Israel receives advanced warship amid heightened tensions with Iran
The Saar 6 can fire missiles, launch helicopters and deploy Israel's Iron Dome technology. Its arrival comes following the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist, allegedly by Israel.
Israel received an advanced warship Wednesday amid recent escalations with Iran.
The German-made Saar 6 is a corvette, which is a small warship. It docked in Haifa’s port and three ships of the same model will follow next year. The ship possesses missile-firing capabilities. It also has a version of Israel’s Iron Dome technology and can deter rocket and missile attacks, Reuters reported.
The ships were ordered in 2015, but the first Saar 6's arrival comes at a time of higher-than-usual tensions between Israel and Iran. Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated last week. Israel has not taken credit for the attack, as per its modus operandi, but Iran suspects the slaying was the work of Israel. A Western diplomat told Al-Monitor the same.
Iran has vowed revenge for Fakhrizadeh's death, but has yet to retaliate.
