The 6 Dolphin to Israel

 

German defense minister, Thomas de Maiziere confirmed yesterday that his country would sell Israel another, already the sixth type of submarine Dolphin , the variety of U212.


Israel's navy currently has three ships, Dolphin, senior variant, with a length of 57 me 1900 tons displacement submarine are equipped with guns calibers 533 and 650 mm, capable of firing cruise missiles. It is generally accepted that they are capable of carrying both conventional warheads and nuclear, which shall be capable of any retaliatory strikes.

 

Buying sixth type of ship Dolphin was sealed last year, despite the objections of successive chiefs of staff, who felt that the additional, expensive unit is not necessary to the security of the country.


The Israeli navy already uses three German OP ( Dolphin, Leviathan, Tekuma ). They were accepted into service in 1999-2000. Construction of the first two have been fully paid for by German taxpayers, the third - by Israel. They are derived from U209 and have a classic drive system.

 

In 2006, Tel-Aviv has ordered two more ships, this time modeled on the U212, the gym is independent of the ambient air. They are therefore a bit longer and have greater buoyancy. Should be provided in the current and next year. The third part of the cost of the program worth 1.3 billion euros, again paid for Germany.

 

At yesterday's press conference after a meeting of defense ministers of the FRG and Israel, confirmed the purchase of six units of this type. Also, it will be financed by Berlin. Not disclosed, however, to what extent. According to earlier reports Der Spiegel , the contribution of our western neighbor will be 135 million Euro, of a total of 500-700 million per ship. Taking into account the construction cycle Dolphin, final delivery is expected by the end of the decade.