo taken from Think Defence's website. |
The Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) is an enhanced version and the largest and longest-ranged variant of the Rafael Spike missile family, with a 25 kilometer maximum effective range and a larger warhead than the standard Spike-ER used by the PN's MPAC Mk.3 and soon to arrive Mk.4. It is guided via a radio data link for command guidance, although it has fibre optic link up to 8 kilometers.
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| The Spike missile family, with the Spike NLOS (top most) being the largest and longest-ranged of the group, will be used as the missile component of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile capable (FAIC-M). Photo taken by MaxDefense community member Juliet XZRay during ADAS 2018. |
While still unconfirmed, MaxDefense believes that the Philippine Navy may also use the Rafael Toplite Electro-Optical System (EOS), which will be installed to complement the Typhoon 30mm MGS as standard equipment. It is usual for Rafael to package it with the rest of their naval weapon system offerings especially those involving the Typhoon MGS.
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| The Rafael Toplight EOS is also used in patrol boats and naval ships for targeting and weapon support. Photo taken from Rafael's website. |
Other Deal Inclusions:
What was not mentioned on reports is that the purchase of Shaldag Mk. V from Israel Shipyards included a Technology Transfer or License Build clause wherein the Philippine Navy shall be allowed by Israel Shipyards to license-build the Shaldag Mk. V on its own, or share the design to the PN.
To further support this, the requirement also calls for the construction of four (4) of the eight fast attack & interdiction crafts in the Philippines. Yes, local production 50% of the boats. But take note, this only involves the platforms/boats itself, not the weapon systems which would still be imported from Rafael in Israel.
But in early 2021, it appears that changes have been made. Instead of locally constructing four units, it was again changed to just two units. This is possibly because Israel Shipyards agreed to deliver one extra boat as part of the contract.
And to make this happen, Israel Shipyards will also help the Philippine Navy to rehabilitate the Cavite Naval Yard (CNY), which will be the one to build the two locally-made FAIC-Ms.
The Philippine Navy's Cavite Naval Yard may not be huge enough to build larger ships, but it would start from at least being able to build smaller patrol boats or fast attack crafts like the Shaldag Mk. V. This would be beneficial to the PN in the long run to support the Self-Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) program that the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines is trying to have, but also allow the Philippine Navy to assist other government agencies.
MaxDefene reported last year in our social media posts that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is among those interested in acquiring the Shaldag family of fast patrol boats. This was later confirmed by British defense media outlet Jane's when they reported that at the background of IMDEX Asia 2019 defense exhibition in Singapore, PCG has made known its interest in the Shaldag Mk.III, which is smaller than the Mk. V.
A local production capability for Shaldag family of fast boats could allow the PCG to specify the requirement for most if not all of its orders be constructed locally, which could give the CNY a good run for the money.
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U P D A T E S:
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28 August 2019:
Philippine Navy FOIC Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad mentioned in media interviews that four of the eight Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missiles (FAIC-M) that the Philippine Navy plans to acquire will be built in the country, specifically at the PN's naval shipyard in Cavite.
This is in contrast to our earlier reports that only 2 will be built locally, which came from PN's own internal reports. This means the DND and PN may have secured a better deal with Istaeli Shipyards, which the PN is still not naming despite the obvious signs and MaxDefense's own report from sources.
No changes in other plans. It will still have Spike NLOS (although only 4 boats will be initially armed with it while the 4 other boats will be fitted for but not with the missile system..
And to make this happen, Israel Shipyards will also help the Philippine Navy to rehabilitate the Cavite Naval Yard (CNY), which will be the one to build the two locally-made FAIC-Ms.
The Philippine Navy's Cavite Naval Yard may not be huge enough to build larger ships, but it would start from at least being able to build smaller patrol boats or fast attack crafts like the Shaldag Mk. V. This would be beneficial to the PN in the long run to support the Self-Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) program that the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines is trying to have, but also allow the Philippine Navy to assist other government agencies.
MaxDefene reported last year in our social media posts that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is among those interested in acquiring the Shaldag family of fast patrol boats. This was later confirmed by British defense media outlet Jane's when they reported that at the background of IMDEX Asia 2019 defense exhibition in Singapore, PCG has made known its interest in the Shaldag Mk.III, which is smaller than the Mk. V.
