Super Dvora Mk II Class Fast Patrol Craft – Israeli FPC, Serving Indian Navy!!

 

Fast, agile, and lethal — the Super Dvora Mk II-class Fast Patrol Craft is one of the most formidable vessels for coastal and littoral warfare in modern navies. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and used by several navies, including India and Sri Lanka, these vessels play a crucial role in coastal security, rapid interception, and commando operations.

The Super Dvora Mk II is an upgraded successor to the original Dvora-class fast patrol boats, purpose-built for high-speed interception and coastal patrol. Initially constructed by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Ramta division, the Mk II emerged as a versatile multi-mission platform.

India inducted its first Super Dvora Mk II in 1998 under the designation FAC T-80, followed by five more units: T-81 through T-84, with T-85 and T-86 planned for future commissioning.

Measuring 25.4 meters in length, with a beam of 5.67 meters and a shallow draught of just 1.1 meters, the Super Dvora Mk II displaces around 60 tons at full load.

Powered by two diesel engines producing 4,570 horsepower, coupled with Arneson ASD-16 surface drives, the vessel reaches speeds of up to 45 knots and boasts an impressive range of 700 nautical miles at 42 knots.

It’s shallow draft and articulating surface drives allow for beaching operations, exceptional manoeuvrability, and rapid acceleration/deceleration, even in adverse weather conditions.

The original weaponry included a 20mm Oerlikon cannon and two 12.7mm machine guns. However, most Super Dvora Mk IIs, including Indian variants, have since been upgraded to mount Typhoon 25–30 mm stabilized cannons from Rafael, Israel.

These cannons are integrated with Elop MSIS optronic targeting systems, enabling day/night surveillance, precision engagement of fast-moving targets, and shore defense.

Radar capability is handled by a Koden I-band surface radar, ensuring maritime domain awareness.

Designed for rapid deployment, the XFAC variant of the Super Dvora is optimized for coastal reconnaissance, search & rescue, commando insertion/extraction, and high-speed interdiction of intruder craft.

It’s structural and hydrodynamic design ensures high stability, survivability, and mission adaptability across shallow and rough waters.

India first procured two Super Dvoras directly from IAI-Ramta in 1996. Subsequent units were built under license at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

The T-80 was commissioned on June 24, 1998, followed by T-81 in 1999, and others till 2004. The fleet actively patrolled the Mumbai High and western coastlines, countering threats and securing maritime infrastructure.

The Indian Navy decommissioned T-80 in 2021 and T-81 in 2023 after over two decades of dedicated service.

The Super Dvora Mk II is not just an Indian asset. Sri Lanka, Eritrea, Israel, and Slovenia also operate variants. Sri Lanka notably used them in anti-LTTE maritime operations, enhancing interdiction and support fire capabilities.

In addition to standard armaments, Sri Lankan variants feature automatic grenade launchers, GPMGs, and HMGs, tailored for asymmetric naval combat.

By the early 2000s, Israel advanced to the Super Dvora Mk III, featuring waterjet propulsion, increased displacement, and speed up to 48.3 knots. These models included more advanced weapon systems, mast-mounted optronics, and extended range up to 1,250 nautical miles.

The Mk III became a central element in Israel's coastal defense, and in 2013, IAI secured another contract to deliver new boats featuring enhanced survivability, modularity, and human engineering.

Today, the Super Dvora-class stands as one of the most trusted and agile fast attack craft in the world. With over 120 vessels produced globally, it continues to serve as a backbone for EEZ protection, anti-terror missions, and littoral warfare.

As the maritime threats evolve, vessels like the Super Dvora ensure naval forces maintain a decisive edge in coastal defense and rapid response capabilities.

From the shores of Mumbai to the strategic waters of the Middle East, the Super Dvora patrol boats represent speed, precision, and resilience — a true force multiplier for modern navies.