Powerful Submarines Join Israel’s Navy
The Israel Navy’s fourth submarine, the ISS Tanin (Crocodile), is expected to become fully operational in a few weeks and participate in naval operations.
The nuclear-capable submarine boasts an array of sophisticated weaponry, as well as the latest in intelligence-gathering technology. It stands at a whopping 68 meters long, compared to 57.3 meters on average for other submarines.
The navy’s fifth submarine, meanwhile, is expected to arrive this summer, and is now in the final stages of construction at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) shipyards in Kiel, Germany. Israel is expected to officially take control of the ISS Rahav (“arrogance” or “fearlessness”) in a few weeks, when it will begin its maiden voyage from Germany to Israel.
Lt. Col. A., commander of the ISS Tanin, called the Dolphin II-class subs a new generation of submarines that will enable Israel to carry out its missions better.
"INS Tanin will receive more long-term missions, and for a greater amount of time, than submarines" the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) possesses, one navy officer explained, adding that as a result the Navy had "extended by several days our ability to operate silently and secretly in enemy territory."
The INS Tanin, one of the world’s most advanced submarines, is expected to upgrade Israel’s naval capabilities, allowing IDF forces to confront a broader range of challenges at sea.
The fifth submarine will only become fully operational some six or so months after it arrives in Israel. During that time, various Israeli weapons and communications systems are fitted to it, explained an officer in the submarine division.” The ISS Tanin (Crocodile) was initially handed over to Israel in May 2012.
The navy is also preparing to receive new ships in coming years. These are intended to help protect Israel’s offshore gas and oil platforms. These ships are also being built in Germany, though the final contracts have yet to be signed, said a senior navy officer.
