The Reshef warship will form backbone of Israel’s fast‑attack fleet.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s naval modernization program advanced significantly with the decision to have Israel Shipyards construct the new Reshef‑class multi‑mission warship, a project valued at roughly $800 million.
The vessel is intended to replace the long‑serving Sa’ar 4.5 missile boats, which have formed the backbone of Israel’s fast‑attack fleet for decades.
Once operational, the Reshef will slot between the larger Sa’ar 5 and Sa’ar 6 corvettes, giving the Navy a modern, agile platform optimized for coastal defense, rapid interception, and protection of Israel’s expanding offshore energy infrastructure.
Israel chose to build the ships domestically to maintain full control over sensitive technologies, ensure rapid upgrade cycles, and strengthen the local defense‑industrial base.
Producing the ships at Israel Shipyards also allows classified radar, electronic‑warfare systems, and missile‑launch capabilities to remain entirely under Israeli oversight.
A total of four Reshef‑class ships are planned, with the first expected to enter service later this decade.
The Reshef’s design incorporates advanced radar, electronic‑warfare suites, anti‑ship missiles, air‑defense interceptors, and the ability to deploy unmanned surface and aerial systems.
Its mission set includes coastal patrol, counter‑terrorism operations at sea, defense of offshore gas platforms, and rapid response to regional threats.
The ship will be crewed by approximately 50–60 sailors, a reduction from older vessels thanks to extensive automation and modern command‑and‑control systems.
Compared to other fast‑attack craft in its class, the Reshef stands out for its integration of Israeli‑developed weapons such as the Gabriel V anti‑ship missile and advanced electronic‑warfare tools tailored to local threat environments.
Its low radar signature, reinforced defensive systems, and ability to operate unmanned platforms give it capabilities that many regional navies lack.
The ship’s speed, maneuverability, and multi‑mission flexibility place it at the forefront of modern littoral warfare.
For the Israeli Navy, the Reshef represents both continuity and transformation.
It preserves the fast‑attack doctrine that has defined Israel’s maritime strategy since the 1970s while introducing a platform built for the era of drone warfare, precision missiles, and offshore strategic assets.
As the Sa’ar 4.5 boats retire, the Reshef class will become a central pillar of Israel’s naval power for decades to come.
