Over the past decade, there have been many discussions about the operational possibility of increasing the intelligence-gathering range of the Sa’ar 6 missile boats. In a dialogue between the Air Force, the Navy, the Planning Directorate, and the Ministry of Defense, several alternatives to the very old AS.365 “Bat” helicopter were examined, and finally, due to budget problems, it was decided, due to budget problems, to purchase old helicopters from surplus US Navy, renovate them in the United States, and implement systems made in Israel.
The SH-60F Seahawk helicopter is supposed to increase the range and quality of the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Sa’ar 6 ships, on which it can only land due to its weight and size relative to the helipad on board, and in addition to upgrading the fire capabilities of the naval forces.
According to Air Force officers, the process of receiving the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopters for the Navy has been delayed for about six months, despite the fact that there is a new construction team at the Palmahim base that is supposed to receive the helicopters. They also said that the renovation process has not yet been completed, because details have been found about the helicopters that required replacement of parts.
After the helicopters arrive in Israel, the systems will undergo a process of assimilation. One of the officers said that the process would harm operational capabilities, “It would have been right to bridge the gap withVTOL aircraft that know how to take off and land from missile ships. Meanwhile, the veteran Bat squadron is scheduled to gradually close next year.