A local production capability for Shaldag family of fast boats could allow the PCG to specify the requirement for most if not all of its orders be constructed locally, which could give the CNY a good run for the money.
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U P D A T E S:
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28 August 2019:
Philippine Navy FOIC Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad mentioned in media interviews that four of the eight Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missiles (FAIC-M) that the Philippine Navy plans to acquire will be built in the country, specifically at the PN's naval shipyard in Cavite.
This is in contrast to our earlier reports that only 2 will be built locally, which came from PN's own internal reports. This means the DND and PN may have secured a better deal with Istaeli Shipyards, which the PN is still not naming despite the obvious signs and MaxDefense's own report from sources.
No changes in other plans. It will still have Spike NLOS (although only 4 boats will be initially armed with it while the 4 other boats will be fitted for but not with the missile system..
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| The PN FAIC-M would be based on the Shaldag V fast patrol boat from Israel. Photo from PN's video. |
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16 November 2019:
Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad mentioned that among the projects they are pushing forward to reach contract signing, the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile Capable (FAIC-M) would most likely reach contract signing before year end.
This is because he believe the government particularly the Department of Budget Management (DBM) has already found the needed initial amount. This is possibly because this is the cheapest of the four major combat ship acquisition at Php10 billion, compared to the Corvette project at Php28 billion, Offshore Patrol Vessel project at Php30 billion, and Submarine project which may exceed Php50 billion.
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25 February 2020:
MaxDefense received information from sources that the Philippine Navy will be prioritizing the acquisition of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missile (FAIC-M) because, of all the ship acquisition projects aside from the Landing Docks Acquisition, the FAIC-M project does not involve soft loans.
This means the project is fully dependent on the capacity of the Philippine government to pay for them.
So far, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not released any funding for the FAIC-M Acquisition Project, which means this would still be a project that we'll have to wait for results. But no doubt, the project is expected to be awarded to Israel Shipyards Ltd. and Rafael Advance Systems Ltd. under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
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Also confirmed is the upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard as part of the deal, which was already confirmed before in this resource page and on MaxDefense PH's blog entry. Previously MDP reported that some of the Shaldag Mk. V boats will be assembled / built in the Cavite Naval Yard, which would be the first new ships coming from the yard after almost 30 years of not producing any new boat.
The shipyard's revival would help the PN to start building new small boats and even small inshore patrol vessels on its own, like replacements for the recently retired Swift Mk. 3 and De Havilland 9206 patrol crafts, and replacements previously retired Gen. Aguinaldo-class and the current Kagitingan-class large patrol boats.
16 November 2019:
Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad mentioned that among the projects they are pushing forward to reach contract signing, the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile Capable (FAIC-M) would most likely reach contract signing before year end.
This is because he believe the government particularly the Department of Budget Management (DBM) has already found the needed initial amount. This is possibly because this is the cheapest of the four major combat ship acquisition at Php10 billion, compared to the Corvette project at Php28 billion, Offshore Patrol Vessel project at Php30 billion, and Submarine project which may exceed Php50 billion.
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| The Shaldag V fast attack craft. Photo taken from Israel Shipyards website. |
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25 February 2020:
MaxDefense received information from sources that the Philippine Navy will be prioritizing the acquisition of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missile (FAIC-M) because, of all the ship acquisition projects aside from the Landing Docks Acquisition, the FAIC-M project does not involve soft loans.
This means the project is fully dependent on the capacity of the Philippine government to pay for them.
So far, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not released any funding for the FAIC-M Acquisition Project, which means this would still be a project that we'll have to wait for results. But no doubt, the project is expected to be awarded to Israel Shipyards Ltd. and Rafael Advance Systems Ltd. under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
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28 December 2020:
The Philippine Navy's FOIC Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo confirmed that negotiations for the FAIC-M Acquisition Project has been completed with Israel's Ministry of Defense and Israeli Shipyards.
The statement also confirmed that the project has been divided into 2 separate lots: Lot 1 for Platform, which cover the actual boats, and Lot 2 for Combat Systems and Missiles, which covers the weapon systems, and the missile rounds.
