Group : Corvettes
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : S-72, Sa'ar 72
Origin : Israel
Contractor : Israel Shipyards
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2015
Total Production : 3

The Israeli Navy Sa'ar 72, also known as S-72, is a stealth multi-purpose corvette derived from the Saar 4.5 missile boats but featuring a length of 72 meters and a displacement of 800 tons. These corvettes will offer extended range compared with Saar 4.5 missile boats and a top speed in excess of 30 knots. A rear flight deck and hangar will allow the operation of a medium-sized helicopter and special operations forces. The Sa'ar 72 will be fitted with state-of-the-art electronics and weapon systems to perform anti-submarine (ASW), air defense (AAW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). The propulsion system is based on two MTU 16V1163M94 V16 diesel engines each developing 5920KW of power and allowing a cruise speed of 28 knots. The Israel Navy awarded Israel Shipyards a contract for three S-72 corvettes with the first one to be commissioned in 2015.

The Sa'ar 72 primary sensor is the EL/M-2258 ALPHA multi-mission naval radar. The weapon system includes an OTO Melara 76mm naval gun, eight Harpoon or Gabriel 5 anti-ship missiles, 16 Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and six Mark 32 torpedo tubes for Mark 46 torpedoes. A single medium-size helicopter can be employed for ASW missions or infiltration/extraction of special operations forces/commandos from enemy shores. These ships will be able to carry out a variety of missions at ranges of up to 5,500 kilometers.