Sa'ar 4.5 Class Missile Boat

The Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats () is a class of Israeli Sea Corps missile boats designed and built by Israel Shipyards Ltd. for Shayetet 3 flotilla as an improved and stretched . There are two different subclasses that are both named Sa'ar 4.5. The first subclass was initially called ''Chochit'' (), but renamed to ''Aliya'' (). Two ''Aliya''-subclass boats are in service with the Mexican Navy. The second subclass was initially called ''Nirit'' () but renamed to ''Hetz'' ().

History

The original construction plan for Sa'ar 4.5-class missile boats included:

Two helicopter-equipped boats (''Aliya'' subclass):
* INS ''Aliya''
* INS ''Geula''

Three ordinary missile boats (''Hetz'' subclass):
* INS ''Romach'' (launched and commissioned in 1981),
* INS ''Keshet'' (launched and commissioned in 1982) and
* INS ''Nirit''

The keel of INS ''Nirit'' was laid in 1984 but the construction ceased due to lack of funds and it was finally launched in 1990 and commissioned in 1991 with some modern equipment, eventuality renamed to INS ''Hetz''. Consequently the older INS ''Romach'' and INS ''Keshet'' were upgraded to match INS ''Hetz''s specifications.

, , and INS ''Yaffo commissioned in 1997, 1997, and 1998 respectively. Particularly INS ''Kidon'' and INS ''Yaffo'' were built comprising various older systems that were disassembled from Sa'ar 4-class boats with the same names, atop brand new Sa'ar 4.5-class hulls. INS ''Tarshish'' possibly also comprised some weapon systems dismounted from the Sa'ar 4-class missile boat with the same name, atop a new Sa'ar 4.5-class hull.

Another two further-upgraded Sa'ar 4.5 ''Hetz''-subclass missile boats called and were commissioned in 2002 and 2003, raising the number of Sa'ar 4.5 ''Hetz''-subclass missile boats to eight.

Subclasses

''Aliya'' subclass

The first two Sa'ar 4.5 boats were ''Aliya'' subclass. Two boats of this version were built and launched in 1980, the first one being , followed by . Additionally to the anti-ship missiles, these missile boats were equipped with aviation facilities that could accommodate two (one on a regular basis) Bell 206, MD 500, or HH-65 helicopters. Eurocopter Panther was the last helicopter deployed on these boats in the Israeli Navy. The ''Aliya'' subclass are the smallest warships with a helipad and helicopter hangar.

In August 1984, INS ''Aliya'' and INS ''Geula'' were sent to destroy a terrorist facility in Nahr al-Bared, northern Lebanon. Two MD 500 Defenders from INS ''Aliya'' and another two from INS ''Geula'' successfully hit the target. In July 1985, INS ''Aliya'' and INS ''Geula'' carried out a similar mission near Nahr al-Bared.

''Hetz'' subclass

Sa'ar 4.5 ''Hetz''-subclass missile boats lack the helicopter facilities of the ''Aliya'' subclass, but have more weapon systems fitted. They are largely based on the with improvements in electronic systems: command and control, detection, classification and identification, fire control system, radar ( EL/M-2258 active electronically scanned array), sonar, electronic warfare and communications. The engines and propulsion systems were also upgraded. The boat itself is longer than the s to accommodate the new systems.

Future replacement

Beginning in the mid-2020s, the Israeli Navy plans to replace the Sa'ar 4.5 boats with the future ''Reshef''-class ships. These long vessels will be based on Israel Shipyards' design. They will deploy advanced weaponry and defensive systems, including C-Dome.

Users

Israel

As of 2019, eight ''Hetz''-subclass boats are in service with the Israeli Navy.

Mexico

In January 2004 both INS ''Aliya'' and INS ''Geula'' were sold to Mexico for service in the Mexican Navy. On August 23, 2004 the boats were relaunched in Mexico renamed and . Press reports indicate that Israel removed the Harpoon missile systems prior to the sale, however, the Gabriel anti-ship missile systems were included in the package.

Greece

The Hellenic Coast Guard bought three offshore patrol boats based on the Sa'ar 4.5 ''Nirit''-class design, but armed only with a 30 mm gun. A crane is installed at the deck space normally reserved for missiles.

See also

* List of ships of the Israeli Navy

References

External links

Aliya on Global Security



Sa'ar 4.5 on Israel Shipyards website

{{Mexican Navy ships

Missile boat classes



Patrol vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard