The initial tranche of 24 trains comprises six four-car and 18 six-car sets, each formed of two single-deck driving cars and two or four double-deck intermediate vehicles.

The overall fleet of 60 trains is valued at $US 910m. Siemens will build a new maintenance centre at Ashkelon at a cost of $US 65.3m and maintain the first 24 trains in a 15-year deal worth $US 113.6m.

Siemens was selected as preferred bidder for the contract in September 2017 and delivery of the fleet is due to begin in 2020.