As part of the negotiations, Vice Adm. Bacordo confirmed that they were able to squeeze and additional boat with one set of remote weapon systems, increasing the total number of boats to be delivered nine (9) units.
So far, there was no confirmation if the 9th boat will be missile capable. Due to lack of solid information in this new development, It is assumed that the 9th boat will be equipped with remote weapon stations like the Rafael Typhoon 30mm and Mini Typhoon 12.7mm mounts, but no missiles and launchers.
The Philippine Navy's FOIC Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo confirmed that negotiations for the FAIC-M Acquisition Project has been completed with Israel's Ministry of Defense and Israeli Shipyards.
The statement also confirmed that the project has been divided into 2 separate lots: Lot 1 for Platform, which cover the actual boats, and Lot 2 for Combat Systems and Missiles, which covers the weapon systems, and the missile rounds.
As part of the negotiations, Vice Adm. Bacordo confirmed that they were able to squeeze and additional boat with one set of remote weapon systems, increasing the total number of boats to be delivered nine (9) units.
So far, there was no confirmation if the 9th boat will be missile capable. Due to lack of solid information in this new development, It is assumed that the 9th boat will be equipped with remote weapon stations like the Rafael Typhoon 30mm and Mini Typhoon 12.7mm mounts, but no missiles and launchers.
Vice Adm. Bacordo also confirmed that the deliveries will start by 2022, that is if the contract and Notice to Proceed is released by early 2021. But this would be dependent on how fast the DND and DBM would make sure the funds are ready and the awarding of the project can be made.
Also confirmed is the upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard as part of the deal, which was already confirmed before in this resource page and on MaxDefense PH's blog entry. Previously MDP reported that some of the Shaldag Mk. V boats will be assembled / built in the Cavite Naval Yard, which would be the first new ships coming from the yard after almost 30 years of not producing any new boat.
The shipyard's revival would help the PN to start building new small boats and even small inshore patrol vessels on its own, like replacements for the recently retired Swift Mk. 3 and De Havilland 9206 patrol crafts, and replacements previously retired Gen. Aguinaldo-class and the current Kagitingan-class large patrol boats.
The FOIC's statements are backed by the release by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) of the initial 10% payment for the project, as a SARO worth Php998,080,986.00 was made on 21 December 2020, and was released today 28 December 2020.
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| SARO released today shows 10% initial funding for the FAIC-M Acquisition Project. Photo screen grabbed from DBM SARO. |
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01 February 2021:
01 February 2021:
The Department of National Defense (DND) has released the Notice of Award (NOA) for the Philippine Navy's Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missiles (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project last 04 January 2021.
The FAIC-M Lot 1 covering the fast attack craft platforms and upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard, was awarded to Israel Shipyards for US$127,900,000.00 (Php6,161,838,300.00) for the supply of 8 Shaldag Mk. 5 fast attack crafts (FAC). It would be remembered that PN Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo admitted in an earlier interview that the negotiations between the two sides allowed for an additional fast attack craft with weapons to be included in the deal.
The FAIC-M Lot 2 covering weapon systems and missile ammunition was awarded to Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd for US$79,379,995.00 / Php3,818,971,559.45 for the supply of Typhoon and Mini Typhoon RCWS for all FACs, and Typhoon-MLS NLOS and Spike NLOS missiles for 4 of the FACs.
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| The NOA for FAIC-M Acquisition Project Lots 1 and 2 were released on 04 January 2021 in favor of Israel Shipyard and Rafael Advanced Systems, respectively. |
The Shaldag Mk. V is being touted as the replacement for the ageing Tomas Batilo-class (South Korean Chamsuri-class) fast attack crafts, which the PN has started to gradually retire. While the Tomas Batilo-class are larger, they are armed only with guns and were designed to fight heavily-armed North Korean gunboats along the North-South Korean sea border.
This is the 1st shipbuilding project under Horizon 2 phase that reached this milestone, as all other shipbuilding projects are still stuck in pre-procurement phase. In fact, this project is not part of the Php300 billion Horizon 2 priority projects approved by Pres. Duterte, but was part of a 2nd List of Horizon 2.
Both lots were part of G2G deal with Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD) are did not undergo public bidding.
