Israel shipyards to build 5 advanced 'Reshef' warships, bolstering Israeli navy and defense production independence

The Israeli Defense Ministry and the Israel Shipyards announced last week that they will start manufacturing new warships for the Israeli Navy. The cooperation concerns the production of five advanced and rapid “Reshef” vessels at a cost of NIS 2.8 billion (around 800 million dollars).

The new warships are expected to boost the Israeli Navy’s capabilities. The agreement was brokered by the outgoing Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Eyal Zamir who was recently chosen to become the next Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff. The first vessel is expected to be handed over to the navy in three and a half years. 

The Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv emphasized that the project constitutes a "significant milestone in strengthening Israel’s defense production independence, aligning with the Defense Ministry’s policy to expand the local defense industry and promote ‘Blue and White’ initiatives."

"The production at Israel Shipyards, after decades of relying on foreign procurement, ensures the preservation of strategic maritime production capabilities, strengthens defense production continuity, and is expected to provide employment for hundreds of workers, most of them in northern Israel," the ministry added. 

Acting Defense Ministry Director-General Itamar Graf argued that the ministry’s "insistence on bringing IDF warship production back to Israel Shipyards after more than 20 years will enhance Israel’s sole strategic production line for warships."

Following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack, Israel became more focused on reducing its reliance on foreign military exporters after several countries including the United Kingdom and Canada imposed partial restrictions and even informal embargos on military exports to Israel. 

Looking ahead, Graf also predicted that other countries would eventually be interested in buying the Israeli manufactured naval vessels, saying "I have no doubt that other countries will follow our lead and equip themselves with Israeli-made warships, boosting Israel’s defense exports." 

The Israeli Navy Commander Vice Admiral David Sa’ar Salama emphasized that the new Israeli vessels would eventually boost the navy’s capabilities. 

Sami Katsav, Chairman of Israel Shipyards articulated similar sentiments. 

“We see it as a great privilege to contribute to strengthening the Navy and the security of Israel," Katsav stated. 

“It is equally an honor to be part of a national strategic project that revitalizes the northern region, creating jobs and employment opportunities across northern Israel and at Israel Shipyards in particular,” he added.

Northern Israel suffers from underemployment and many businesses in the region were forced to close as a result of over one year of rocket and drone attacks by the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist militia Hezbollah. There is therefore cautious optimism that the new large vessel project will also enhance the local economy by providing much-needed jobs for the local population. 

The Israeli Navy has historically been under-prioritized in comparison to the Israeli Air Force and the Israel ground forces.

However, Israel decided in recent years to expand its naval power in order to meet growing security challenges from Iran and its terrorist proxies, especially Hezbollah. 

In May 2023, the Israeli Navy declared its three new and advanced German-manufactured Saar 6 Corvette-class vessels ready for combat.