MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has finally signed a deal with a leading Israeli company to purchase missile-capable fast patrol boats.
Israeli Shipyards announced on May 12 that it has won a tender to supply an East Asian country with Shaldag Mk. V vessel.
The government-to-government deal included knowledge transfer for the construction of the vessels and the upgrade of the customer’s shipyard, as well as training and maintenance.
Department of National Defense spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong confirmed that the press release, which did not mention the country, was referring to the Philippines. The contract and notice to proceed was issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last April 27, with an approved budget contract price of P10 billion.
The 32.65 m-long Mk. V vessel is the largest of the Shaldag class, which Israeli Shipyards described as “combat-proven.” It will replace the Philippine Navy’s Tomas Batilo-class patrol ships.
The Philippine Navy earlier said it was looking into acquiring nine fast boats from Israel, with some to be assembled in the naval shipyard in Sangley Point, Cavite. Delivery was expected to start in 2022.
The Philippines, an archipelagic state with one of the world’s longest coastlines and more than 7,000 islands, faces security challenges ranging from China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea to a festering insurgency.
TSB