"The naming of a ship is always an important milestone and emotional moment for any Navy," emphasized Rear Admiral Eli Sharvit, Commander of the Israeli Navy. "The fact that this special event coincides with the 70th birthday of the Federal Republic of Germany underlines the great significance of the project and the special relationship between our two countries".
After a construction period of only 15 months since the start of steel cutting in February 2018, the joint venture of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and GERMAN NAVAL YARDS KIEL GmbH was able to hand over the first ship to its element at the beginning of May. Today's naming marks an important step for the ship. The name is the cornerstone for the special team spirit on board; for the crew it is both a motto and an obligation.
Jörg Herwig, Managing Director of GERMAN NAVAL YARDS KIEL, emphasized the good cooperation and teamwork onsite: "Here in Kiel, we are closely working together based on mutual respect towards the Israeli project team and the colleagues from tkMS. Only in this way were and are we in a position to stay within time and budget for this very demanding and complex project".
After today's naming, “MAGEN” will be staying at the shipyard's outfitting pier during the coming months and made seaworthy for the crossing to Israel. This means the installation of further equipment and systems as well as port and sea trials. Further three ships are currently under construction. The last ship will be handed over to the Israeli Navy in 2021.
