The contract for nine Shaldag V vessels was signed on February 9, 2021 under the Philippine Navy’s Fast Attack Interdictor Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project. The Israeli shipbuilder announced the deal in May 2021.
“After several months of ToT (Transfer of Technology) progress, Israel shipyards team alongside with the PN members have been working together, designing and constructing the vessels for the Philippine Navy.
We had the honor to host the Philippine Navy Commodore Trinidad, Commodore Torres, and the Philippine Navy delegation for the launching ceremony of the two first FAIC-M \SHALDAG V vessels.
The ceremony was hosted by Israel Shipyards Chairman Mr.Samy Katsav and participants of Israel Shipyards Ltd owners, board members, directors, employees, and our partners from SIBAT and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems”
Israel Shipyards statement on its LinkedIn page
According to a local media report, those first two fast patrol craft are set to be delivered in September this year. At least four Shaldag V will be built in the Philippines. Four of the patrol craft will be armed with Rafael’s Spike NLOS missiles (range: 25 kilometers) while the other four will be armed with naval guns.
According to Israel Shipyards, SHALDAG MK V is a combat-proven, all-aluminum, light and fast vessel with high payload capacity, providing exceptional maneuverability and seakeeping. Delivering a high firepower-to-displacement ratio, it is designed to operate in naval security missions and is a recognized leader in the protection of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and littoral waters.
A current user of the SHALDAG V fast patrol craft (FPC) is Senegal while the Israeli Navy recently placed an order for four units. Shaldag MK V Fast Patrol Craft specifications:
- LOA (Length Over All): 32.65 m
- Beam Max.: 6.20 m
- Displacement: About 95 tons
- Max Speed: above 40 knots
- Range @ 12 knots: 1000 NM
Renewal of the Philippine Navy fleet
The Philippine Navy is currently renewing its ageing fleet with new vessels. South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) announced on 27 June 2022 that it signed a contract to build 6 OPVs for the Philippine Navy.
HHI previously signed a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense for construction of two Corvettes in 2021, as well as a contract for construction of two BRP Jose Rizal Class Frigates in 2016, which it delivered to the Philippine Navy successfully.
The Philippine Department of National Defense also signed a contract with Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal in June 2022 for the procurement of two LPDs.
In January 2022, India’s BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited signed a contract for the supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile systems.
There were also plans for the creation of a submarine force, however the current status of this project is unknown.
