US delivers first landing craft INS Nahshon to Israel Navy.

According to information published by the IDF on August 10, 2023, the Israeli Navy celebrated the flag-raising and receipt of the INS Nahshon landing craft at the Pascagoula Shipyard in the U.S.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

First landing craft INS Nahshon. (Picture source: IDF)

The INS Nahshon is a sizeable vessel, measuring about 95 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with a weight surpassing 2500 tons. It can house many naval personnel, a significant portion of whom are female, and is commanded by a Lieutenant Commander.

These landing crafts play an essential role in modernizing the Israeli Navy's operations. They are designed for transporting troops and equipment and will enhance cooperation among various segments of the Israeli Navy, the Technological and Logistics Directorate (J4), and other branches of the IDF.

The development of the INS Nahshon, a joint project between the IDF and the Ministry of Defense, began roughly four years ago. Its acquisition was facilitated by funding provisions from the U.S. to Israel. With the flag-raising, the vessel has taken a step closer to its integration into the Israeli Navy.

The INS Nahshon will soon undergo final preparations, including crew training and operational tests. It is anticipated to dock in Israel in the coming months and is slated to be operational by 2024.

Israeli-US relations

Over the years, the Israeli Navy has deepened its cooperation with the U.S. in areas like naval ship design and funding. A testament to this is the development of the Sa'ar 5 corvettes.

In the 1980s, Israel, aiming to boost its naval prowess, partnered with the U.S. company, Bath Iron Works, to design the Sa'ar 5 corvettes. These compact vessels are equipped with stealth capabilities. U.S. military aid played a significant role in funding this project, facilitating their acquisition for Israel.