Although classified as "corvettes" due to their small size, only 71 crew, and limited loiter time, their weaponry are almost comparable to that of a frigate.

They are equipped with sonar, 2 triple torpedoes, 2 quadruple missile launchers, electronic warfare capabilities and decoys, a Close-in weapon system, 2 autocannons and a helipad and helicopter hangar.

An officer ordered that the anti-missile defenses be switched off about an hour prior to the attack without notifying the captain.

Ship's guns are a Raytheon / General Dynamics MK15 Phalanx 20mm close-in weapon system (CIWS).

The main radar for the 1st and 3rd ship (INS Eilat and INS Hanit) is the Advanced Lightweight Phased Array (ALPHA) ELM-2258 by Elta, an AESA S-band multifunction rotating radar, with automatic track initiation at +120 km (for fighters) and +25 km (for missiles).