Israel Just Turned Over This Upgraded Shipyard to the Philippine Navy

Months after delivering missile-capable attack crafts to the Philippine Navy, Israel Shipyards has now turned over their Cavite shipyard, where the missile boats were built, to the Philippine Navy. 

Israel Shipyards Ltd. transferred the documents and keys of a newly-refurbished shipyard to its possession on Tuesday, according to the Philippine News Agency. 

With the brand-new facility in the hands of the Philippine Navy, Filipinos will now be able to build their own warships, particularly the Shaldag Mk V Fast Attack Interdictor Craft-Missile (FAIC-M). 

The Navy's FAIC-Ms are the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), which were assigned as Acero-class patrol boats.

ALSO READ: 

These Missile Boats Built by Israel Will Now Defend Philippine Waters

Israel Delivers Powerful Self-Propelled Howitzers to the Philippines

"The newly-refurbished naval shipyard will facilitate the local construction of the three FAIC-M vessels, which will form part of the fleet of PN’s Acero-class patrol gunboats. Its formal handover ceremony is lined up this May as part of the Navy’s pre-anniversary activities," Navy Spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said in a press statement. 

The Shaldag Mk V Fast Attack Interdictor Craft-Missile (FAIC-M)

Photo by Israel Shipyards.

These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

ALSO READ: 

Israeli Company Will Supply Sabrah Light Tanks to Philippine Army

The fast ships are designed for security tasks involving high intercept speeds. It has a solid reputation in seakeeping and maneuverability in all sea states. It performs well in rough seas and difficult weather. The Shaldag class craft was originally intended for protecting against and neutralizing terrorist threats.

Back in July 2022, Israel Shipyards announced it was in the process of transferring technology to the Philippines so the latter could start building its own missile-capable attack crafts. 

"After several months of Transfer of Technology progress, the Israel Shipyards team alongside Philippine Navy members have been working together, designing and constructing the vessels," Israel Shipyards wrote on its LinkedIn page in 2022. 

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy is planning to acquire at least 15 more Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats, which are the basis of its Acero-class patrol gunboats, reported PNA.