Philippines eyeing acquisition of fast patrol boats

The Shaldag V from Israel Shipyards is among those being considered by the PN. Photo c/o Israel Shipyards.

The Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad confirmed that they are looking at procuring up to 12 new fast patrol boats that could be used to secure the country’s southern borders for law enforcement and territorial defense requirements.

The plan will be in line with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent orders of fighting piracy and criminal activities in the high seas. The plan is being prepared for presentation to the president soon.

The new fleet is being proposed to replace its existing fleet of South Korean-made patrol boats, many of which were already retired. The PN currently operates the Tomas Batilo-class patrol boats, known before as the Chamsuri-class in Republic of Korea Navy service.

No specifications or budget information were provided, but initial information from the PN is for the new boats to have an endurance of around 7 to 10 days, and armed with precision weapons. 

Previous reports mentioned that the PN was eyeing offers from Israel, with the Shaldag V from Israel Shipyards and Super Dvora III from IAI-RAMTA among possible candidates. It was also mentioned before that the PN is interested in Indonesia’s KCR-60 from PT PAL. 



[1] Manila Bulletin
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine News Agency
[4] Jane’s Defence Industry