The Philippine Navy on Friday commissioned into service its two brand new Israeli-made fast attack interdiction craft missile (FAIC-M) platforms as it celebrates its 125th anniversary at the Commodore Divino Pier in Manila.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the formal activation of the country’s new capable boats—the third and fourth addition to the existing components of Acero-class Patrol Gunboats (PG) of the Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force.
Marcos sees the commissioning of the vessels as a significant naval aspect of the country’s military operations.
“This endeavor will pave the way for the holistic transformation of our AFP into a stronger, modern, and formidable organization. By then, the AFP will be more effective in its military aims and more responsive to our national goals,” Marcos said.
Earlier this month, the Philippine Navy christened these two ships—the BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), named after the Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal for Valor awardees for bravery and sacrifice beyond the call of duty, late Cpl. Gener Tinangag and late Sgt. Domingo Deluana.
PN spokesperson, Capt. Benjo Negranza said the vessels will be deployed to the vital choke points, major sea lines of communication, and littoral domains of the country.
“These 32-meter long gunboats will provide added muscles to the Navy’s capability to secure the seas with their quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles,” Negranza added.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., said the two newly-commissioned vessels “symbolize the promising future of our maritime defense and efforts toward enhanced capabilities, increased resilience, and stronger presence in the maritime domain.”
The newly commissioned vessels are part of the Philippine Navy’s FAIC-M acquisition projects, along with the procurement of nine Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats worth P10-billion. This project is under the Horizon 3 of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.