March 17, 2006: Israel is buying four Defender class patrol boats from U.S. firm Safe Boats International. These are a unique design, with a foam collar (to increase flotation and stability, and assist with the protection from small arms fire) two outboard engines and an enclosed cabin (and room below for gear). The Defender can get up to high speed (over 70 kilometers an hour) in seconds, and draws less than four feet of water. It is highly maneuverable, and in use by several coat guards for harbor and shore patrol. The only weapons are those carried by the crew. The Israelis will use these boats to go after suspicious small boats off the coast. Terrorists continue to attempt landing on Israeli beaches to make attacks, and the 27 foot long Defender's are another layer of defense.