Welcoming the Israeli Navy's New 'Sa’ar 6' Corvettes

Today (Tuesday), a ceremony was held to transfer the onboard flag of the Sa’ar 6 corvette, the “Atzmaut”, from the German flag to the Israeli flag. The “Atzmaut” is now the third Sa’ar 6 corvette in the Israeli missile boat fleet.

Additionally, the fourth and final Sa’ar 6, the “Nitzahon”, was commissioned.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Commanding in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit. The “Atzmaut” was handed over to the Israeli Navy in Germany by the shipyard company 'ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems'. Following the transfer, the Israeli flag was raised aboard the ship for the first time.

The Israeli Navy is in the process of equipping itself with four new Sa’ar 6 class corvettes: “Magen” (Shield), “Oz” (Strength), “Atzmaut” and “Nitzahon”. The “Magen” and “Oz” ships have already been absorbed into the Israeli Navy. The third ship to reach the shores of Israel, the “Atzmaut”, was first commissioned in December 2019.

After arriving in Israel, the "Atzmaut" will undergo the installation process of additional combat systems (the majority of which are developed domestically in Israel). Upon completion of the installation process, the “Atzmaut” will enter full operational service.

The Sa'ar 6 corvette fleet will be both central to the IDF’s naval defensive wall, as well as a key pillar in the maritime protection of both Israeli waters and energy assets at sea.

Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Vice Admiral Eli Sharvit:

"This is an extremely important milestone in a strategic journey. We are at the heart of a dynamic environment, changing at a rapid pace and in every possible dimension. Our operational world requires endless capabilities. It requires us to reinvent ourselves and to direct each operational unit according to its individual abilities. To create methods of action that bring the whole to be greater, much greater, than the sum of its parts."

"The 'Atzmaut' and the 'Nitzahon' will join the two Sa'ar 6 ships anchored in the port of Haifa in a month's time. These four multi-purpose corvettes, when combined into one fleet, will form a significant and major part of the central pillar of the Israeli Navy."