Sa'ar 6-class

Summary

Description

The Sa'ar 6-class corvette represents a new series of advanced warships initially ordered by the Israeli Navy in May 2015. These German-made corvettes are designed to bolster maritime security, including protection of Israel's economic interests and shipping lanes.

The origins of the Sa'ar 6 can be traced to a design similar to the German Braunschweig-class corvette. However, modifications were made to suit Israeli requirements and to incorporate homegrown technology such as the Barak 8 missile system and the Iron Dome's naval adaptation. The electronics for these vessels, including their electronic warfare suites, are provided by Elbit Systems. They are being built through a collaboration between German Naval Yards Holdings and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Israel and Germany share the cost, with Germany subsidizing a portion of the corvette's construction.

The Sa'ar 6-class has several missions encompassing maritime protection and anti-shipping operations. One of its primary roles is safeguarding Israel's economic zones, particularly the natural gas platforms in the Mediterranean, from naval threats, terrorism, and rocket attacks. These corvettes also serve to defend shipping lanes crucial for importing goods to Israel.

In terms of design, the Sa'ar 6-class eschews specifics on dimensions but packs state-of-the-art armaments. Its arsenal includes an Oto Melara 76 mm main gun, the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, anti-ship missiles, and several missile defense systems. It also provides a launching platform for helicopters, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Operational history reveals that Israel first received the INS Magen, the initial Sa'ar 6-class corvette, on December 11, 2020. This was followed by the handover of the INS Oz in May 2021 and the remaining two ships, INS Atzmaut and INS Nitzachon, later in July 2021. These ships were to be outfitted with their full radar and weapon systems once they arrived in Israel.

Currently, these corvettes operate solely with the Israeli Navy. As of April 2023, the Israeli Navy has formally declared the Sa'ar 6-class warship fleet operational, enhancing their defensive and offensive maritime capabilities.

Technical specifications