(National Interest) Brandon J. Weichert - Israel's four German-built Sa'ar-6-class corvettes are now the backbone of its surface fleet. Their hull and superstructures incorporate stealth technology to reduce radar and infrared signatures, making them harder to detect. The Sa'ar-6 corvettes are among the most heavily armed vessels in the world, equipped with Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles and a naval variant of the Iron Dome to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. The corvettes are fitted with Gabriel V precision anti-ship missiles with a reported range of 248 miles. A 76mm Super Rapid gun provides high-rate fire against air and surface targets, with a range of up to 25 miles. Two Rafael Typhoon remote weapon stations armed with 30mm cannons offer close-in protection against small boats. The Sa'ar-6 has two 324mm torpedo launchers providing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A hangar and flight deck accommodate medium-class helicopters. The Sa'ar-6 was built to defend Israel's maritime gas fields, which supply over 60% of Israel's electricity and support exports to Jordan and Egypt.
2025-05-11 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive