The Israeli navy this week received the first of three high-tech missile ships that were built in the United States according to the specifications of Israeli naval engineers.
The ship, known as the Eilat, arrived Wednesday in Haifa.
The two other ships are nearing the end of construction at shipyards in Mississippi.
The ships carry a range of armaments, including a marine helicopter, electronic detection equipment and sophisticated surface-to-surface and anti-missile missiles developed and produced by a number of Israeli companies.
The ships can remain at sea 24 days and travel thousands of miles before needing to refuel or take on provisions.
Speaking at a ceremony welcoming the Eilat’s arrival, the navy’s operations commander, Maj. Gen. Ami Ayalon, said Israel was preparing itself to face the navies of those countries still technically at war with Israel, particularly the Syrian navy.
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