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.