Haifa Naval Museum, Israel

"KitMaker member Jesper (SGTJKJ) sends in a photo report of his trip to Haifa Naval Museum, Israel, in this MSW Feature!"

Haifa Navy Museum

Just a one hour drive from Tel Aviv is the Israeli Navy museum in Haifa. The museum is mostly comprised of an open air exhibition and a small indoor exhibition. The exhibition tells the story of the first Jewish emigrants sailed to the coast of Palestine in old boats to try to get through the British naval blockage.

Then the story continues from the formation of the first Israeli naval units with Italian explosive assault boats and Maiale mini subs, to the full fledged Israeli Navy we see today. Most of the exhibition is supported in both Hebrew and English language. The entrance is free. For anyone traveling in the region it is well worth a visit.

The exhibition contains some very interesting subjects:
The star of the exhibition is no doubt the Dolphin Submarine "INS GAL" with full interior. Visitors enters at one end and can go through to the other end in the beautifully restored submarine. Highly recommended!

The first Israeli missile boat, the "INS Mivtach". Visitors can enter the interior and walk around on the decks.

Italian explosive boats and Maiales.

Wreckage of the submarine that was lost at sea with all hands and lay undiscovered for many years.

The development of the "Gabriel" ground to air missile which failed miserably in its original role, but was converted into a very successful sea missile. Several missiles and launchers are on display.

Terrorist speedboats and jet skis(!) used to infiltrate and attack Israeli naval installations.

Overall, highly recommended if you are in the region, the Haifa Navy Museum in Israel is a "must see" for anyone interested in the Israeli Navy, and the often forgotten naval battles of the Middle East wars.