Israeli Navy to Replace Sa’ar 4.5 Ships with Reshef class corvettes
According to information published by the Israeli MoD on December 13, 2024, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a landmark agreement to procure five advanced Reshef missile ships from Israel Shipyards in a deal valued at approximately $780 million (NIS 2.8 billion). The agreement, authorized by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the IMOD, received the necessary approvals from the Ministerial Procurement Committee and the Joint Committee of Defense Budget in the Knesset. The signing ceremony took place at the IMOD headquarters in Tel Aviv.
This acquisition represents a significant step in strengthening Israel’s maritime defense capabilities. The Reshef missile ships, designed in collaboration with the Israeli Navy, will replace the aging “Nirit” Sa’ar 4.5-class vessels, which have been operational for over 40 years. The new ships are equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems and advanced technologies developed by Israel’s defense industry, offering enhanced multi-mission capabilities. These vessels will serve as the backbone of the Israeli Navy’s modernization efforts.
The agreement also emphasizes the importance of local manufacturing, with all five Reshef ships to be constructed in Israel. This approach not only guarantees operational independence and continuity for the Israeli Navy but also ensures the preservation and growth of Israel’s exclusive combat vessel production line.
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The Sa’ar 4.5-class vessels are compact with a length of 61.7 meters and a displacement of approximately 500 tons. They are powered by MTU diesel engines, enabling speeds of up to 34 knots and a cruising range of 4,800 nautical miles at 19 knots. In contrast, the Reshef-class corvettes are larger at 76 meters in length, with a displacement of about 1,000 tons, offering greater stability and capacity. While details about their propulsion system remain undisclosed, the design focuses on improved performance and efficiency, likely incorporating modern propulsion technologies.
In terms of armament, the Sa’ar 4.5-class is equipped with a versatile arsenal, including Harpoon and Gabriel anti-ship missiles, Barak 1 surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm OTO Melara gun, Phalanx CIWS, and additional smaller caliber cannons. The Reshef-class represents a leap forward with a planned arsenal that includes a 76/62 main gun, the Rafael C-Dome missile system, provisions for sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, Typhoon 30mm remote weapon stations, and the potential for integrating high-energy laser weapon systems.
Sensor and electronics capabilities also see significant enhancement. The Sa’ar 4.5-class features systems like the EL/M-2258 ALPHA radar and Elta fire-control systems, which have been incrementally upgraded. The Reshef-class will feature state-of-the-art systems, including the IAI Elta ELM-2258 rotating AESA radar, offering superior detection and tracking capabilities.
Operationally, the Sa’ar 4.5-class has been vital for coastal defense, anti-ship warfare, and patrolling within Israel’s maritime zones for over three decades. The Reshef-class corvettes are designed to address modern maritime threats and are intended for a broader range of missions, including combat operations, maritime security, and the protection of Israel’s Exclusive Economic Zone and offshore infrastructure.
Built by Israel Shipyards Ltd., the Sa’ar 4.5-class has been a mainstay since the early 1980s. The Reshef-class is also being developed by Israel Shipyards, with construction starting in late 2023 or early 2024 and the first vessel expected to enter service by 2027.