The Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has announced a $780 million deal with Israel Shipyards to acquire five advanced ‘Reshef’ missile ships. Approved by the Ministerial Procurement Committee and the Knesset’s Joint Committee of Defense Budget, the agreement aims to modernize the Israeli Navy’s fleet and boost domestic defense manufacturing.
Israel Shipyards will deliver the ships to the Israeli Navy over approximately six years, with an option for additional vessels.
The ‘Reshef’ Missile Ship, the newest and most advanced Sa’ar-class vessel, was developed jointly with the Israeli Navy. It incorporates state-of-the-art weapon systems from Israel’s defense industry to provide exceptional capabilities and naval superiority.
These new ships will replace the “Nirit” Sa’ar 4.5-class missile ships, which are being decommissioned after four decades of service.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
