Tel Aviv: The Israeli Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Israel Shipyards for the a detailed design phase for the construction of the Reshef Class Vessel for the Israeli Navy. During this phase, Israel Shipyards will present an engineering plan, adapted to the needs of the Navy. The new vessels will enhance the Israeli navy’s capabilities to protect the Israel EEZ mainly the gas pumping rigs.

The Reshef Class ‒ a new and advanced combat vessel – replaces the proven and reliable SA’AR 4.5, which has been in service for over 30 years. The new vessel is designed to successfully withstand the new and evolving threats and challenges the force will face. Reshef Class vessels, which will be based on the Israel Shipyards S-72 proven design, will empower the Israeli Navy with the advanced capabilities needed in future combat, and will assist in protecting Israel’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as the offshore oil & gas facilities within Israel’s territorial waters. All combat systems on-board the new ship will be products of Israel’s defence industry.

The company’s CEO, Eitan Zucker, said, “We are excited and proud to have reached this advanced stage in the development of the new ship, which will very soon assist in carrying out the missions and meeting the challenges faced by the Israeli Navy in protecting the country’s maritime borders. We welcome the fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Navy.”