The Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded Israel Shipyards LTD and Rafael Advanced Systems LTD contracts in connection to Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project for Philippine Navy.
The acquisition project will provide the Philippine Navy 8 new units FAIC-M with Shaldag Mk. V as platform. Four will be equipped with missile systems. The acquisition is a government-to-government deal with Israel’s Ministry of Defense International Defense Cooperation Directorate (MOD SIBAT).
The first contract, which covers the platforms, was awarded to Israel Shipyards with contract price of USD127.9 million. The second contract, which covers the weapon systems and missiles, was awarded to Rafael with contract price of USD79,379,995.00. Notice of Awards (NOAs) were posted in DND’s official website.
Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in December 2020 that negotiations regarding the said project “resulted in the provisions for an additional one unit with one set of remote combat weapon systems (on top of the programmed eight units FAIC-M) for the PN and an upgrade of the Naval Ship Yard – without additional cost to the government.”
Vice Admiral Bacordo also noted that delivery of FAIC-Ms, which will replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft, is expected to start in 2022.
(Mintfo)