Israel’s newest version of its Dolphin-class submarine, which is quieter than the nuclear-powered engines on American and Russian submarines, is nearing completion at Germany’s hyssenKrupp Marine Systems shipyards in Kiel.
Three Dolphin II-class submarines, which Real Clear Defense called “part attack submarine, part nuclear strike ship and part commando taxi,” are undergoing trials in Germany before heading to the Mediterranean.
When complete, analysts believe that the Dolphin II-class submarines will carry nuclear-tipped Popeye Turbo cruise missiles, although the Israeli government has not admitted to such claims, Real Clear Defense reported.
Germany has worked on three different Dolphin II-class variations for Israel — the Tannin, Rahav and a third unnamed submarine.
The boats, which are 225 feet long, will be used as a nuclear deterrent and for military operations off the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the website reported. When underwater, it will run on air-independent propulsion fuel cells. The craft will also be equipped with 10 torpedo tubes, German-made CSU-90 active radar, a PRS-3 passive ranging sonar, and a FAS-3 flank sonar.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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