The new Dvora battleship. Photo: IDF Spokesman.

A new state-of-the-art patrol boat was inaugurated this week by the Israeli Navy to bolster maritime operations and defense of the northern border, the Hebrew news site nrg reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the introduction of the made-in-Israel Dvora 824 is part of a process of renewal that the navy is undergoing, which includes the integration of two of the vessels — equipped with advanced weapons systems — into the fleets operating in the north and south of the country.

The vessel was authorized for full operational activity following intensive training cruises at the naval bases in Ashdod and Haifa. Its inauguration ceremony was led by Haifa Naval Base commander Col. David Salame and squadron commander Lt. Col. Ronen Mirkam.

Lieutenant Dolev Ayalon, 23, will serve as commander of the new vessel.