Israel Shipyards has announced on 15 March that it has signed an agreement with an undisclosed African customer to supply two landing ships, with an option for a third vessel.
Israel Shipyards said the vessels will be used in operational missions and as logistical support for combat forces.
“This agreement is of significant strategic importance for Israel Shipyards since this will be the first time we will provide our customers with this type of vessel,” said Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards. “It supports Israel Shipyards’ strategy to deepen cooperation with leading suppliers and companies in order to increase the supply of the products and services the company provides to its customers and will enable us to expand our range of services and naval solutions – and to extend our activities into new markets.”
Valued at 10.7 million euros, the contract agreement will see IAI deliver the two vessels in the next 22 months.
Israel Defence reports that the landing ships are to a new design that is being sold for the first time. The customer has six months to decide whether or not to acquire a third vessel, for around 5.35 million euros.
In a press release, Israel Shipyards said the vessels would be used ‘in operational missions and as logistical support for combat forces’. Under the agreement, the company will provide two landing ships, with the option of expanding the order to include an additional vessel. However, the company would also not disclose where the ships would be built.
It will be the first time Israel Shipyards will provide its customers with this type of vessel.
Mr. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, said:
“This agreement is of significant strategic importance for Israel Shipyards since this will be the first time we will provide our customers with this type of vessel. It supports Israel Shipyards’ strategy to deepen cooperation with leading suppliers and companies in order to increase the supply of the products and services the company provides to its customers and will enable us to expand our range of services and naval solutions – and to extend our activities into new markets.”
Mr. Zucker continued: “The selection of Israel Shipyards in this transaction reflects the company’s position as a recognized professional and high-quality market leader and as a global player in the fields of planning, production and development of naval vessels. This was achieved as a result of its many years of experience, flexibility, and understanding of customer needs, which have enabled the company to supply a wide range of solutions, products and services for a variety of missions and operational requirements around the globe.”
Earlier on, January last year, Israel Shipyards successfully sold two OPV 45 offshore patrol vessels to the Ivorian navy.