Philippine Navy Commissions 2 Israeli-Made Missile Boats
Jerusalem, 23 May, 2024 (TPS) -- MANILA, May 22, 2024 (PNA)
The Philippine Navy (PN) has formally commissioned two more fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) equipped with the Spike non-line of sight (NLOS) missile systems.
The commissioning rites for the new vessels, named BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), were held at the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a news release on Wednesday.
The PN received the two gunboats from Israel Shipyards Ltd. on Nov. 18, 2023.
“These crafts are indispensable assets for archipelagic defense, tailored to address unique challenges inherent to the Philippine maritime landscape. As force multipliers, these craft enable rapid deployment and force projection, strengthen our deterrence, and uphold maritime security across Philippine waters,” PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said during the commissioning rites.
He also said the acquisition of these missile-capable craft, also known as Acero-class patrol gunboats, would greatly accelerate the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts.
Adaci also thanked the national government and the Department of National Defense for their support throughout the FAIC acquisition process.
“The PN takes pride in aligning itself with the national leadership’s commitment to a defense posture that resonates with the unique characteristics and needs of our geographic configuration. Despite an enduring journey, the PN remains committed to improving our physical capabilities and, more importantly, our collective consciousness to be at the forefront of our comprehensive archipelagic defense,” he added.
The vessels were named after two Medal of Valor awardees, the late Marine Staff Sgt. Herminigildo Yurong and Marine Cpl. Laurence Narag, who perished in the line of duty during the Philippine government’s campaign against Moro rebels in Mindanao in 2000.
The PN now has six Acero-class gunboats in service. Another three expected to be delivered within the next two years.
