Meet Israel’s future submarines
Contract between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the German shipbuilding group ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the supply of 3 new submarines to the Israeli Navy. An in-depth study by Giovanni Martinelli
The turning point came in a completely unexpected way, just preceded by some rumors circulated in the local press: almost surprisingly, last Thursday the news of the signing of the contract between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the German shipbuilding group ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems was spread. (TKMS) for the supply of 3 new submarines to the Israeli Navy.
And never as in this case, the term "turning point" appears more appropriate; because this same signature comes at the end of a long stalemate. Already in October 2017, a high-level agreement was signed (which had directly involved the Governments of the 2 countries) intended for the construction of these submarines. However, shortly thereafter, the whole process came to a halt because a scandal broke out in Israel related to the alleged payment of bribes; both on this supply and on that of 4 surface vessels always commissioned from TKMS.
Thus an investigation followed which ended up involving various subjects but also prominent figures of Israeli politics itself; including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An event not yet concluded and which in any case had induced both parties to stop the entire acquisition process.
However, it was evident that the situation could not remain blocked indefinitely; and thus, while on the one hand Germany has made the previously imposed constraints less stringent, on the other, the need to satisfy the increasingly pressing needs of its Navy has prevailed in Israel. These new 3 boats will in fact be essential to ensure the operation of its underwater component; because once delivered, they will replace the same number of Dolphin-class submarines.
The latter are the witnesses of the now over ten-year relationship with TKMS; these 3 units built in Germany in the 90s and delivered to the Israeli Navy at the beginning of the millennium, over the last few years have been followed by another 3 improved type boats defined as Dolphin-II (or Tanin class). Now the German shipyard (world leader in the sector) will build these new units of the Dakar class over the next 9 years; once again according to the specific needs of Tel Aviv.
However, at this point the attention shifts to their characteristics; because the first indications (and above all indiscretions) suggest that those in question will be “particular” platforms. The first clue is already provided by the overall cost of the entire program, which according to Israeli sources has significantly increased compared to initial indications; € 3 billion in total, 600 million of which from Germany (which in this way contributes to Tel Aviv at every opportunity). And this against the 1.8 billion initially estimated.
Now, beyond the fact that the order in question also concerns a series of ancillary services, this increase in the end can only be justified by very strong technical and operational characteristics. As the rendering spread by TKMS itself implies; a kind of anticipation of these future submarines.
Well, in the face of general lines that seem to recall, albeit with some modifications, those of the Dolphin-II and which therefore confirm the innovation introduced on these boats (ie the introduction of an AIP system, Air Independent Propulsion, on " fuel "to increase autonomy), the real novelty is represented by the sail; or rather, from its dimensions that appear unusually "important".
A detail related to the possible presence inside it of VLS (Vertical Launch System) for long-range missiles. A hypothesis that is far from unfounded because, although the question remains shrouded in secrecy, it is still a very widespread opinion that even the 6 Dolphin submarines already in service have a special feature. That is, the availability of 10 torpedo tubes; 6 of which can be used for launching torpedoes while the other 4 (larger in size) are actually, and in all probability, usable for launching cruise missiles specially developed by Israel. That is, the Popeye Turbo; devices that should have a range of 1,500 km and which, above all, should have a nuclear warhead.
Here is the point: in fact, all these boats (present and future) represent / will represent the "spearhead" of the Israeli nuclear deterrent. In a clear and unequivocal anti-Iran function. Platforms capable of moving almost undisturbed, equipped with sophisticated and extremely lethal operational capabilities; in practice, the "perfect weapons" in the Tel Aviv arsenal.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/mondo/vi-presento-i-futuri-sottomarini-di-israele/ on Mon, 24 Jan 2022 09:12:33 +0000.