Israel MoD to Acquire Five Advanced Reshef-Class Ships to Replace Aging Saar 4.5 Fleet.

According to information published by the Israeli government on November 24, 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced a landmark agreement to procure five advanced Reshef-class ships from Israel Shipyard. These new vessels will replace the aging Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats, known as the Nirit-class, which have been in service for over four decades.
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A model of the Reshef-class offshore patrol vessel at DEFEA 2021, Athens, Greece. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Reshef-class corvettes represent a substantial upgrade over the aging Nirit-class (Sa’ar 4.5) missile boats, with advancements across multiple dimensions, including design, capabilities, and mission versatility.

The Reshef-class ships are larger, measuring 76 meters in length with a displacement of 850 tons, compared to the Nirit-class’s 62 meters and 500 tons. This increased size allows for better stability, extended operational endurance, and the integration of more sophisticated systems. The Reshef-class incorporates a Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, ensuring greater fuel efficiency for longer missions, particularly critical for Israel’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) security. In contrast, the Nirit-class relied on diesel engines optimized for shorter, coastal missions.

In terms of armament, the Reshef-class incorporates cutting-edge systems, including the Barak 8 missile system for air defense and the naval version of the Iron Dome (C-Dome), ensuring protection against aerial threats and high-speed missiles. Its secondary armaments include a 76 mm OTO Melara Super Rapid gun, along with remote weapon systems. The Nirit-class, while equipped with the Gabriel anti-ship missile and a basic Phalanx CIWS, lacks the multi-layered defense capabilities critical for modern threats like drones and advanced missiles.

The sensor and radar suite in the Reshef-class is another leap forward. It integrates advanced AESA radars capable of tracking both air and surface threats, a significant improvement over the conventional radars used in the Nirit-class. Additionally, the Reshef-class is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems to counter electronic and cyber threats, further enhancing its survivability.

From a mission perspective, the Reshef-class is designed for multi-domain warfare, capable of defending offshore assets such as gas platforms, while also excelling in traditional maritime security roles. The Nirit-class, in contrast, was limited to coastal defense and basic air defense operations. The increased crew capacity of the Reshef-class (70 personnel compared to 45) and its high degree of automation ensure enhanced operational efficiency and mission sustainability.

Survivability is another area where the Reshef-class excels. Its design incorporates stealth features to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect in hostile environments. The hull design and integrated systems are optimized for endurance and resilience against modern threats.