According to information published by Philippine News Agency on May 22, 2024, the Philippine Navy (PN) has officially commissioned two additional fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) equipped with advanced Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missile systems.
The commissioning ceremony for these new vessels, BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906) and BRP Laurence Narag (PG-907), took place at the Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The PN received the two gunboats from Israel Shipyards Ltd. on November 18, 2023.
PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. highlighted the strategic importance of these crafts, stating that they are indispensable assets for archipelagic defense. Designed to address the unique challenges of the Philippine maritime landscape, these vessels enable rapid deployment and force projection, strengthen deterrence, and uphold maritime security across Philippine waters.
With the addition of BRP Herminigildo Yurong and BRP Laurence Narag, the PN now operates six Acero-class gunboats. The first two, BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), were delivered in September 2022 and commissioned two months later. The third and fourth FAICs, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), were delivered in April 2023 and commissioned in May.