Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems delivers the first Saar 6 class corvette to the Israeli Navy on 11th November, thyssenkrupp announced with a press release. “This marks another important milestone in the ongoing program of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as General Contractor to build four next-generation SA’AR-6 class missile corvettes for the Israeli Navy.” the company emphasized. Following the very strict corona prevention measures at the shipyard, the handover took place in Kiel.
The company describes the new vessel as world’s most modern corvette.
Dr. Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: “This program is based on an open and trusting dialogue with our customer. I would like to thank Israel for the confidence it has shown in us. We are very proud to be contributing to Israel’s security. I would also like to thank our employees: Despite challenging circumstances, they have achieved something great with tremendous care and discipline! Together, we stay focused on our way to becoming the most modern naval company in Europe.”
The ships have the stealthy design of a low-signature missile corvette with tailor-made solutions and numerous new technologies onboard. The contract for the delivery of four SA’AR 6 corvettes – performed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (Lead) and project partner German Naval Yards – was signed in May 2015. After the design phase, the construction phase started with the steel cutting ceremony of the first-of-class in February 2018. Only 15 months after the first steel cut, the ship was undocked, fulfilling its very ambitious schedule. In May 2019, the “INS Magen” was named in Kiel. The other three ships are planned for delivery subsequently in intervals of a few months.
SA’AR 6 corvettes:
The 1,900 tons, 90 meters-long ships have the stealthy design of a smaller RCS missile corvette with tailor-made solutions and numerous new technologies on board. The contract for the delivery of four Sa’ar 6 corvettes was signed in May 2015.
In terms of weapon systems, the Sa’ar 6 will be heavily armed given their small size and displacement:- Oto Melara 76 mm main gun,
– 2xTyphoon 25mm Weapon Stations,
– 32 vertical launch cells for Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles,
– 2xC-Dome point defence systems (with 20 Tamir missiles each),
– 16 (4xquad launchers) anti-ship missiles (probably Gabriel V)
– 2×324 mm torpedo launchers.
– Each ship will also be outfitted with cyber and electronic warfare systems. The sensor suite includes the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar. Magen-class corvettes have hangar space and a platform able to accommodate a medium-class SH-60-type helicopter.
