The Shaldag class Fast Patrol Boat is a small but fast class of patrol boats developed for the Israeli Sea Corps (ISC) and launched in 1989, it has since seen service with several other navies. One of the Israel Shipyards Limited (ISL) vessels currently in highest demand, integrating valuable improvements created by Israeli defense experts in response to real-life security challenges. The Shaldag is most valued for security tasks where high intercept speeds and easy maneuverability are required. In addition, the vessel is equipped with highly advanced weapons systems, produced by world-recognized Israeli designers. The combat-proven success of this unique ISL craft was quickly established with the Israeli Navy, attracting the attention of many other naval forces. The FPB is in service with the Israeli Navy (Israeli Sea Corps), Azerbaijani Navy, Sri Lanka Navy, Nigerian Navy, Cyprus Port and Marine Police, Argentina Coast Guard and the Equatorial Guinea Navy.
The Shaldag-class is available in three versions, namely Shaldag MK II, Shaldag MK III/IV, and Shaldag MK V. The Shaldag MK II has an overall length of 24.8m, maximum beam of 6m, and a maximum draft of 1.15m. It has the capacity to carry eight to ten crew members and can travel up to 650nm at a standard speed of 33kt. The endurance of Shaldag MK II is four days. The Shaldag MK III/IV is 26.7m-long and 6m-wide, while it has a maximum draft of 1.2m. The variant can attain a range of up to 700nm without any mid supplies and can endure at sea up to four days. The maximum crew-carrying capacity of the variant is 12. The Shaldag MK V is an advanced variant compared to the other two variants in terms of performance and physical attributes. It has an overall length of 31.2m, draft of 1.25m, and moulded beam of 6.4m.
Drawing on extensive operational experience in different environments, the craft continued to be improved, including the addition of newer lightweight weapons systems. The fast patrol boat can be armed with a 23mm-25mm TYPHOON automatic gun, two 12.7mm or 7.62mm MINI-TYPHOON heavy machine guns, and other manually operated guns of similar configuration. Single gun mount Spigots for 0.5″ machine guns on both sides of the main deck. The boat is able to accommodate most advanced new weapon systems, such as the rapid-fire stabilized gun mount, remotely controlled by a night vision system. It can also carry up to eight short-range anti-ship missiles to engage targets at sea or on the coastline. The integrated navigation system on-board the vessel includes a laser range-finder, high-definition cameras, thermal imaging equipment, and a control console with 15in multi-functional displays. The sensor suite integrates an X-band surface search radar, and Rafael TOPLITE or IAI POP electro-optical system (EOS) for surveillance and fire control during day and night.
The Shaldag-class boat is designed to carry between ten and 14 personnel on-board, based on its configuration. It can also carry optional payloads, including a rescue boat or an FPB. The hull, deck and deckhouse are of welded marine aluminium alloy, with transverse frames and longitudinals. Integral double bottom tanks contain fuel with an additional gravity fuel tank at the center. The hull is divided into six watertight compartments which meet strict international flooded damage stability criteria. The Shaldag-class FPB is powered by two independently operated MTU diesel engines of 16V2000 or 12V4000 type. The engines propel two MJP 550DD or 650DD water jets. The Shaldag MK II has a maximum speed of 45kt, while the Shaldag III/IV and Shaldag V can attain maximum speeds of 43kt and 40kt, respectively. The vessels can also carry 13,000l of fuel and 1,000l of fresh water.
