The Arrival Ceremony of the “INS Magen” in Israel

The arrival of the “INS Magen”, the first of the four Sa'ar 6 corvettes to join the Israeli Navy, is an event that symbolizes a significant milestone in fortifying the State of Israel's economic resources. The warships will form a central pillar in the system protecting Israel's economic waters and energy resources at sea.

The ceremony was attended by the President, Mr. Reuven Rivlin; the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi; and the Commander of the Israeli Navy, Vice Admiral Eliyahu (Eli) Sharvit. Also participating in the ceremony was the crew of the “INS Magen” who returned home to the State of Israel after a long stay in German shipyards.

In the coming months, the process of installing the combat systems on the ship at the Haifa Naval shipyard for operational use will be completed.

The President of the State, Mr. Reuven Rivlin: “You (the crew) are the foundation upon which this important operation is based, and as such, I wish to thank you on behalf of the entire Israeli people. In these times, a crisis which is by no means simple is occurring among Israeli society. Amidst that crisis, you stand as an anchor of statehood, patriotism, and uncompromising commitment, without bias, to the State of Israel. You are the pride of the Israeli nation.”

The Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi: “This is an important event - for the Navy, the IDF, and the State of Israel. Behind me is one of the most advanced war machines in the world, which poses a significant leap forward in the IDF's ability to ensure our strength at sea and in naval operations. This warship, and the warships that are on the way, will strengthen both the Navy and the cooperation within the IDF as a whole, while increasing the IDF's military advantage and improving its defense of the country's borders. Over the past year, the IDF has halted and prevented attacks on all fronts: preventing rocket fire, exposing tunnels, and thwarting more than a dozen terrorist attacks and smuggling operations in the naval arena. The IDF is operating in six arenas and against a multitude of enemies; but it has another mission, and these days that mission is becoming increasingly relevant: the IDF is a model of unity within the nation, and you, the crew of the “INS Magen”, are a clear example of that unity, having brought this ship home together. We will continue to defend on all fronts, we will strike the enemy and incapacitate their capabilities, we will continue to bolster the IDF's power, and we will continue to be a value-based organization working in the interest of the State of Israel - an exemplary symbol of unity.״

The Commander of the Israeli Navy, Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit: “The homecoming of the “INS Magen” is the natural continuation of a long process of generating strength and bolstering our power; of creative and daring operational action. The new warship is a valuable asset, effective and precisely adapted to the operational requirements and future maritime challenges of the State of Israel: protecting the nation’s strategic assets and economic waters - those vast natural treasures, thanks to which Israel has become energy independent. You will not find any ship like it in all the world; its operational capability will only continue to increase."