Sa'ar 6-class

The Sa’ar 6-class is a series of four corvettes operated by the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 3 flotilla. The Israeli government ordered the vessels in 2015 to succeed the Sa'ar 5-class. Construction was a joint project between German Naval Yards Holdings and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, with the German government subsidizing one-third of the construction costs. The design is derived from the German Braunschweig-class corvette.

Engineering modifications were made to the base design to accommodate Israeli-produced sensors and weapon systems. The vessels integrate the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar and electronic warfare suites designed by Elbit Systems. Armament includes Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, the C-Dome point defense system, and Gabriel V anti-ship missiles. The ships are also equipped with torpedo launchers and a rapid-fire main gun. For aviation support, the class features a hangar and flight deck capable of embarking an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

The Israeli Navy utilizes the Sa’ar 6 for maritime protection, anti-shipping operations, and the security of the Israeli exclusive economic zone. Primary mission roles include the defense of Mediterranean shipping lanes and the protection of offshore natural gas platforms against rocket threats or maritime attacks.

The first vessel, INS Magen, was delivered in December 2020, followed by INS Oz in May 2021. The final two ships, INS Atzmaut and INS Nitzachon, were delivered in July 2021. Following their arrival in Israel, the vessels were equipped with radar and weapon systems. In September 2022, the main gun was ceremonially accepted for the first two ships of the class. The fleet was declared operational in 2023, with vessels subsequently deployed to areas including the Red Sea.