A model of the Shaldag Mk II, in Argentinian livery, on display at IMDEX 2019. (IHS Markit/Ridzwan Rahmat)
The Shaldag Mk II fast patrol craft can now be armed with Spike Extended Range (ER) surface-to-surface missiles, a defence industry official who spoke to Jane’s at the IMDEX 2019 defence and maritime exhibition has confirmed.
The weapon type has been successfully integrated and evaluated on a Shaldag Mk II platform in service with a government agency that cannot be named, said Oded Breier, vice-president of Marketing at Israel Shipyards Limited. As such, the Shaldag Mk II is now one of the most potent fast interceptor vessel types in terms of firepower in the 25 m class.
To accommodate the missile launcher system, several minor modifications have been done to the Shaldag Mk II’s original configuration, especially in the aft section. Most noticeable of these is the doing away with the vessel’s ability to carry rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), to make space for the Typhoon MLS-ER launcher.
The Shaldag Mk II features an overall length of 24.8 m, a maximum beam of 6 m, and a maximum draught of 1.2 m. The interceptor displaces about 58 tonnes, and is powered by MTU engines in the original configuration. It is propelled by waterjets, and can attain a maximum speed of over 40 kt with a standard range of 650 n miles at 32 kt.
Besides Spike ER missiles, other weapons that can go onboard the Shaldag Mk II include remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWSs) of up to 30 mm in calibre, 20–33 mm twin or single-barrelled standalone guns, or 7.62 mm machine guns.
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