According to the writings of the Haaretz, a fourth Dolphin submarine built at a German shipyard in Kiel, has been handed over to Israel on Thursday.
The new submarine, dubbed the ‘INS Tanin’ (Crocodile), is said to have a ‘second strike’ capability and ‘a range for everything’, a senior Israel Navy officer confirmed.
The $500 million vessel is outfitted in such a way that it can endure considerable periods of time under water, without having to refuel or change its batteries and at the same time it is Israel’s most expensive piece of military hardware.
As described by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz the submarine will represent the “defensive and fighting arm” of the Navy.
In addition, the submarine also has both ‘visible and invisible abilities ‘, the officer added, and it is intended for operation in the waters of the Mediterranean.
Before its official deployment on the first mission, scheduled for mid-2013, the Navy will conduct tests and exercises with the submarine.
The submarine’s inauguration ceremony, held in Kiel, Germany, was attended by the highest ranking dignitaries including Israel’s Defense Ministry and the IDF, including the Defense Ministry director general Udi Shani, Israel Navy commander Ram Rotberg and German authorities.
Israeli representatives welcomed the hand over of the submarine as a step toward strengthening of mutual cooperation and at the same time fostering of Israel’s national security.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, May 07, 2012;