Since 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has been seeking approval for a project to renew the Israeli Navy's naval fleet. After several years, the deal has finally received approval from the Ministerial Procurement Committee and the Joint Defense Budget Committee of the Knesset.
This is an investment of NIS 2.800 billion to acquire five advanced Reshef missile boats, ships that will be manufactured locally to replace the Saar ships, after more than four decades.
Among other differences, the new ships weigh 1.000 tons less than the Saars, which gives them greater speed, maneuverability and advanced capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the ships will be ready for operation in 2031, with the possibility of acquiring more units in the future.
The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Eyal Zamir, stressed that the acquisition represents the “integration of security, economic and industrial priorities.”
He added that “these new vessels will strengthen the expanding maritime capabilities of the Israeli Navy. Their local manufacturing in Israel will maintain and grow the country’s exclusive strategic production line for combat vessels and enhance operational independence and continuity, while securing hundreds of jobs in Israel.”