TEST FIRE. One of the Philippine Navy's newly-delivered fast attack interdiction craft fires an Spike NLOS missile to targets west of Luzon Point, Mariveles, Bataan on Wednesday (April 10, 2024). The Spike NLOS missile system is equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors and offers day and night operational capabilities. (Photo courtesy of the PN)
MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) has validated the precision strike capability of the newly installed Israeli-made Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missile system fitted aboard one of its fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms.
The NLOS missile system accurately hit the target at least 20 kilometers away during the firing held in Mariveles, Bataan on Wednesday, Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a news release Friday.
"Said activity was part of the acceptance terms and training deliverables included in the FAIC Acquisition Project," he said.
"Offering unparalleled accuracy and versatility, this new capability represents a leap forward in precision-guided munitions technology," Alcos added.
Developed by Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Spike NLOS missile system is equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors and offers day and night operational capabilities, enhancing its effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
The advanced missile system boasts an impressive range of up to 30 km (approximately 18.6 miles), enabling operators to engage targets with pinpoint accuracy from stand-off distances.
"The test-firing coincided with the nation’s commemoration of the Veterans Week and Day of Valor which added significance to the activity that demonstrated the PN’s resolve to better fulfill its mandate to uphold and protect our maritime nation’s sovereignty and interests and as a way to honor the valor and keep the legacy of Filipino war veterans," Alcos said.
The Navy received the two FAICs, also known as the Acero-class gunboats, from Israel on Nov. 18, 2023.
The missile boats were delivered through the general cargo ship Kogra Royal and are now at the Commodore East Posadas Wharf in Cavite City for enhancement, maintenance, and training.
The platforms will be commissioned as PG-906 and PG-907 under the Acero-class patrol vessels of the Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force.
The delivery is part of the FAIC acquisition project of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program Horizon 2 contracted with Israel Shipyards, which includes nine platforms, and the transfer of technology to bolster the country's shipbuilding capability. (PNA)
