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. The Navy received the two FAICs, also known as the Acero-class gunboats, from Israel on Nov. 18, 2023. 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 Spike’s short-range version is already operational aboard the Philippines’ Multi-Purpose Assault Craft, offering a range of 4 kilometers (2.48 miles).
Developed by Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Spike is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. “Non Line Of Sight” is an ultra long-range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: Tamuz). 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.
“Said activity was part of the acceptance terms and training deliverables included in the FAIC Acquisition Project. Offering unparalleled accuracy and versatility, this new capability represents a leap forward in precision-guided munitions technology. 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,” Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie said.
The Acero class is a ship class of nine fast attack interdiction crafts currently or incoming service with the Philippine Navy. 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 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. The new facility will take over production of the remaining units of Acero-class FAICs (Shaldag Mk. V) that were ordered by the DND under the FAIC-M Acquisition Project.
