In order to fully protect the maritime interest of the exclusive economic zone of Myanmar seas, Myanmar Navy commission the fifth and sixth Super Dvora Mk III-class fast-patrol craft for the Tatmadaw (Navy). It is also a significant day which reinforces the Myanmar Navy with considerable power. Together with two fast-patrol craft, built by Tatmadaw (Navy) under technological transfer program, two landing craft and a water tanker were successfully commissioned at the ceremony. The commissioned ships to Myanmar Navy was held at the No 3 Naval Wharf in Yangon.
The new patrol boats are only part of a larger transaction signed between Israel and Myanmar. The Ramta division of Israel Aerospace Industries, which manufactures the Super Dvora, is meant to transfer at least two more boats to the local military. Israeli weapons are being sold to Myanmar despite the restrictions on weapons sales to that country. Only last year Israel refused to announce that it would stop selling weapons to Myanmar despite the UN declaration about ethnic cleansing. In the past, Myanmar purchased Israeli air-to-air missiles and cannons, now israeli defense company makes no specific reference to Myanmar, referring only to Asia.
The Super Dvora Mark III-class patrol boat is the latest generation of the Dvora family of fast patrol boats or fast attack craft (FPB/FAC). Manufactured by IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) Ramta in 2004 these vessels are capable of travelling up to 50 knots (93 km/h; 58 mph) in littoral waters thanks to its state of the art thrust vectoring control Articulated Surface Drives (ASD) while holding various armaments, from automatic grenade launchers, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, SPIKE NLOS missiles, 30 mm cannons and long range electro-optic systems including Elbit/El-Op sensors and targeting systems.
The Super Dvora craft features interception of sea target at high-speeds approaching 50 knots; long-range missions thanks to its sea replenishment ability ahead of a typical four-day endurance; high maneuverability in both open ocean and littoral environment; steady sea keeping in a range of sea states and very callous weather; and the ability to incorporate advanced, stabilized, accurate marine arsenal and sensors. Taken as a whole, vessel displacement varies from 72 to 58 tons depending on the operation package. Its hull geometry provides constant sea keeping at all speeds, and a dry deck throughout high-speed runs and tracking down.