With the NOA already released, it is expected that the Contract would be signed, and the Notice to Proceed (NTP) be released by February or March 2021, considering the initial funding requirements were already released by the Department of Budget and Management last year.
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With the NOA already released, it is expected that the Contract would be signed, and the Notice to Proceed (NTP) be released by February or March 2021, considering the initial funding requirements were already released by the Department of Budget and Management last year.
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14 May 2021:
The Philippine Navy confirmed that the Contract for the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile Capable (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project has been signed on 09 February 2021, and the Notice to Proceed has been released on 27 April 2021.
Also, PN FOIC Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo confirmed that delivery of the first 3 units are expected to be made by 2022.
The rest of the boats are expected to be delivered in 2023 and 2024.
Israel Shipyards also confirmed that they will be supplying the Shaldag Mk. V fast patrol boats to an unnamed East Asian country. So far, no other country in the region are in the process of acquiring Shaldag Mk. V boats from Israel except the Philippines.
It also confirmed that the deal includes transfer of knowledge in construction and repair of Shaldag Mk. V boats, training, and upgrade of customer's shipyard to allow construction of 2 of the Shaldag Mk. V boats locally.
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| Shaldag Mk. V fast attack craft. Photo c/o Israel Shipyards. |
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01 September 2021:
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems was awarded a contract worth US$80 million to supply combat and communications systems for Shaldag V fast attack crafts for delivery to an unnamed Southeast Asian country.
The package includes Combat Management Systems (CMS), Typhoon and Mini-Typhoon Remote Operating Weapon Systems, Naval Spike Missiles, Sea-Com Internal Communication System and BNET Tactical Data Link, as well as other components with full maintenance and support services.
Obviously this is for the Philippine Navy, which is the only country in the region to recently order several Shaldag V fast attack crafts.
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| The Rafael Spike NLOS missile and Typhoon MLS-NLOS launcher. Photo credits to Rafael. |
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10 June 2022:
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27 June 2022:
Israel Shipyards has launched the first 2 Shaldag Mk. V fast attack interdiction crafts at their facility in Haifa, Israel on 27 June 2022.
The boats were named Nestor Acero (901) and Lolinato To-ong (902), both of which were named after Medal of Valor awardees from the Philippine Navy / Philippine Marine Corps.
Both ships are scheduled to finalize fit-out and tests before undergoing port and sea trials, and are expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy by September 2022.
Based on the photos, the boats are already equipped with the Typhoon and Mini Typhoon RCWS, but no Typhoon MLS-NLOS yet.
10 June 2022:
A Shaldag Mk V patrol boat with hull number 901 was spotted in Israel Shipyard's facility in Israel, which appears to be the first unit for the Philippine Navy. It was also reported that a second one is also undergoing construction at the same facility.
9 Shaldag Mk V fast patrol boats were ordered under the Philippine Navy's Fast Attack Interdiction Craft with Missiles (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project, under the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase projects.
After this specific unit, 3 more will be built in Israel Shipyard's facility in Haifa, Israel, while 4 boats will be locally built in the Philippines by the Philippine Navy"s Cavite Naval Yard under a Transfer of Technology agreement.
After this specific unit, 3 more will be built in Israel Shipyard's facility in Haifa, Israel, while 4 boats will be locally built in the Philippines by the Philippine Navy"s Cavite Naval Yard under a Transfer of Technology agreement.
Photo credits to Philippine Navy through Frances Mangosing / Inquirer.net.
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27 June 2022:
Israel Shipyards has launched the first 2 Shaldag Mk. V fast attack interdiction crafts at their facility in Haifa, Israel on 27 June 2022.
The boats were named Nestor Acero (901) and Lolinato To-ong (902), both of which were named after Medal of Valor awardees from the Philippine Navy / Philippine Marine Corps.
Both ships are scheduled to finalize fit-out and tests before undergoing port and sea trials, and are expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy by September 2022.
Based on the photos, the boats are already equipped with the Typhoon and Mini Typhoon RCWS, but no Typhoon MLS-NLOS yet.
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| Photo credits to SeaWave Magazine and AFP Radio DWDD. |
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21 August 2022:
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06 September 2022:
The first two boats were Christened by the Philippine Navy this morning at their headquarters in Manila.
