’Israel’ Navy Planning to Replace 3 Submarines in Coming Decade

Local Editor

The "Israel" Navy is not planning to enlarge its fleet of submarines beyond six, a senior naval officer told Haaretz, following reports that negotiations were underway to acquire additional submarines from Germany.

The new submarines will replace the three oldest submarines in the fleet, said the officer. "There's no plan for "Israel" to have seven, eight or nine submarines. When an agreement is signed in Germany, they will replace the first ones," he added.

For its part, the German government recently confirmed that "Israel" is considering the purchase of three new submarines, which would enter service a decade from now at the earliest. According to the officer, there is a preliminary memorandum of understanding between the two parts.

German officials noted that its government is expected to help finance the submarines' construction, in a manner similar to the most recent transaction, in 2012, when it covered a third of the cost.

Relatively, Zionist PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the plan for the first time on Tuesday. He told the Knesset that during the winter session the Zionist entity is expected to receive F-35 jets from the US, and sign an agreement with Germany to obtain three additional submarines.

"Israel" determined that submarines have a life span of 30 years. The oldest Dolphin-class submarines being used by the navy arrived in the occupied zone in 1999.

The Dolphin submarines are the most expensive weaponry the "Israeli" Occupation Force [IOF] has. The newer submarines are a more advanced model that can remain underwater for longer periods of time - which improves their ability to conduct clandestine missions.

These newer submarines cost an estimated 400 million euros [$438 million].

Source: Haaretz, Edited by website team