The Philippines has ordered six new Coast Guard search-and-rescue vessels from Tenix Defence of Australia. Two will be larger 56-meter ships (similar to two ships delivered earlier). The other four will be smaller 35-meter vessels; the Philippines is known to want ten more of this type. The two larger ships have a top speed of 25 knots, a range of 2,000 nautical miles, a helicopter deck, five inflatable boats, and extensive medical facilities. The smaller boats have a range of 600 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 35 knots. The ships have no formal armament but can mount infantry-type weapons.--Stephen V Cole