The Philippine Navy acquired the first delivery of the Israel-made fast-attack interdiction craft-missiles seen to improve the protection of the country's littoral zones, the part of a sea, lake, or river close to the shore.
The newly-acquired BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) were part of the procurement contract of security forces with Israel Shipyards Ltd. for nine missile-capable Shaldag Mk. V., inclusive of missile and weapon systems.
The two FAIC-Ms, which arrived at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose And rada in Manila, were sponsored by Soledad, wife of AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen Bartolome Baccaro during the official christening ceremony on Tuesday.
The procurement of the Israeli-made boats is part of the projects under the Horizon 2 List of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, with a P10 billion approved budget.
These two 32-meter high-speed missile-equipped vessels of the Acero-class Patrol Gunboat were named after two Philippine Marine Corps heroes — late Private First Class Nestor Acero and late First Lieutenant Lolinato To-Ong, who were both granted a Medal of Valor — the highest military award for courage, in 1983 and 2000 respectively.
These boats are likewise equipped with quick intercept ability, remoted stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land or sea.
Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza bared three more FAIC are slated to be delivered in the country beginning this year, while the remaining four units will be constructed at the PN shipyard in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Cavite City.
