We recently received the question “How many ships does the Israeli Navy have”. So today, we will embark on a journey across the azure expanse and dive into the formidable fleet that constitutes the backbone of the Israeli Navy.
These vessels stand as sentinels, safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and upholding its strategic interests. In this exploration, we unravel the diverse array of ships, each with a distinct purpose in fortifying Israel’s naval prowess.
1. Sa’ar 6-class Corvette:
Leading the charge is Sa’ar 6-class corvette, a testament to Israel’s commitment to naval innovation. Ordered in 2015, these German-made corvettes are an evolution of the Braunschweig class, engineered to integrate Israeli-built sensors and advanced missile systems, including the Barak 8 and the naval Iron Dome. Elbit Systems takes the helm in designing and constructing the electronic warfare suites for these vessels.
The Sa’ar 6-class corvettes are the result of a joint venture between German Naval Yards Holdings and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Drawing inspiration from the German Braunschweig class, the design underwent modifications to accommodate Israeli-specific technologies. Elbit Systems, a key player in defense electronics, has been entrusted with crafting electronic warfare suites tailored to the unique needs of these corvettes.
Scheduled for delivery in 2020, the construction of these vessels comes at an estimated cost of NIS 1.8 billion Israeli new shekel (NIS), approximately 430 million Euros ($480 million). Reflecting a shared commitment to security, Israel covers two-thirds of the construction costs, while the German Government subsidizes the remaining third, mirroring the collaboration seen in the Dolphin-class submarines.
2. Sa’ar 5-class Corvette:
Sa’ar 5 (lit. ’storm’) is a class of Israeli Navy corvettes. They were Israeli-designed using lessons learned from the Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boats. Three Sa’ar 5 ships were built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (formerly Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation of Pascagoula, Mississippi) for the Israeli Navy, based on Israeli designs.
They were the largest surface warships in Israel’s naval fleet, although the Sa’ar 6-class corvette now being deployed is considerably larger. Although classified as “corvettes” due to their small size and crew of only 71, their weaponry and speed are almost comparable to that of a frigate. They are equipped with sonar, 2 triple torpedoes, 2 quadruple missile launchers, electronic warfare capabilities and decoys, a Close-in weapon system, 2 autocannon, and a helipad and helicopter hangar.
3. Sa’ar 4.5-class Missile Boat:
Swift and agile, the Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boat takes center stage in naval combat. Armed with anti-ship missiles, these vessels are instrumental in maintaining control over Israel’s coastal waters, responding with precision to potential threats.
Beginning in the mid-2020s, the Israeli Navy plans to replace the Sa’ar 4.5 boats with the future Reshef-class ships. These 76-metre (249 ft 4 in) long vessels will be based on Israel Shipyards’ Sa’ar 72-class corvette design. They will deploy advanced weaponry and defensive systems, including C-Dome.
4. Dolphin-class Submarine:
Submerged beneath the waves, the Dolphin-class submarines epitomize Israel’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Armed with advanced torpedoes and cruise missiles, these submarines contribute to the nation’s second-strike capability, fortifying its defense posture.
The Dolphin class stands as a testament to Israel’s ingenuity in submarine development. Crafted by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) in Kiel, Germany, for the Israeli Navy, these diesel-electric submarines represent a significant leap forward in naval capabilities.
Initially, the Dolphin class submarines drew inspiration from the German 209-class submarines designed for export. However, modifications and expansions were implemented, giving rise to the Dolphin 1 sub-class, surpassing the German Navy Type 212 in both length and displacement. The subsequent Dolphin 2 class submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), boast similarities to the Type 212 vessels in underwater endurance but distinguish themselves by being 12 meters longer, nearly 500 tonnes heavier in submerged displacement, and accommodating a larger crew.
As the largest submarine constructed in Germany since World War II, the Dolphin 2 class holds the distinction of being the most expensive single vehicle within the Israel Defense Forces. This formidable class replaces the aging Gal class, a stalwart in the Israeli navy since the late 1970s.
Each Dolphin-class submarine is a maritime powerhouse, capable of carrying up to 16 torpedoes and Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs). The cruise missiles, with a remarkable range exceeding 1,500 km (930 mi), are widely speculated to carry a 200-kiloton nuclear warhead, potentially containing up to 6 kilograms of plutonium. If true, this capability grants Israel a formidable offshore nuclear second-strike capability.
As the maritime landscape evolves, the first batch of the Dolphin class, the three Dolphin-I submarines, are poised to make way for the newer Dakar-class submarines starting in 2031. This strategic transition reflects Israel’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge and formidable naval force well into the future.
5. Patrol Boats, Landing Craft, and Support Vessels:
Beyond the corvettes and submarines, the Israeli Navy operates a fleet of patrol boats, landing craft, and support vessels. These ships ensure flexibility in responding to diverse scenarios, reinforcing the Navy’s capability in coastal security, troop deployment, and sustained operations.
Conclusion: How many ships does the Israeli Navy have?
According to Wikipedia’s List, the Israeli Navy includes:
- 4 Sa’ar 6-class corvettes
- 3 Sa’ar 5-class corvettes
- 8 Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boats
- 5 Dolphin-class submarines
- 1 Stollergrund-class utility ship
As we conclude our maritime odyssey, the Israeli Navy’s fleet emerges as a dynamic force, blending innovation with tradition to fortify the nation’s defense. From the battle-tested Sa’ar 5-class to the cutting-edge Sa’ar 6-class, each vessel symbolizes a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to safeguarding Israel’s maritime interests. The waves may be unpredictable, but with this formidable fleet, the Israeli Navy stands ready to navigate any challenge that looms on the horizon.
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