The first warships to receive the new system will be Israel’s fleet of Sa’ar 6 corvettes. Just as with Israel’s new tanks, the missile defense system also bears the name “Barak,” as does a class of F-16 fighter jets in the Israel Air Force. In Hebrew, Barak means “lightning,” but it is also the name of the biblical general who fought alongside the prophetess Deborah against Israel’s Canaanite enemies.

While Israel is more known for its air power and the prowess of its armored forces, naval defense has become increasingly important following the discovery of vast off-shore natural...

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