According to information published by the Philippines News Agency on November 28, 2022, the Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service the first two of its fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms), the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-802).
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Fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms) BRP Nestor Acero and BRP Lolinato To-Ong. (Picture source: Philippine Navy)
Ordered by the Philippine Navy from Israel Shipyards to eventually replace the Tomas Batilo-class fast attack crafts. Twelve were originally planned but only eight were initially funded as part of the Navy's procurement plan from 2018 to 2022.
These vessels are named after two Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal of Valor recipients -- the late Private First Class Nestor Acero and the late 1st Lt. Lolinato To-Ong.
These ships have a displacement of 95 tons, a maximum speed of 40 knots, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.
These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.
Four of these FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.
The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.
Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch non-line-of-sight missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.
