New weapon of Israel used for the first time. It's unbelievable powerful
10:14 AM EDT, October 17, 2023
For the first time, Israel has used Sa'ar 6 type missile corvettes. These are some of the most advanced vessels that their army has in its arsenal. We outline the key features and armament of these units.
The attack by Hamas militants was met with a decisive response from Israel. Recordings are systematically surfacing on the networks, confirming that not only commonly used IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) weaponry, but also an arsenal considered outdated or entirely new was deployed. This includes the M270 MLRS artillery systems, M117 bombs, white phosphorus projectiles, and most notably, the Sa'ar 6.
Israel only has three of these types of missile corvettes (waiting for a fourth). The first one was put into service in 2020 and the last one in April this year. The hulls for the ships were made to order in Germany. Israeli companies, however, were responsible for the assembly of electronic equipment and weaponry.
Israel uses Sa'ar 6 missile corvettes
The recording appearing on social media captured the moment of targeting objects in the Gaza Strip.
Israel did not disclose what kind of weapon was used to attack targets in the Gaza Strip. A short announcement only mentioned that these were "various types of weapon systems". Sa'ar 6 type missile corvettes indeed have a comprehensive arsenal. They are among the best equipped units of this type in the world.
Israeli ship arsenal
Among other things, they are equipped with an Oto Melara 76 mm naval gun, with a firing rate of 120 rounds per minute, Rafael Typhoon 25 mm artillery systems, Barak 8 missile launchers, Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, and 324 mm caliber torpedo launchers.
Besides, Sa'ar 6 has an advanced self-defense system C-Dome, called the Iron Dome for the navy, and a place for a helicopter. In the case of Israel and these corvettes, the multi-purpose maritime helicopter Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk is most commonly used.
The Sa'ar 6 measures approximately 295 feet in length and over 42 feet in width. The displacement reaches 2,000 tons. At the cost of limited range and operating time without returning to port (approximately 30 days), the Israelis decided to provide the largest and most modern armament possible. They have also managed to build the Sa'ar 6 corvette in stealth technology.