These submarines are awesome war machines, and they will participate in any action aimed at foiling any Iranian attempt to attack Israel,” one source said.
In recent days, as reported by Defence Industry Europe, Israel has foiled an attack performed by the Houthi rebels in Yemen that launched a ballistic missile and armed drone in the direction of Israel.
According to foreign media, one Israeli navy submarine is on station in the Gulf.
The new German-built Dolphin-class submarines of the Israeli navy have been equipped with locally developed systems that make them more capable against different threats.
The Dolphin-class submarines were built by the German company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) and they are equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.
The AIP enables the submarines total freedom from external air, which means that they can stay submerged for a longer time.
According to foreign media, at least one Israeli submarine is on station in the Gulf.
The new submarines are 12 meters longer and have 500 tons more displacement than the Dolphin 1 submarines. The submarines’ sonar and defense systems are advanced and improved relative to their predecessors.
According to the German magazine Der Spiegel, the Dolphin II subs can stay underwater for up to eighteen days. The Dolphin II weighs approximately 20 percent more than the older type and has dedicated diver-lockout chambers. The new class submarines are 226 feet long and can reach a speed of 25 knots while submerged. They are capable of operating at a depth of 1150 feet. The crew is 35, and another 15 “experts” can be on board.
The new submarines have six 21″ torpedo tubes and four 26″ torpedo tubes. Two of the new Dolphin 2-class submarines have been delivered, and the third one will be delivered in the coming years.
