Israel's Daring "Sherbourg Project" Secures Naval Vessels from France

In late 1969, Israel executed a covert operation known as "Operation Noah," or the "Sherbourg Project," to acquire five naval missile boats that were built and paid for but blocked by a French arms embargo. The French government had imposed restrictions on arms sales to Israel, freezing the transfer of the Saar-3 class boats.

To circumvent the embargo, Israel created a civilian front company, Starboat, which was to formally purchase the vessels under the guise of oil exploration activities. Concurrently, Israeli sailors began arriving in Sherbourg, France, posing as civilian specialists to avoid attracting attention. These crews prepared the boats for a long, independent voyage.

The operation culminated on the night of December 24, 1969, just before Christmas. The five missile boats secretly departed Sherbourg harbor and set sail. Despite some suspicions arising from the unusual circumstances surrounding the boats, French authorities were unable to prevent their departure.

The journey to Israel was fraught with challenges, including a severe storm during the thousands of kilometers of travel. Nevertheless, all five boats successfully reached Haifa on December 31, 1969, approximately one week after leaving France.

Upon arrival, the boats were not fully equipped. Israel later installed its own weapon systems, including Gabriel anti-ship missiles, before they officially joined the Israeli Navy. The operation was notable for Israel's success in obtaining its paid-for vessels through a combination of legal civilian cover, clandestine crew deployment, and a prepared sea transit, rather than direct force.