The boats, the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902) were delivered by Israel Shipyards by commercial cargo ship last August 2022, and arrived in early September 2022 in the Philippines.
21 August 2022:
Israel Shipyards has commenced the delivery of the first two Shaldag Mk V / Nestor Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts for the Philippine Navy, the Nestor Acero (901) and the Lolinato To-ong (902).
The FAICs were loaded into a commercial cargo ship which is expected to reach the Philippines in a few weeks, most likely early September 2022.
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| Photo credits to Israel Shipyards. |
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06 September 2022:
The first two boats were Christened by the Philippine Navy this morning at their headquarters in Manila.
The boats, the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902) were delivered by Israel Shipyards by commercial cargo ship last August 2022, and arrived in early September 2022 in the Philippines.
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| Photo credits to Philippine Star. |
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29 November 2022:
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12 April 2023:
The second batch of two boats, the Gener Tinangag (903) and Domingo Deluana (905) were delivered on 11 April 2023 from Israel.
Both will undergo localized inspections and testing before commissioned with the Philippine Navy at a still undisclosed date.
The ship carrying the two boats was spotted by a MaxDefense PH community member on 11 April 2023, with the Philippine Navy and media sources confirming the delivery on the next day.
Photos below show the two boats in Israel while they were loaded to the cargo ship heading to the Philippines.
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08 May 2023:
The BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and the BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), the third and forth Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts of the Philippine Navy, were christened at the Naval Sea Systems Command in Cavite.
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15 August 2023:
The fourth and final MYCA payment for the project was secured with the DBM's release of a new last 28 July 2023, with SARO-BMB-D-23-0020316 worth Php4,740,884,684.00.
This means that Israel Shipyards and Rafael Advance Systems would be approaching the final phase of their delivery schedules, which includes Israel Shipyards transferring the technology to locally build the Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts by the Philippine Navy to happen soon.
It is surprising though that the project is expected to complete in 2024 yet the government is already paying 100% of the project's cost within 2023.
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08 May 2024:
The Philippine Navy confirmed that one of the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft, most likely either the future BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) or BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), successfully fired a Spike NLOS as part of the Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) phase of Exercise BALIKATAN 2024 off the coast of Ilocos Norte province.
No specific video was available on Spike NLOS' launching and hitting the target, but reports mentioned that one Spike NLOS was launched.
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23 May 2024:
The other 4 boats of the class commissioned earlier do not have the missile system but has allocation for the installation of Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher should the Philippine Navy decide to equip them with it.
With this, the Philippine Navy is expecting 3 more Acero-class FAICs, with 2 boats to be delivered from Israel, and 1 boat to be built locally by the Philippine Navy's recently-upgraded shipyard in Cavite.
29 November 2022:
The Philippine Navy commissioned its first two Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts yesterday 28 November 2022.
During the ceremonies, the Philippine Navy's new Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr confirmed that the Philippine Navy is gunning to acquire 15 more Acero-class (Shaldag Mk V) fast attack interdiction crafts for the Littoral Combat Force.
He also confirmed that 4 Shaldag Mk V FAICs will be delivered by Israel Shipyards in 2023, while the final 3 units will be built in the Philippine Navy's Naval Yard in Cavite and is scheduled for delivery by 2024.
The local production is part of the contract's Transfer of Technology agreements which would allow succeeding boats of the class to be built locally, as well as maintained locally.
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| Photo credits to the Philippine Navy and PTV News. |
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12 April 2023:
The second batch of two boats, the Gener Tinangag (903) and Domingo Deluana (905) were delivered on 11 April 2023 from Israel.
Both will undergo localized inspections and testing before commissioned with the Philippine Navy at a still undisclosed date.
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| Photo credits to a MDP community member who wish to remain anonymous. |
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| Photo credits to the Philippine Navy. |
The ship carrying the two boats was spotted by a MaxDefense PH community member on 11 April 2023, with the Philippine Navy and media sources confirming the delivery on the next day.
Photos below show the two boats in Israel while they were loaded to the cargo ship heading to the Philippines.
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| Photo credits to Philippine Navy through Frances Mangosing / Inqurer.net. |
08 May 2023:
The BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and the BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), the third and forth Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts of the Philippine Navy, were christened at the Naval Sea Systems Command in Cavite.
