Photo by: IDF
During a graduation ceremony of the 147th Israeli Naval Officers Course held at the Haifa Naval Base on September 13, the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, provided some clues about the navy’s evolving role.
“The Israeli Navy operates in a developing maritime space and demonstrates naval superiority at sea and from the sea against all the arenas of conflict, far and near. In the defense missions and in the campaign between the wars, the Israeli Navy plays a significant and sometimes exclusive role in the defense of the maritime space of the State of Israel and the strategic assets in it,” he stated.
The Israeli Navy is today playing a key role in Israel’s strategy – both defensive and offensive – against the Iranian-led radical axis and has changed its core functions significantly over the past years.
The strategic landscape for Israel’s navy has undergone a significant transformation. First and foremost, the maritime arena has experienced an evolution in threats, with a diverse array of potent weapons appearing in the possession of non-state adversaries like Hezbollah. Additionally, in recent years, vital Israeli sea infrastructures like the Leviathan, Karish, and Tanin rigs have emerged. Protecting these assets is now imperative.
Historically, during events like the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Israeli naval strategy was built around confronting enemies on the open sea. But there has been a paradigm shift from this blue water warfare towards what is now termed brown water warfare. This new approach focuses on capacities to engage in conflict against enemies on the coast and, even beyond that, to effectively counter threats on land.
Israel’s geographical and political position further underlines the importance of its naval power. Often described as an “island” due to its surrounded nature, with enemies on most fronts, the sea plays an essential role. It’s Israel’s longest border and a vital conduit for goods entering the country. Thus, ensuring naval superiority isn’t just about defense; it’s crucial for Israel’s sustenance and prosperity.
In February 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared the successful completion of initial trials of the C-Dome, the naval counterpart of the Iron Dome air-defense system, aboard the Israeli Naval Ship (INS) Sa’ar 6 Magen corvette. This marked a key milestone for the Israeli Navy’s four new Sa’ar 6-class corvettes.
The tests focused on multiple advanced threats, including rockets, cruise missiles, and UAVs. The MoD shared footage highlighting the Tamir interceptor missiles’ interception capabilities after being fired from a vertical launch system. Israel Missile Defense Organization Director Moshe Patel commented on the success, noting the confidence this instills in the Israeli Navy’s capacity to protect national maritime energy assets in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The C-Dome, made by Rafael, has been integrated with IAI-Elta’s Adir multi-mission radar, which can see very far and discern many enemy threats. The same radar is also used to guide the on-board Barak 8 air defense system interceptors, made by Israel Aerospace Industries, and which is designed to deal with any type of aerial threat.
Israel is increasingly dependent on its maritime arena, which enables energy independence derived from natural gas rigs. This has effectively made these waters a new pillar of national security. The introduction of the Sa’ar 6 ships marks a technological game-changer that will empower the navy to confront challenges today and in the future.
The 2006 Second Lebanon War was a watershed moment for the Israeli Navy. The INS Hanit, a Sa’ar 5 frigate, was hit by a land-to-sea missile fired by Hezbollah of the C802 type during a naval blockade of Lebanon. Four sailors were killed.
It was the first time an Israeli naval ship had been the target of such a strike, highlighting the change in warfare tactics used by Iranian-backed enemies. This incident signaled the beginning of a new arms race, with enemies like Hezbollah attempting to acquire precision-guided missiles with both land and sea targets in mind.
Hezbollah is not the only threat. Hamas naval commandos are continually trying to exploit Israel’s vulnerabilities. Their endeavors, including the attempt to create a ‘sea tunnel’ path to infiltrate the Israeli coastline, show that Israel’s border security needs extend to the sea as well, above and below the surface.
Another noteworthy threat is the supersonic Yakhont missile, one of the most advanced land-to-sea missiles currently available. Its precision and range of 300 kilometers make it a formidable weapon, and Hezbollah is believed to possess it, giving it the ability to hit both sea and shore targets.
Today, much of the Israeli economy is sustained through sea routes. Around 80% of the country’s drinking water is derived from desalination, 70% of electricity comes from the sea, and almost 90% of wheat imports are maritime. Additionally, sea routes ensure the uninterrupted supply of vital goods, even in emergencies. For instance, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ships continued to dock at Israel’s ports, ensuring supplies remained consistent.
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to welcome its newest submarine, the INS Drakon, which is set to join Haifa Naval Base later this year. Constructed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel, Germany, INS Drakon will stand as the third new-generation Dolphin 2-class vessel in the Israeli Navy’s arsenal.
Crucially, INS Drakon has been envisioned as a bridge linking the current Dolphin 2 submarines to the future Dakar-class submarines slated for the 2030s. While details about the Dakar-class remain under wraps, technological upgrades to engine designs, power generators, and advanced sensors are anticipated. The Dakar submarines are expected to phase out the older, first-generation Dolphins from the 1990s.
A standout feature of the Dolphin 2s, like INS Drakon, is the air-independent propulsion system (AIP), a mechanism that extracts electricity from hydrogen and water. This advancement means longer submerged periods, allowing these stealthy submarines with their quiet engines to embark on prolonged missions, critical for intelligence gathering along adversary coastlines for example.
David Ben Gurion’s statement, “Without maritime control, the State of Israel will be besieged,” holds true even today. The need to defend and control the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is twice the size of Israel, has never been more critical.
Israel’s naval shift is not just about countering threats. It’s about ensuring the economic and energy independence of the nation. With the evolving threat landscape and increasing importance of maritime territories, the Israeli Navy’s expanded role signifies a proactive approach to national security in a volatile region. As the Navy continues its evolution, the fusion of technology and strategy will be its guiding beacon.
