Israel Gets Nuclear Missile-capable Submarine
An official ceremony to hand over to Israel a Dolphin-class submarine, which can carry nuclear weapons, took place in the German city of Kiel, according to Rianovosti. The German-made submarine, named Tanin ("alligator" in Hebrew), is due to enter service in 2013, when all tests are completed. The Tanin is the fourth submarine of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and one of the country’s most expensive defense contracts. Its construction costs are estimated at $500 million, with one third being subsidized by the German government. "The Navy and the submarine fleet constitute a deterrent, protective and strategic arm for the IDF and for the State of Israel," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said during the ceremony.
Secretary of the Navy Visits Israel
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Kevin S. Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, arrived on March 23 for a three-day visit in as a guest of the Israel Ministry of Defense and the Israel Navy Commander in Chief, Vice Admiral Eli Marum. This visit is a continuation of the strong ties and extensive collaboration between the and U.S. Naval Forces. This is Winter's first visit in as the Secretary of the Navy. His first visit to the country was in 1998 when he arrived with a delegation of U.S. Military Industry Seniors. During his stay, he met with the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, General Manager of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Mr.
