Philippines receives 2 Israeli-built patrol boats, reveals number of fighter jets needed

The two Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) are the seventh and eighth of the Acero-class patrol vessels provided to the Philippines.

Two FAIC vessels provided by Israel to the Philippines

Photo: Screenshot globalnation.inquirer.net

In a statement on September 23, the Philippine Navy said the two new vessels are designed for high-speed operations, equipped with advanced missile systems and sophisticated technology, which will enhance the force's ability to conduct maritime interdiction operations quickly and effectively.

The Philippine government has ordered nine FAIC vessels from Israel and only one is under construction.

The 32-meter Acero-class patrol boats are capable of carrying out precision strikes with remotely controlled stabilized weapons and short-range missiles. The Philippine Navy has so far commissioned six FAICs.

Philippine Navy Commander Toribio Adaci Jr. said his force needs dozens more FAICs to better protect coastal areas.

In addition, the Philippine Air Force needs at least 36 more multi-role fighter jets, three times the total number currently in the country's arsenal, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the evening of September 24.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. revealed the number of multi-role fighter jets the country needs on September 24 during a Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the department's proposed PHP258.16 billion (over USD4.6 billion) budget.

Mr. Teodoro said the Department of National Defense initially proposed PHP245 billion for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but only PHP75 million was approved under the National Expenditure Program.

Philippine Senator JV Ejercito then asked which programs would be affected by the proposed budget cuts and Teodoro replied that the purchase of multi-role fighter jets would be affected.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/philippines-nhan-2-tau-tuan-tra-do-israel-dong-tiet-lo-so-chien-dau-co-can-them-185240925074801637.htm