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| Photo credits to News5. |
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15 August 2023:
The fourth and final MYCA payment for the project was secured with the DBM's release of a new last 28 July 2023, with SARO-BMB-D-23-0020316 worth Php4,740,884,684.00.
This means that Israel Shipyards and Rafael Advance Systems would be approaching the final phase of their delivery schedules, which includes Israel Shipyards transferring the technology to locally build the Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts by the Philippine Navy to happen soon.
It is surprising though that the project is expected to complete in 2024 yet the government is already paying 100% of the project's cost within 2023.
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| SARO showing final payment release for FAIC-M Acquisition Project. Photo screengrabbed from DBM's SARO listing. |
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20 November 2023:
A new batch of two Acero-class FAICs arrived in Manila on 18 November 2023 aboard a commercial cargo vessel. Both boats were unloaded on 19 November 2023.
The boats, which will be the future BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907) will be the fifth and sixth boats of the class.
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20 November 2023:
A new batch of two Acero-class FAICs arrived in Manila on 18 November 2023 aboard a commercial cargo vessel. Both boats were unloaded on 19 November 2023.
The boats, which will be the future BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907) will be the fifth and sixth boats of the class.
Like the rest of the Acero-class FAICs, both are named after Medal of Valor awardees.
PG-906 was named after the late Staff Sergeant Herminigildo Yurong, PN(M) previously assigned with the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) Special Operations Unit who was killed in the campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000 in Maguindanao during an assault on a ln MILF position despite overwhelming OPFOR numbers.
PG-907 was named after the late Corporal Laurence Narag Sr., PN(M) previously assigned as a radioman with the 61st Marine Company, Force Recon Battalion who was also killed in the campaign against the MILF in 2000 in Lanao del Norte while coordinating airstrikes from OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.
The new FAICs will undergo inspection, testing and minor fittings before commissioning with the Philippine Navy's Littoral Combat Force.
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| Photo credits to Frances Mangosing and Philippine Navy. |
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08 April 2024:
08 April 2024:
The first Spike NLOS-equipped Shaldag Mk. V Acero-class fast attack interdiction crafts for the Philippine Navy, the future BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907) are expected to be commissioned with the Philippine Navy's Littoral Combat Force very soon.
Below are photos of one of them during tests. The location of the Rafael Typhoon-MLS NLOS missile launcher. Its size compared to the smaller Typhoon-MLS ER requires it to be installed on the aft deck rather than on top of the superstructure.
This also means removing the ability to carry an RHIB, although small rubber boats could still be possible.
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| Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines contributor. |
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13 April 2024:
The Philippine Navy conducted a live fire testing of its new Spike NLOS short-range anti-ship missile last 10 April 2024 as part of the contract for the supply of weapon systems for the Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAIC) by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The Spike NLOS missile has a reported effective range of 30 kilometers, which is longer than the Spike ER missiles aboard the smaller MPAC Mk. III assault crafts that the Philippine Navy's Littoral Combat Force also operate.
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| One of the PN's Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft test firing a Spike NLOS missile. Photo credits to Philippine Navy |
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08 May 2024:
The Philippine Navy confirmed that one of the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft, most likely either the future BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) or BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), successfully fired a Spike NLOS as part of the Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) phase of Exercise BALIKATAN 2024 off the coast of Ilocos Norte province.
No specific video was available on Spike NLOS' launching and hitting the target, but reports mentioned that one Spike NLOS was launched.
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23 May 2024:
The Philippine Navy commissioned the 5th and 6th Acero-class fast interdiction attack craft with the Littoral Combat Force last 21 May 2024 at the PN's Headquarters in Manila.
The FAICs, the BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907) are the first of its class to be armed with the Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missile.
The other 4 boats of the class commissioned earlier do not have the missile system but has allocation for the installation of Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher should the Philippine Navy decide to equip them with it.
With this, the Philippine Navy is expecting 3 more Acero-class FAICs, with 2 boats to be delivered from Israel, and 1 boat to be built locally by the Philippine Navy's recently-upgraded shipyard in Cavite.
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| Photo credits to Philippine Navy. |
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First post and edit: 19 June 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource
First post and edit: 19 June 2019
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource
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