Israel, Germany Sign Contract for Sixth Dolphin Class Submarine

According to Israel National News on Wednesday Israel and Germany signed a contract purchasing the sixth Israeli Navy submarine. Among the attendants to the signing of the contact were Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Defense Ministry CEO, Major General (res.) Udi Shani and Secretary of State of the German Federal Defense Ministry, Wolf Rudiger.

“Strategically, especially today, I am pleased with the approval and signing of a contract purchasing the Navy’s sixth submarine, 54 years after submarines were first put into use in the Israeli Navy. The strength of the IDF and the State of Israel, and its operational flexibility, will grow tenfold,” said, Navy Commander, Maj. Gen. Rothberg at the naval officers’ graduation ceremony, according to the IDF Website.

“The sixth submarine multiplies the force and capability of the IDF and the State of Israel in the face of the growing challenges. The agreement indicates our cooperation with Germany and the German government’s obligation to the security of Israel,” said Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday.

Germany will finance a third of the submarine’s costs, according to the deal between Israel and Germany. Germany paid for two of Israel’s submarines, while the third was half-funded by Israel. Two more are under construction.

Dolphin submarines are the most expensive in the Israel Defense Forces. The submarines are able to deploy mines, and are built to be able to carry nuclear-tipped Popeye missiles. Each submarine is armed with torpedo tubes, capable of firing Sub-Harpoon missiles.

About Dolphin Class Submarine

The Type 800 Dolphin class is a diesel-electric submarine developed and constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW), Germany for the Israeli Navy. It is based on the export-only German 209 class submarines, but modified and reduced and is thus not designated as a member of the 209 family. Each Dolphin submarine is capable of carrying a combined total of up to 16 torpedoes and SLCMs. The cruise missiles are believed to have a range of 1500km and may be equipped with conventional warheads or a 200kg nuclear warhead.

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Naval Today Staff, March 26, 2012;