Israel Expands Naval Power With $780 Million Order For Reshef-Class Missile Ships
Amid the chaos and uncertainty in the Middle East, Israel continues its efforts to improve its defense capacity. In line with this, the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has ordered five “high-tech” Reshef-class missile ships from Israel Shipyards to strengthen the Israeli Navy, which is a weaker force compared to the overall Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The $780 million (NIS 2.8 billion) deal was signed on December 12 at the IMOD headquarters in Tel Aviv, led by Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eyal Zamir. The purchase also received approval from the Knesset’s Ministerial Procurement Committee and the Joint Committee on the Defense Budget.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Israel Shipyards will construct and deliver the Reshef-class missile ships to the Israeli Navy over the next six years. The agreement also includes an option for the Navy to acquire additional vessels in the future, should operational needs arise. By producing the ships domestically, Israel aims to enhance national security and guarantee a steady supply of support for the IDF in the face of evolving challenges.
Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir:
“The ‘Reshef’ agreement represents an integration of security, economic, and industrial priorities. These new vessels will strengthen the Israeli Navy’s expanding maritime capabilities. Manufacturing them locally in Israel will maintain and grow the nation’s exclusive strategic production line for combat vessels and enhance operational independence and continuity while securing hundreds of jobs in Israel. Other nations are expected to follow the Israeli Navy’s example by seeking to acquire these Israeli-made combat vessels, which will boost defense exports.”
When the Reshef-class ships enter service, they will replace the aging Sa’ar 4.5-class missile ships that have served the Navy for more than four decades. Although the technical and equipment features of the Reshef-class ships are not yet known, they are thought to be significantly larger, longer, and have twice the displacement of their predecessors. According to Israeli officials, the missile boats will also be equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and electronic systems, enhancing the Israeli Navy’s capabilities and superiority in the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Eilat, and the Red Sea.