Israeli Navy tests Gabriel 5 sea-to-sea missile (VIDEO)

The Israeli Navy’s Missile Ship Flotilla, the Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) in the Israel Ministry of Defense, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have completed an operational test launch to trial the firing capabilities of the Gabriel 5 sea-to-sea missile. 

During the test, the system carried out detection and firing processes, simulating real scenarios. According to the navy, this capability is a significant component of the Israeli Navy’s offensive array, ensuring Israel’s maritime superiority.

The success of this test is expected to strengthen the Israeli Navy’s combat capabilities and enhance its readiness to face operational challenges.

“The success of this test marks a significant advancement in the Israeli Navy’s offensive capabilities, allowing us to optimally address threats in the maritime domain. Israeli Navy soldiers operated with great professionalism and precision, and the capabilities we tested and proved in this test are already being applied in combat across all arenas, providing our forces with a substantial operational advantage,” Head of the Weapons Department in the Israeli Navy, Capt. A., commented.

“The Israel Aerospace Industries is proud to be a partner in the achievements led by the Directorate of Defence Research & Development and the Israeli Navy in developing the “Gabriel 5”, the most advanced naval strike system of its kind in the world,” CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz Levy, stated.

“The “Gabriel 5” missile, developed by IAI, was launched precisely as required, followed its expected trajectory, and successfully hit the target exactly where and when we intended.”

IAI introduces the first generation of the Gabriel missile during the mid-1960s. Since its introduction, several variants of the system have been deployed, with over 1,000 missiles being sold to the Israel MoD and other countries.

In 2018, the Finnish Navy decided to acquire new surface-to-surface missile system 2020 (SSM2020), IAI’s Gabriel.  The new SSM2020 missiles will be installed on board the Hamina-class and Squadron 2020 class vessels and on a vehicle platform.

The hull of the first Squadron 2020 (Pohjanmaa-class ) multi-role corvette was recently completed, the Finnish Navy informed. Rauma Marine Constructions and its subsidiary RMC Defence are building four Pohjanmaa-class corvettes. The vessels are designed to operate in the Baltic Sea year-round in various circumstances ranging from autumn storms to icy and freezing conditions.