Sa'ar 5-class

Summary

Description

Sa'ar 5-class corvettes are a class of small corvettes within the Israeli Navy, which uses design insights from the earlier Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats. With three ships constructed by the US-based Huntington Ingalls Industries based on Israeli designs, they represented the largest vessels in the Israeli naval fleet before the introduction of the Sa'ar 6-class corvettes. Despite being labeled as corvettes, their armament and capabilities are similar to that of frigates. Equipped with various advanced weaponry, these corvettes house sonar equipment, anti-ship missile launchers, electronic warfare systems, CIWS, autocannon, and support helicopter operations.

The INS Eilat inaugurated the class with its February 1993 launch, with the INS Lahav and the INS Hanit following in August 1993 and March 1994, respectively. The armament constellation features anti-aircraft and anti-missile capabilities with a vertical launch system for Barak-1 or Barak-8 missiles, Harpoon missile launchers, a Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense, and Typhoon weapon stations. Handling threats below the surface, they make use of the EDO Corporation's sonar systems. Electronic countermeasures include the AN/SLQ-25 Nixie system, radar warning receivers, and chaff decoy dispensers. Distinct radars equip the ships, with the first and third holding the ELM-2258 AESA S-band radar, while the second sports micro-AEGIS-style radar.

The operational history of the class has included significant events, such as the 2006 Lebanon War when the INS Hanit was hit by a missile fired by Hezbollah. Although the hit caused casualties and damage, the vessel returned to port under its own power. This attack led to criticism over the ship's state of readiness and the decisions made by its officers regarding defense systems. In 2009, a strategic passage through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea involved the INS Eilat and INS Hanit, a move interpreted as signaling to Iran. Lastly, the Sa’ar 5-class vessels also participated in the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid.

The only operator of the Sa'ar 5-class corvettes is the Israeli Navy, and the three ships currently in service are the INS Eilat, INS Lahav, and INS Hanit. Each plays a role in the diverse naval tasks ranging from patrol and engagement in conflict, to strategic deterrence and protection of Israeli maritime interests.

Technical specifications

Photo of Sa'ar 5 class