And not just any missiles, but six C-704 missiles among the 50 tons of hidden weapons disguised as humanitarian aid. Ok, C-704 missiles means nothing to me but apparently it’s a pretty big deal:
From the YouTube Description by Israeli Defense Force:
March 15th, 2011–The Israeli Navy intercepts 50 tons of sophisticated weapons concealed in civilian cargo containers aboard the Victoria. Of the 50 tons, the most strategically significant weapons were 6 C-704 missiles.
Of Chinese origin, Iran had announced on March 7th, 2010 the production of their own line of C-704s named Nasr-1(http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/03/15/c-704-anti-ship-missiles-found-on-board-the-victoria/). Iran’s Defense Minister had unveiled the Nasr-1, stating they were able to destroy “3,000 ton targets”.
The C-704 is an anti ship missile which specializes in targeting naval vessels from the ground or air. According to intelligence assessments, the missiles were intended to be used in attacks from the Gaza Strip against both Israeli Navy and civilian ships, as well as infrastructure near the sea including natural gas reservoirs.
Had the weapons reached the hands of terror organizations in Gaza (http://idfspokesperson.com/2011/03/15/videos-of-navys-request-and-subsequent-boarding-of-the-victoria/), there would have been far-reaching ramifications for both Israeli naval operations, and the security of the civilian population along the coast.
(h/t: Weasel Zippers)