The Israeli navy’s German-built, very advanced Dolphin-class submarines are part of the Israeli network of systems aimed at foiling any attempts by Iran to take a greater part in the ongoing war between its proxies in the Middle East and Gulf and Israel. “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.
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 three advanced Dolphin AIP-class submarines were built by the German company thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) and are advanced Dolphin 2 class vessels equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP). The AIP enables the submarines total freedom from external air, allowing them to 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 defence systems are advanced and improved relative to their predecessors.
According to the German magazine Der Spiegel, the Dolphin 2 subs can stay underwater for up to eighteen days. The Dolphin 2 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 1,150 feet. The crew is 35, and another 15 “experts” can be on board.
The new submarines have six 21-inch torpedo tubes and four 26-inch torpedo tubes. Two of the new Dolphin 2 class submarines have been delivered. The third one will be delivered in the coming years.
