Hetz-class

Summary

Description

The Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats are integral to the Israeli Sea Corps, designed and constructed by Israel Shipyards Ltd. These vessels are an enhanced version of the previous Sa'ar 4-class missile boats and come in two different subclasses: Aliya and Hetz.

The origins of the Sa'ar 4.5-class can be traced to the planned construction of two subclasses. The Aliya subclass was originally named Chochit and included two boats: INS Aliya and INS Geula. This subclass was distinct for its capability to accommodate helicopters. The Hetz subclass, initially called Nirit, included the boats INS Romach, INS Keshet, and the later-renamed INS Hetz. The INS Nirit, whose construction was delayed due to funding issues, was ultimately launched and commissioned with modern equipment in 1991. The operational effectiveness of INS Hetz led to the upgrading of its predecessors, INS Romach and INS Keshet, to match its standards.

In design, while Aliya-class boats are noted for their aviation facilities, which made them the smallest warships equipped with a helipad and hangar, the Hetz-class vessels lack these features but compensate with a significant array of weapon systems. These boats boast enhanced electronic systems such as upgraded command and control, fire control systems, radar, sonar, and electronic warfare capabilities. Their propulsion systems have also been modernized, and the boats are overall longer than their Sa'ar 4 predecessors to accommodate these new systems.

Regarding armament, the Sa'ar 4.5-class boats are equipped with advanced weaponry suitable for varied combat scenarios. While detailed specifications are not provided in the provided text, these boats typically carry an array of missiles, guns, and other tactical weapons systems. The Aliya subclass notably carried helicopters for operations, augmenting their strike capabilities.

The operational history of the Sa'ar 4.5-class is filled with active service within the Israeli Navy. The Aliya subclass, represented by INS Aliya and INS Geula, undertook missions in the 1980s, such as the successful strike against a terrorist facility in Nahr al-Bared, northern Lebanon. As technology evolved and operational needs changed, additional upgraded Hetz-subclass missile boats were commissioned, including the INS Kidon, INS Tarshish, and INS Yaffo', with a total of eight Hetz-subclass boats eventually serving the Israeli Navy.

Operating countries of the Sa'ar 4.5-class extend beyond Israel. Two Aliya-subclass boats serve in the Mexican Navy, and the Hellenic Coast Guard operates three patrol boats derived from the Sa'ar 4.5 Nirit-class design. Upon transfer, changes to armaments and configurations are often made to fit the respective countries' needs, as seen with the removal of Harpoon missiles before the sale to Mexico.

Looking ahead, the Israeli Navy has plans in the mid-2020s to phase out the Sa'ar 4.5-class and replace them with the new Reshef-class ships, which will incorporate advanced weaponry including the C-Dome defense system, indicating the continuous evolution of naval warfare capabilities.

Technical specifications

Photo of Hetz class