Germany’s Federal Security Council has reportedly given clearance to the export of a new Dolphin-class submarine to the Israel Navy.
According to the council’s report to the parliamentary economics committee, the vessel is the fifth of six submarines that were agreed by Germany for delivery to Israel.
The sale is part of an agreement between the two nations that included an option to allow Israel to request another subsidised submarine.
Deutsche Welle German radio reported that ThyssenKrup delivered the fourth submarine to Israel in September 2014.
In the past, delivery of the vessels to Israel faced criticism as Germany agreed to contribute around a third of the submarine acquisition cost.
Set to replace the ageing Gal-class submarines, the new vessel will join the Israeli Navy’s existing Dolphin-class submarine fleet which are capable of conducting long-range security missions along national borders.
The council has also approved the sale of six sonar systems to India to boost the country’s capabilities to detect submarines and torpedoes, according to the news agency.
In addition, India is set to take delivery of tools and spare parts to produce small-calibre ammunition.
The council’s report also included approval for the delivery of 336 unarmed trucks to Algeria, which are said to be equipped with blackout lighting and can manoeuvre through water.
Image: The Israel Navy’s first Dolphin-class submarine, INS Dolphin. Photo: courtesy of shlomiliss.
