Israel Navy Marks Completion of Phase One of Modernization Program with Acceptance of Three IAI/Ramta Super Dvora Mark-III Fast Patrol/ Attack Craft
Sep 19, 2006
Phase two Super Dvora craft will incorporate waterjet propulsion system
Israel Navy Commander, Vice Admiral David Ben-Ba'ashat: "The Super Dvora Mk-3 have proven themselves in a remarkable way since their arrival to the fleet over the past two years. They are without a doubt the best patrol and attack craft in the world"
The Israel Navy has accepted the delivery of three Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)/Ramta Division Super Dvora Mark-III fast patrol and attack craft, yesterday (September 18, 2006) in a ceremony held at the Israel Navy base in Ashdod. Already in service for several months, the three new Super Dvora MK-III’s mark the completion of Phase One of the Israel Navy's patrol craft modernization program. A total of six Super Dvora Mark-III’s have now been delivered to the Israel Navy, replacing the IAI/Ramta Dabur patrol craft which were initially delivered to the Israel Navy 30 years ago.
The Super Dvora MK-III was developed in full cooperation with the Israel Navy, based on their operational experience and technical requirements.
In his remarks at the naval ceremony, Commander of the Israel Navy, Vice Admiral David Ben-Ba'ashat said that: "All six Super Dvora Mark-III craft have proven themselves in a remarkable way since their arrival to the fleet over the past two years. They are without a doubt the best patrol and attack craft in the world. IAI/Ramta's support has been unprecedented, and the company's delivery of the final Super Dvora craft in the middle of the recent conflict, and working with our crews to bring both the craft and the new crew right up to combat status, allowed the last boat delivered to take part in the many combat operations we were tasked with. All six of the Super Dvora Mark-III boats performed flawlessly. We are very happy".
IAI's President & CEO, Mr. Itzhak Nissan, stated that: "In delivering these advanced “Super Dvora Mk III” craft to the Israel Navy, IAI has proven once again its technological creativity and contribution to the security of the State of Israel. These patrol/attack craft are the primary tools used by the Israel Navy in its successful round the clock fight against terror organizations. IAI will continue its focused support of the Israel Navy a high priority for the whole company”.
In his remarks at the ceremony, IAI/Ramta General Manager, Nathan Galili said, " For many years we have worked as full partners with the Israel Navy, first on the Dabur, then the Dvora, followed by the Super Dvora MK-I, MK-II and now the super advanced MK-III. The reliability and survivability of these combat-proven IAI/Ramta fast patrol craft designs is really a testament both to the operational capabilities of the Israel Navy and the close cooperation between IAI and the Israel Navy."
IAI/Ramta is now completing engineering design work on four additional Super Dvora Mark-III craft that will enter service under Phase Two of the Israel Navy's patrol fleet modernization program. The Phase Two Super Dvora-III craft will incorporate a waterjet propulsion system in place of the Arneson Surface Drive-16 propulsion systems installed on the Phase One Super Dvora Mark-III’s.
The three new Super Dvora Mark-III craft are operated by Israel Navy Squadron based in Ashdod. This squadron uses the Super Dvora Mark-III craft to secure the Israeli coastline against terrorists; protect Israel's ports, perform search and rescue missions; intercept suspect vessels and prevent smuggling of arms to terror organizations operating inside the Gaza strip.
One example approved for disclosure of the outstanding work performed by the Squadron was a mission in which the squadron successfully prevented the smuggling of over 500 kilograms of explosives into the Gaza Strip during Israel's 2006 Independence Day celebrations. More recently, the Super Dvora Mark-III squadron received great praise by senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders, for its long-range precision fire destruction of terrorist Kassam rocket launchers aimed at Israel's southern cities. This operation was carried out in full coordination with IDF troops operating on the ground in the Gaza strip.
The Super Dvora Mark-III contains a unique mix of features providing it with clear-cut operational advantages against potential adversaries. These include high sustained speeds of 45 to 48 knots; tight maneuvering capabilities in rough seas; long range operations in excess of 1,250 nautical miles and the flexibility to carry a variety of long range precision weapon systems for both daytime and nighttime operations. In addition, the Super Dvora Mark-III's design emphasizes advanced human engineering maximizing crew efficiency both during combat operations and normal patrol duties when crews are on and off-watch.
The acceptance ceremony for the Super Dvora Mark-III was attended by the families and crews of the craft, in addition to hundreds of guests and senior Israel Navy commanders.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
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