Tel Aviv: The Israeli Navy is expanding its capabilities. After adding the Sa’ar-6 missile corvettes and the Dolphin type submarine, both made in Germany to its combat fleet, the new addition to join it is the Israeli built Reshef class warships.
Israel’s Ministry of Defence, Navy, and Israel Shipyards marked the launch of the “Reshef” warship production project in the formal steel-cutting formal ceremony, last week.
The 2.8 billion Israel Shekels contract awarded to the Israeli Shipyard includes five advanced warships.
The Reshef-class ships are intended to replace the aging Sa’ar 4.5 (Nirit-class) ships, which have been in service for nearly four decades.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered to the Israeli Navy in three and a half years.
The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening Israel’s defence manufacturing independence, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s “Blue and White” (Made in Israel) policy.
According to the ministry of defence, domestic production ensures the preservation of strategic knowledge and capabilities, enhances continuity in defense manufacturing, and is expected to provide jobs for hundreds of workers, primarily in northern Israel.
Acting Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Itamar Graf, stated, “The Ministry of Defence’s insistence on bringing warship production back to Israel will strengthen manufacturing independence and bolster strategic production lines.”
Navy Commander Vice Admiral David Saar Salama emphasised the importance of the new ships in addressing diverse maritime security challenges.
Sami Katsav, Chairman of Israel Shipyards, expressed pride in the project’s contribution to national security and the economic development of northern Israel.
There are no details on the systems that the new ships will carry but it is clear that they will be equipped with advanced radar systems and other sensors and in addition sea-sea missiles and sea – air missiles.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
