01.10.2009
Israel purchased two non-nuclear Dolphin-type submarines made in Germany. That was said by anonymous source in Israeli defensive authority, informs Agence France-Presse. The submarines are to be delivered to customer in 2010, said interviewee.
Dolphin-type submarines are modification of
U212 subs and were designed especially for Israel. This country has three similar submarines delivered in 1998, 1999 and 2000 correspondingly. The contract to build two more was signed in 2006.
New submarines are going to be the most expensive combat systems in Israeli Armed Forces and are valued as over $700 mln each, although their production is significantly financed by Berlin as a return of historical debt for Holocaust. When the subs are commissioned, Israel will possess one of the most powerful submarine fleets in the Mediterranean region.
U212-type submarines are capable to carry cruise missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. But in 2006 Germany said that the subs to be delivered to Israel are not armed with nuclear weapons. Alongside with that Israeli media mentioned that these vessels will be the key components of Israeli army if an operation against Iran happens.
U212-type submarines have displacement of 1450 t on surface and 1830 t under water, length is 55.9 m, width is 7 m, up-top draft is 6 m. Power plant comprises diesel engine with power of 4245 hp and submersed run electromotors with power of 3875 hp. Submergence depth is about 300 m, crew is 35.
Source:
