Philippine Navy gets go-ahead for Israeli patrol boat acquisition

The Jerusalem Post reports that the Philippine Navy has been given official approval by the country’s government for the acquisition of eight newbuild Israeli Shaldag-class patrol boats.

The boats will have space for up to 14 crew and an armament mix of anti-ship missiles, autocannons, and 12.7-millimetre machine guns. Missions will include maritime security patrols, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and search and rescue (SAR).

Navy officials said four of the vessels will be built by Haifa-based Israel Shipyards while the remainder will be constructed at the yard facilities at Naval Base Cavite just outside the Philippine capital of Manila.